NEWS OF 150 YEARS AGO
January/February 1861
From The Missouri Democrat, Tuesday, February 12, 1861.
Mr. Lincoln’s Departure.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Feb. 11.—Mr. Lincoln, with his lady, and a large crowd, left the hotel at 7:30 A. M., for the G. W. Railroad depot, where, perhaps, a thousand people were assembled to bid him farewell. After very many had taken him by the hand, and he had parted with Mrs. Lincoln, he took his stand on the platform of his car, where he made a short and affecting speech. The emotions of the assembly were very deep; when he concluded, three cheers were given. There was no parade of any kind. Mr. Lincoln spoke as follows:
My Friends: No one not in my position can appreciate the sadness I feel at this parting. To this people I owe all that I am. Here I have lived more than a quarter of a century. Here my children were born. Here one of them lies buried. I know not how soon I shall see you again. A duty devolves upon me which is perhaps greater than that which has devolved upon any other man since the days of Washington. He never would have succeeded except for the aid of Divine Providence, upon which he at all times relied. I feel that I cannot succeed without the same Divine aid which sustained him, and in the same Almighty Being I place my reliance for support. I hope you, my friends, will all pray that I may receive Divine assistance, without which I cannot succeed, but with which success is certain. Again, I bid you all an affectionate farewell. [Loud applause, and cries of “we will pray for you.”]
During the speech Mr. Lincoln betrayed much emotion, and the crowd was affected to tears. The train left precisely at eight o’clock. The following persons accompany Mr. Lincoln: J. G. Nicolay, private secretary to the President elect; John Hay, Robert T. Lincoln, Maj. Hunter, U. S. A.; Col. Sumner, U. S. A.,; Col. E. Ellsworth, Hon. J. K. DuBois, State Auditor; Col. W. H. Lamon, aid to Gov. Yates; Judge David Davis, Hon. O. H. Browning, E. L. Baker, editor of the Springfield Journal, Robert Irwin, N. B. Judd, Geo. Latham.
Mrs. Lincoln remains in Springfield until next week, and will meet Mr. Lincoln in New York.
CHICAGO, Feb. 11.—In addition to those reported as accompanying Mr. Lincoln, are the following: L.Tilton, Hall Wilson, E. F. Leonard, N. Jameson, E. Peck, Jackson Grimshaw, W. R. Morrison, L. W. Ross, W. H. Carlin, M. H. Cassel, J. A. Hough, E. V. Sumner, Jr., D. H. Gilmer, G. W. Gilpin.
Telegraphic advice from Decatur, Colona and the State Line, report the party in fine spirits.
Mr. Lincoln spoke briefly to the large crowds that gathered at the depots on the route.
