_The Presidential Party arrives in Philadelphia.--Independence
Hall.--The Departure from Harrisburg.--Telegraph wires Cut.--Through the
Lines of Treason and Safe Arrival at Washington._
The twenty-first dawned bright and sunny, and the streets were alive
with the eager populace, all anxious to do honor to the new President,
and to witness the scenes attendant upon his reception. In due time the
train containing the party arrived, and after an informal welcome they
took carriages, and, escorted by the troops, the procession took up the
line of march for the hotel. Vast crowds lined the sidewalks and the
enthusiasm of the people was unbounded. The President graciously
acknowledged their courtesies as he passed along. On each side of the
carriage in which Mr. Lincoln was seated, accompanied by Mr. Judd, was a
file of policemen, whose duty it was to prevent the mass of people from
pressing too closely to the vehicle. As the procession reached the
corner of Broad and Chestnut streets, a young man approached the file of
policemen and endeavored to attract the attention of the occupants of
the carriage. Finding this impossible, he boldly plunged through the
ranks of the officers, and coming to the side of the carriage, he handed
to Mr. Judd a slip of paper, on which was written:
"_St. Louis Hotel, ask for J. H. Hutchinson._"
This young man was Mr. George H. Burns, an attache of the American
Telegraph Company and confidential agent of E. S. Sandford, Esq., who
acted as my messenger, and who afterwards distinguished himself for his
courage and daring in the rebellion. It is needless to add that J. H.
Hutchinson was the name I had assumed in registering at the hotel, in
order to avoid any suspicion or curiosity in case any emissary of the
conspirators should ascertain my real name and thus be warned of the
discovery of their scheme.
Shortly after the arrival of Mr. Lincoln at the Continental, Mr. Judd
was announced at the St. Louis Hotel as desiring to see me. Mr. Felton
was with me at the time, and in a few minutes Mr. Judd made his
appearance. More than an hour was occupied in going over the proofs
which I produced of the existence of the conspiracy, at the end of which
time Mr. Judd expressed himself fully convinced that the plot was a
reality, and that prompt measures were required to secure the safety of
the President.
"My advice is," said I, after I had succeeded in convincing Mr. Judd
that my information was reliable, "that Mr. Lincoln shall proceed to
Washington this evening by the eleven o'clock train, and then once safe
at the capital, General Scott and his soldiery will afford him ample
protection."
"I fear very much that Mr. Lincoln will not accede to this," replied Mr.
Judd; "but as the President is an old acquaintance and friend of yours
and has had occasion before this to test your reliability and prudence,
suppose you accompany me to the Continental Hotel, and we can then lay
this information before him in person and abide by his decision."
This idea was at once adopted and we proceeded to the hotel. Here we
found the entrances blocked up by a surging multitude which effectually
prevented our admission, and we were obliged to enter by the rear of the
building through a door used by the servants.
On reaching the room occupied by Mr. Judd that gentleman summoned Mr.
Nicolay, the President's private secretary, and dispatched him with a
note requesting the presence of Mr. Lincoln upon a matter of urgent
importance.
The President at that time was in one of the large parlors surrounded by
a number of ladies and gentlemen, all eager to extend to him the
hospitalities of the city and to express their good wishes for the
success of his administration. Upon receiving the message, however, he
at once excused himself, and forcing his way through the crowd came
directly to us.
Up to this time Mr. Lincoln had been kept in entire ignorance of any
threatened danger, and as he listened to the facts that were now
presented to him, a shade of sadness fell upon his face. He seemed loth
to credit the statement, and could scarce believe it possible that such
a conspiracy could exist. Slowly he went over the points presented,
questioning me minutely the while, but at length finding it impossible
to discredit the truthfulness of what I stated to him, he yielded a
reluctant credence to the facts.
After he had been fully made acquainted with the startling disclosures,
Mr. Judd submitted to him the plan proposed by me, that he should leave
Philadelphia for Washington that evening.
