At New York City.

MR. LINCOLN IN NEW YORK CITY.

a glimpse of his plain, straight-forward, honest face, so full of deep, earnest thought, of direct singleness of purpose, of thorough purity of motive and patriotic impulse, so won upon the multitude, that they burst into such spontaneous, irrepressible cheers, as gladdened the heart and moistened the eye, and made everybody forget the turbulence and anarchy of secession, now raging in the land, in their implicit confidence in the coming man."

Mr. Lincoln responded:

"MR. MAYOR-It is with feel

381

At New York City

In

ings of deep gratitude that I
make my acknowledgments for the reception given
me in the great commercial City of New York. I
cannot but remember that this is done by a people
who do not, by a majority, agree with me in politi-
cal sentiment. It is the more grateful because in
this I see that, for the great principles of our Gov-
ernment, the people are almost unanimous.
regard to the difficulties that confront us at this
time, and of which your Honor has thought fit to
speak so becomingly and so justly, as I suppose, I
can only say that I agree in the sentiments ex-
pressed. In my devotion to the Union I hope I am
which to conduct the affairs tending to the preserva-
tion of the Union, I fear that too great confidence may
have been reposed in me; but I am sure I bring a
heart devoted to the work. There is nothing that
could ever bring me to willingly consent to the de-

behind no man in the nation. In the wisdom with

The "Astor House" was given up to the events of the day and evening. During the evening a reception was held, at which the President received various public bodies and eminent citizens. The directing minds of the great commercial centre were in attendance, to offer the Chief Magistrate their hands. On the morning of Wednesday a public re-struction of this Ution, under which not only the ception was held in the City Hall. The Mayor, (Fernando Wood,) on that occasion, offered his admonishment, if not his welcome, in this perfectly characteristic manner:

MR. LINCOLN--As Mayor of New York it becomes my duty to extend to you an official welcome in behalf of the Corporation. In doing so, permit me to say that this city has never offered hospitality to a man clothed with more exalted powers, or resting under graver responsibilities, than those which circumstances have devolved upon you. Coming into

office with a dismembered Government to reconstruct, and a disconnected and hostile people to reconcile, it will require a high patriotism, and an elevated comprehension of the whole country, and its varied interests, opinions, and prejudices, to so conduct public affairs as to bring it back again to its former harmonious, consolidated, and prosper

ons condition.

"If I refer to this topic, sir, it is because New York is deeply interested. The present political divisions have sorely afflicted her people, All her material interests are paralyzed. Her commercial greatness is endangered. She is the child of the American Union. She has grown up under its ma

ternal care, and been fostered by its paternal

bounty; and we fear that if the Union dies, the present supremacy of New York may perish with it. To you, therefore, chosen under the forms of the Constitution as the head of the Confederacy, we look for a restoration of fraternal relations between the States-only to be accomplished by peaceful and conciliatory means-aided by the wisdom of Almighty God."

great commercial City of New York, but the whole country, acquired its greatness, except it be the purpose for which the Union itself was formed. I understand the ship to be made for the carrying and the preservation of the cargo, and so long as the ship can be saved with the cargo, it should never be abandoned, unless it fails the possibility of its preservation, and shall cease to exist, except at the risk of throwing overboard both freight and passengers. So long, then, as it is possible that the prosperity and the liberties of the people be preserved in this Union, it shall be my purpose at all times to use all my powers to aid in its perpetuation. Again thanking you for the reception given me, allow me to come to a close."

A public introduction followed. For two hours the patient crowd passed the President, each person shaking him by the hand in the hurried salutation. Many had a word to offer-to all of which the Chief Magistrate replied kindly. Returning to the "Astor," Mr. Lincoln received the leading men of the City and State, as well as those from all parts of the country. The Vice-PresidentDuring the evening the Opera was visited. elect, Mr. Hamlin, joined the President here. His appearance in the stage-box was greeted by a perfect fury of applause. The curtain lifted and the chorus came forward, while two celebrated singers sang the " Star-Spangled Banner," to the chorus of which the audience added its shouts of approval. "Hail Columbia" followed, with equal popular furore.

Un ballo in Maschera was for the moment for- | ges, where the spindles hum, and the din of gotten, and overwhelmed in the crude lyric. At the end of the second act of the opera the President and his escort returned to the "Astor," where Mrs. Lincoln was holding a reception.

The Vice-President.

We may turn aside to recur to several brief addresses made by Mr. Hamlin, whose journey through New England ex cited numerous popular manifestations at the railway stations. At Meriden, in Connecticut, he said:

"We may disagree somewhat in our political opinions, but we could have but one opinion of our duty to that country to which we owe allegiance-an allegiance which must be answered by every instinct and principle of manhood, and, if necessary, with our lives. I think I know something of the New England head and the New England

heart. I think I know that they are earnestly loyal

99.66

machinery tell of thrift and enterprise; from the larger cities of commerce and wealth, towards which flow the tributary streams of this industry-from all his points of travel, had come forth to greet him, a true, stronghearted people, inspired with devotion to a common cause and a common inheritance. He accepted these ovations gratefully, but as no homage to any man. Men are lost sight of in crises like these; they are as unimportant as the lightest atoms that float in the atmosphere. It was devotion to common principles that brought them together-the great principles of the Fathers of the Republic, now represented in the nation by that great and good man, whom the people had elevat ed to the highest office within the gift of any people on earth-Abraham Lincoln, of Illi

nois !

threatened to be irrepressible.] The speaker [Long - continued cheering, which concluded with the assurance that the Union, as our fathers made it, and as it now is, must and would be perpetuated, and handed down as a blessed legacy to future generations.

In New Jersey.

to our Union as it is, [applause] and I think I know, also, that that head and that heart are willing to concede to all Americans every constitutional right to which they themselves are entitled." [Interrupted by an Irishman in the crowd, who shouted something about "Sectionalism," "Black On the morning of ThursRepublicanism," Know-Nothingism," &c.] Mr. H. day Mr. Lincoln departed continued: "We welcome the outcast and the from the City of New York down trodden of all nations to our shores; from the for Trenton and Philadelphia. The Common hovels of Ireland, from the mines of England, from Council of Jersey City escorted him to New the vassal fields of France--only demanding in reJersey's soil. He was there greeted with turn, that when they have come, and joined us in a salvo of artillery, and an immense audience this grand triumph of self-government, they shall be awaited his appearance at the great railway true and loyal American citizens! We only ask, only intend to ask, that all who are born beneath depot, which was gayly decorated for the octhe benignant folds of our Stars and Stripes, and all casion, while, outside, a distinguishing feawho adopt that flag as the standard of their choice,ture of the morning was the immense display shall be loyal to the idea it typifies, and, in that of colors made by the British steamers (Culoyalty, discharge all their obligations." nard's) as they lay at their dock adjoining the depot. The President was received in the depot by Hon. William H. Dayton, who saluted him as follows:

At Hartford a large crowd awaited his arrival. The Mayor of the city made a brief speech of welcome, to which Mr. Hamlin responded, expressing the strongest Union sentiment and devotion to the country's sole good. At New Haven it was estimated that ten thousand persons were at the railway depot, in anticipation of his passage through the place. This assemblage he addressed, expressing his gratification at meeting such a vast auditory. He had been gratified at meeting large numbers of his fellow-citizens all along his route-from the rural towns, where quiet and plenty are; from busy villa

MR. LINCOLN IN NEW JERSEY.

383

and to the Constitution, [great cheering,] and to | you have all been boys, how these early impressions pledge to you our sympathy and support in all right- last longer than any others. I recollect thinking ful measures tending to the great interests of this then, boy even though I was, that there must have country, and to the perpetuation of the Union of been something more than common that those men these States. We desire to live in harmony with our struggled for. I am exceedingly anxious that that brethren as a whole, doing justice to all, and asking thing which they struggled for-that something even only what is fair and rightful; and I am sure, sir, I more than National Independence-that something do not tread upon doubtful or forbidden ground that held out a great promise to all the people of when I say they prefer one country, one flag, one the world to all time to come-I am exceedingly destiny. Upon you, sir, upon whom so much de- anxious that this Union, the Constitution, and the pends, they feel they may rely for that first great ele- liberties of the people, shall be perpetuated in acment of success, rectitude of intentions. Let me add cordance with the original idea for which that strugonly, in conclusion, that, burdened as you will be gle was made, and I shall be most happy indeed if I with the cares and responsibilities of Government, shall be an humble instrument in the hands of the this community will follow you to the capital with Almighty, and of this, His almost chosen people, for their best wishes, their fondest hopes, and their perpetuating the object of that great struggle. You earnest prayers." [Great cheering.] give me this reception, as I understand, without dis

The President returned a brief reply, which tinction of party. I learn that this body is composed excited the audience agreeably.

At Newark his reception was very enthusiastic. Leaving the cars at the first station in the city, he proceeded through the principal streets to the farther station. Along the entire route the streets and houses were lined with people, who cheered as he passed. At Trenton the crowd

At Trenton.

was unexpectedly large. Mr. Lincoln was welcomed by the Mayor in a neat speech, and was escorted, by the local military, to the State-House, where he was received by the President of the Senate in a speech marked by much eloquence and fitness. To it the President thus replied:

"MR. PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN OF THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY-I am very grateful to you for the honorable reception of which I have been the object. I cannot but remember the place that New Jersey holds in our early history. In the early Revolutionary struggle, few of the States among the old Thirteen had more of the battle-fields of the country within their limits than old New Jersey. May I be pardoned if, upon this occasion, I mention that away back in my childhood, the earliest days of my being able to read, I got hold of a small book, such a one as few of the younger members have ever seen, Weems' Life of Washington.' I remember all the accounts there given of the battle-fields and struggles for the liberties of the country, and none fixed themselves upon my imagination so deeply as the struggle here at Trenton, New Jersey.. The crossing of the river-the contest with the Hessians the great hardships endured at that time all fixed themselves on my memory more than any single Revolutionary event; and you all know, for

of a majority of gentlemen who, in the exercise of their best judgment in the choice of a Chief Magistrate, did not think I was the man. I understand nevertheless, that they came forward here to greet me as the constitutional President of the United Sates-as citizens of the United States, to meet the man who, for the time being, is the representative man of the nation, united by a purpose to perpetuate the Union and liberties of the people. As such, I accept this reception more gratefully than I could do did I believe it was tendered to me as an individual,

The Assembly, after being introduced to the Speaker, and received by him in a proper manner, was addressed as follows:

"MR. SPEAKER AND GENTLEMEN-I have just enjoyed the honor of a reception by the other branch of this Legislature, and I return to you and them my thanks for the reception which the people of New Jersey have given, through their chosen representatives, to me, as the representative, for the time being, of the majesty of the people of the United States. I appropriate to myself very little of the demonstrations of respect with which I have been greeted. I think little should be given to any man, but that it should be a manifestation of adherence to the Union and the Constitution. I understand myself to be received here by the representatives of the people of New Jersey, a majority of whom differ in opinion from those with whom I have acted. This manifestation is therefore to be regarded by me as expressing their devotion to the Union, the Constitution, and the liberties of the people. You, Mr. Speaker, have well said that this is a time when the bravest and wisest look with doubt and awe upon the aspect presented by our national affairs. Under these circumstances, you will readily see why I should not speak in detail of the course I

of our country. The great mass of this people are heartily weary and sick of the selfish schemes and wily plots of mere politicians, who bear no more relation to true statesmanship than do the barnacles which incrust the ship to the master who stands by the helm. Your fellow-countrymen look to you in the earnest hope that true statesmanship and unal

