February 21, 1861 (Thursday)

On the Way to Philadelphia

Today, Lincoln's journey takes him from New York City to Philadelphia.  Along the way he visits Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth, Raliway, New Brunswick, Princeton, Trenton.  There are stories of pickpockets, choirs singing, huge crowds, a disturbing letter, and a couple of outstanding speeches.  Here are some links to get you to the news of the day:

The Library of Congress site:

A narrative by Ted Widmer, The Foot Comes Down, on Lincoln during this eleventh day of his journey to Washington.

The Lincoln Log anecdotes of the day:

"To the General Assembly in Trenton, New Jersey, Lincoln said:  'I shall do all that may be in my power to promote a peaceful settlement of 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."

The growing plot to assassinate Lincoln in Baltimore:
"Toward the end of the reception [in Philadelphia] N. B. Judd asks Lincoln to meet with him and Frederick W. Seward who has just arrived from Washington with a letter to Lincoln from his father, Sen. Seward (N.Y.).  Letter, based upon information obtained by Gen. Scott and Capt. Charles P. Stone -- describes plot to assassinate Lincoln while passing through Baltimore.  Detectives employed by railroad also report similar plot.  Lincoln thanks Seward for bringing the letter and comments that he will consider the advice to change time and schedule.  Refuses to change plans until commitments in Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pa. are completed."

We learn more of the plot in another article written by Jamie Malanowski of the New York Times entitled A Tale of Two Presidents:

"The plan, according to Pinkerton's sources and John Kennedy, the superintendent of the New York Metropolitan Police, was for assassins to strike after Lincoln had debarked the Inauguration Special at the city's Calvert Street Station.  Once Lincoln had entered the terminals narrow vestibule, plug uglies outside the station would stage a riot.  This fracas would draw the attention of Lincoln's bodyguards and the local police, leaving the president-elect vulnerable to killers posed as travelers.  Members of the cabal, Lincoln was told, had drawn lots to see which would have the honor of striking the lethal blow."

More on the plot, hat tip Civil War Daily Gazette: