February 15, 1861 (Friday)

Greeted by large crowds
with overwhelming enthusiasm

"Lincoln's procession to the train depot passed through crowds that were 'almost impenetrable,' which displayed enthusiasm that 'exceeded anything ever before witnessed.'  Lincoln arrived late in the afternoon in Cleveland in the midst of rain and a snowstorm."  (Library of Congress:  Journey of the President-Elect, February 15, 1861.)

"Lincoln had contracted a bad cold and spoke less than usual.  To make matters worse, it was snowing...if he had quieted, the crowds had not, and the usual tumult was seen and heard as the Special approached Cleveland.  People everywhere -- 30,000 lined the streets -- and when Lincoln appeared, a huge sound was heard, so loud that Villard took note:

'As the President and suite left the cars a universal deafening shout escaped from tens of thousands ... it was an ovation of which Abraham Lincoln could well be proud; nor did he fail to show deep gratitude and emotion.  He stood up in his carriage and until the hotel was reached acknowledged greetings on all sides in his unaffected hearty manner.  The expression of his face showed plainly that he meant much more than he could convey by bowing and waving his hat.'  (Hello, Cleveland! by Ted Widmer, Disunion--New York Times, February 14, 2011)

More anecdotes from Lincoln Log of various stops along the way.

Lincoln also received another letter today from Worthington G. Snethen warning him about dangers developing in Baltimore and deeming it inadvisable to stop there.  Hat tip to House Divided, February 15, 1861. 

But there is another story brewing in Washington while Lincoln journeys eastward.  There has been a minority in the Republican party that has wanted to find some compromises with the South to avoid a Civil War.  There is a lot going on in the back-channels being lead by Lincoln's Secretary of State William Seward.  Read this fascinating narrative of events unfolding with some Republican congressmen at Disunion--New York Times, Seward's Folly by Russell McClintock, February 14, 2011.