peace and prosperity to this distracted land. It is
to be regretted that your short stay precludes that
intercourse with the merchants, manufacturers, me
chanics, and other citizens of Philadelphia, which
might afford you a clear discernment of their great
interests. And, sir, it could not be other than grate-
ful to yourself to have the opportunity of communi
cating with the memories of the past, in those his-
toric walls where the comprehensive intellects, and
the liberal, disinterested virtues of our fathers, who
framed the Constitution of the Federal States, over
which you have been called upon to preside."
Mr. Lincoln replied:

shall deem it best to pursue. It is proper that I should avail myself of all the information and all the time at my command, in order that when the time arrives in which I must speak officially, I shall be able to take the ground which I deem the best and safest, and from which I may have no occasion to swerve. I shall endeavor to take the ground I deem most just to the North, the East, the West, the South,loyed patriotism may, with God's blessing, restore and the whole country. I take it, I hope, in good temper-certainly no malice towards any section. I shall do all that may be in my power to promote a peaceful settlement of all our difficulties. The man does not live who is more devoted to peace than I am-none who would do more to preserve it. But it may be necessary to put the foot down firmly." [Here the audience broke out into cheers so loud and long that for some moments it was impossible to hear Mr. Lincoln's voice.] He continued: “And if I do my duty, and do right, you will sustain me, will you not? Received, as I am, by the members of a Legislature, the majority of whom do not agree with me in political sentiments, I trust that I may have their assistance in piloting the ship of State through this voyage, surrounded by perils as it is; for if it should suffer attack now, there will be no pilot ever needed for another voy age." A magnificent collation was served at the "Trenton House," after which the train proceeded to Philadelphia. The reception at the "Quaker City" was worthy its old-time hospitality and patriotic ardor. The President was escorted to the "Continental Hotel" by the Mayor, members of the Common Council, and Committees of the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Legislatures; while a fine body of mounted police, and a troop of dragoons served as a body guard. The streets were thronged, and great enthu siasm prevailed. From the balcony of the hotel he was addressed by the Mayor, and replied in a manner which gave special satisfaction, owing to the peculiar character of the Mayor's address, which was as follows:

At Philadelphia.

"SIR-In behalf of the Councils of Philadelphia, and of its citizens, who, with common respect for their Chief Magistrate-elect, have greeted your arrival, I tender you the hospitality of this city. I do this as the official representative of ninety thousand hearths, around which dwell six hundred thousand people, firm and ardent in their devotion to the Union; and yet it may not be withheld, that there are but few of these firesides whose cheer is not straitened and darkened by the calamitous cor. lition

"MR. MAYOR AND FELLOW-CITIZENS OF PHILADEL PHIA-I appear before you to make no lengthy speech, but to thank you for this reception. The reception you have given me to-night is not to me, the man, the individual, but to the man who temporarily represents, or should represent, the majesty of the nation. It is true, as your worthy Mayor has said, that there is anxiety among the citizens of the United States at this time. I deem it a happy circumstance that this dissatisfied portion of our fellow-citizens do not point us to anything in which they are being injured, or are about to be injured; for which reason I have felt all the while justified in concluding that the crisis, the panic, the anxiety of the country at this time, is artificial. If there be those who differ with me upon this subject, they have not pointed out the substantial difficulty that

exists. I do not mean to say that an artificial panic may not do considerable harm; that it has done

such I do not deny. The hope that has been expressed by your Mayor, that I may be able to restore peace, harmony, and prosperity to the country, is most worthy of him; and happy indeed will I be if I shall be able to verify and fulfil that hope. [Tre mendous cheering.] I promise you, in all sincerity, that I bring to the work a sincere heart. Whether I will bring a head equal to that heart, will be for future times to determine. It were useless for me to speak of details of plans now; I shall speak officially next Monday week, if ever. If I should not speak then, it were useless for me to do so now. If I do speak then, it is useless for me to do so now. When I do speak, I shall take such ground as I deem best calculated to restore peace, harmony, and prosperity to the country, and tend to the perpetuity of the

MR. LINCOLN AT PHILADELPHIA.

385

At Philadelphia.

At Philadelphia.

nation, and the liberty of these | Independence. I have often inStates and these people. Your quired of myself what great worthy Mayor has expressed principle or idea it was that the wish, in which I join with him, that it were con- kept this Confederacy so long together. It was not venient for me to remain with your city long enough the mere matter of the separation of the Colonies from to consult your merchants and manufacturers; or, as the mother land; but that sentiment in the Declarait were, to listen to those breathings rising within tion of Independence which gave liberty, not alone the consecrated walls wherein the Constitution of to the people of this country, but, hope, to the the United States, and, I will add, the Declaration world for all future time. ]Cheers.] It was that which of Independence, were originally framed and adopt- gave promise that in due time the weight would be ed. [Enthusiastic applause.] I assure you, and lifted from the shoulders of all men. This is a sentiyour Mayor, that I had hoped on this occasion, and ment embodied in the Declaration of Independence. upon all occasions during my life, that I shall do Now, my friends, can this country be saved upon nothing inconsistent with the teachings of these holy this basis? If it can, I will consider myself one of and most sacred walls. I never asked anything that the happiest men in the world if I can help to save does not breathe from those walls. All my political it. If it cannot be saved upon that principle, it will warfare has been in favor of the teachings that be truly awful. But if this country cannot be saved come forth from these sacred walls. May my right without giving up that principle, I was about to say hand forget its cunning, and my tongue cleave to I would rather be assassinated on this spot than surthe roof of my mouth, if ever I prove false to those render it. Now, in my view of the present aspect teachings. Fellow-citizens, now allow me to bid of affairs, there need be no bloodshed or war. There is no necessity for it. I am not in favor of such a course, and I may say, in advance, that there will be no blood shed unless it be forced upon the Government, and then it will be compelled to act in self-defence.

you good-night."

A levee was held in the evening, at which the crowd was excessive. On the morning of Friday, the President attended upon the ceremony of a flag-raising over the old " Hall of Independence." At an early hour the entire vicinity was crowded. At seven o'clock the President was escorted to the Hall, where he was received by Theodore L. Cuyler, who warmly welcomed him to its venerable walls in the hour of national peril and distress, when the great work achieved by the wisdom and patriotism of our fathers seemed threatened with instant ruin. Mr. Lincoln responded as follows:

"MR. CUYLER-I am filled with deep emotion at finding myself standing here, in this place, where were collected the wisdom, the patriotism, the devotion to principle, from which sprang the institutions under which we live. You have kindly suggested to me that in my hands is the task of restoring peace to the present distracted condition of the country. I can say in return, sir, that all the political sentiments I entertain have been drawn, so far

as I have been able to draw them, from the sentiments which originated and were given to the world from this hall. I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence. I have often pondered over the dangers which were incurred by the men who assembled here, and framed and adopted that Declaration of Independence. I have pondered over the toils that were endured by the officers and soldiers of the army who achieved that

My friends, this is wholly an unexpected speech, and I did not expect to be called upon to say a word when I came here. I supposed it was merely to do something towards raising the flag. I may, therefore, have said something indiscreet. [Cries of No,

live by, and, if it be the pleasure of Almighty God,

no.'] I have said nothing but what I am willing to

to die by."

Great excitement followed this heart-expression of the President. Its ardor touched all hearts, and cheer upon cheer followed. The ceremony of the flag-raising followed. Proceeding to the platform erected in front of the State-House, he appeared to the multitude, to be welcomed with deafening cheers. The President was invited, in a short and appropriate speech, made by a member of the Select Council, to raise the flag. The occasion again awakened the spirit of '76. He was grateful for such an occasion to honor his country's flag. He alluded to the original flag of thirteen stars, saying that the number had increased as time rolled on, and we became a happy, powerful people, each star adding to its prosperity. The future is in the hands of the people. It was on such an occasion we could reason together, reaffirm our devotion to the country, and the