February 14, 1861 (Thursday) Happy Valentines Day!

"...the weather darkened
 and the raindrops got bigger
as they headed east."  ----Ted Widmer

Several articles of note for today:  First of all, the fourth Day of Lincoln's Journey to Washington by the Library of Congress site.


Secondly, Ted Widmer's narrative entitled, "If it's Valentine's Day, This Must Be Pittsburgh";  Disunion--New York Times, February 13, 2011.    Lots of anecdotes, a lot of confusion and near accidents at the Pittsburgh depot.  There is an interactive map at the link.

"...an inauspicious beginning to what would prove a difficult day.  The weather darkened, and the raindrops got bigger as the delegation headed east.  Lincoln privately expressed his hope that it would keep people from coming out to hear him -- he was beginning to wear down, and his voice was getting hoarse."


And finally, an  excellent article on the two journeys taking place...the one of Abraham Lincoln and the other of Jefferson Davis, the Southern President-Elect.  Lots of good information at the link, also some trivia around the legendary Texas Ranger, Ben McCulloch and then some interesting information on the Electoral College issues of this election.  The article is by Jamie Malanowski, entitled "Twin Journeys, Destination Unknown" by Disunion--New York Times, February 13, 2011.


"Two men, born less than eight months and fewer than 100 miles apart but fated to follow distinctly different paths to prominence and authority.  Two presidents, one chosen by fewer than 40 percent of the voters, the other chosen by fewer than 40 delegates from a mere six states, now entrusted with the responsibility of peace and war. 

One of the men, who possesses the appearance and experience of a president, has been heralded as the Washington of his people.  The other, who in some quarters is said to express 'all the rough manners and coarse sayings of the clown,' has already said Washington's challenge was easier than the one he now faces.

The capital of the new Confederacy is barely 200 miles from [Davis' home] Brierfield, but the haphazard development of southern railroads forced Davis into a circuitous sojourn north from Vicksburg to Memphis, then south to Atlanta, and only then west to Montgomery.  The trip took five days to complete, and during the 800-mile tour, Davis made 25 speeches."

Saint Valentine's Day anecdote--hat tip, Civil War Daily Gazette: