February 11, 1861 (Monday)

Leaving Port...Sailing into the Night

Lincoln's Farewell Address in Springfield before the train leaves for Washington D.C.: (click on Transcription)

"Friends,

No one who has never been placed in a like position, can understand my feelings at this hour, nor the oppressive sadness I feel at this parting.  For more than a quarter of a century I have lived among you, and during all that time I have received nothing but kindness at your hands.  Here I have lived from my youth until now I am an old man.  Here the most sacred ties of earth were assumed; here all my children were born; and here one of them lies buried.  To you, dear friends, I owe all that I have, all that I am.

All the strange, chequered past seems to crowd now upon my mind.  Today I leave you; I go to assume a task more difficult than that which devolved upon General Washington.  Unless the great God who assisted him, shall be with and aid me, I must fail.  But if the same omniscient mind, the Almighty arm that directed and protected him, shall guide and support me, I shall not fail, I shall succeed.  Let us all pray that the God of our fathers may not forsake us now.  To him I commend you all -- permit me to ask that with equal security and faith, you all will invoke His wisdom and guidance for me.  With these few words I must leave you -- for how long I know not.  Friends, one and all, I must now bid you as affectionate farewell."

In another article written by Ted Widmer of the New York Times, February 10, 2011 entitled Farewell to Springfield:   There is another version of his Farewell Address....  this article is highly recommended reading.

 "After packing his luggage, Lincoln fixed a simple tag to it:  'A. Lincoln White House Washington D.C..'  He headed for the depot where his two-car train and engine awaited him. 

'My friends -- no one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting.  To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe every thing.  Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man.  Here my children have been born, and one is buried.  I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington.  Without the assistance of that Divine Being, who ever attended him, I cannot succeed.  With that assistance I cannot fail.  Trusting in Him, who can go with me, and remain with you and be every where for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well.  To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.'

As if the words were not impressive enough, he wept while delivering it, as did his audience.  They cheered loud and long when it was over.  As he turned to enter the car three cheers were given, and a few seconds afterwards the train moved slowly out of the sight of the silent gathering.  He never saw Springfield again."

Excellent site:  Library of Congress: Journey of the President-Elect:  Springfield to Washington, 1861.  An interactive site with numerous articles from each day of the 13-day journey. 

Another article written by Ted Widmer entitled Lincoln Moves for the New York Times  gives an introduction to the journey by train that Lincoln will make in the days ahead.  Again, this article is highly recommended reading.

Also, the Lincoln Log has several recorded anecdotes of the first day's journey...comments written in papers and diaries.  Enjoy...