"But," added Mr. Judd, "the proofs that have just been laid before you
cannot be published, as it will involve the lives of several devoted men
now on Mr. Pinkerton's force, especially that of Timothy Webster, who is
now serving in a rebel cavalry company under drill at Perrymansville in
Maryland."
Mr. Lincoln at once acknowledged the correctness of this view, but
appeared at a loss as to what course to pursue.
"You will therefore perceive"--continued Mr. Judd--"that if you follow
the course suggested--that of proceeding to Washington to-night--you
will necessarily be subjected to the scoffs and sneers of your enemies,
and the disapproval of your friends who cannot be made to believe in
the existence of so desperate a plot."
"I fully appreciate these suggestions," replied Mr. Lincoln, "and I can
stand anything that is necessary, but," he added rising to his feet, "I
cannot go to-night. I have promised to raise the flag over Independence
Hall to-morrow morning, and to visit the legislature at Harrisburg in
the afternoon--beyond that I have no engagements. Any plan that may be
adopted that will enable me to fulfill these promises I will accede to,
and you can inform me what is concluded upon to-morrow."
Saying which Mr. Lincoln left the room and joined the people in the
parlor. During the entire interview, he had not evinced the slightest
evidence of agitation or fear. Calm and self-possessed, his only
sentiments appeared to be those of profound regret, that the Southern
sympathizers could be so far led away by the excitement of the hour, as
to consider his death a necessity for the furtherance of their cause.
From his manner, it was deemed useless to attempt to induce him to alter
his mind, and after a few minutes' further conversation, which was
participated in by Mr. Sandford, who had entered the room, I left for
the purpose of finding Thomas A. Scott, Esq., the Vice-President of the
Pennsylvania Central Railroad, in order to make arrangements for the
carrying out of a plan which had occurred to me, and which would enable
Mr. Lincoln to fulfill his engagements.
I was unable, however, to find Mr. Scott, but succeeded in reaching Mr.
G. C. Franciscus, the general manager of the road, and at twelve o'clock
that night, in company with that gentleman and Mr. Sandford, we called
again upon Mr. Judd.
At this meeting a full discussion of the entire matter was had between
us, and after all possible contingencies had been considered, the
following programme was agreed upon.
After the formal reception at Harrisburg had taken place, a special
train, consisting of a baggage-car and one passenger-coach, should leave
there at six o'clock P. M. to carry Mr. Lincoln and one companion back
to Philadelphia; this train was to be under the immediate control of Mr.
Franciscus and Mr. Enoch Lewis, the general superintendent. In order to
avoid the possibility of accident, the track was to be cleared of
everything between Harrisburg and Philadelphia from half-past five
o'clock until after the passage of the special train. Mr. Felton was to
detain the eleven o'clock P. M. Baltimore train until the arrival of the
special train from Harrisburg, Mrs. Warne in the meantime engaging
berths in the sleeping-car bound for Baltimore.
[Illustration: "_Mr. Lincoln raising the flag on Independence Hall._" P.
87]
I was to remain in Philadelphia in order that no accident might occur in
conveying the President from one depot to another, and Mr. Judd was to
manage the affair at Harrisburg. Everything that could be suggested in
relation to this matter was fully considered, and having at length
perfected our plans, the party separated at half-past four o'clock in
the morning, fully prepared to carry out the programme agreed upon.
At six o'clock on the morning of the 22d, a vast concourse of people
assembled in front of Independence Hall on Chestnut street, and at
precisely the hour appointed, Mr. Lincoln made his appearance. With his
own hands he drew to the top of the staff surmounting the edifice a
beautiful new American flag, and as its Stripes and Stars floated out
gracefully to the breeze, the air was rent with the shouts of the
multitude and the music of the band.
Mr. Lincoln's speech upon this occasion was the most impressive and
characteristic of any which he had delivered upon his journey to the
capital, while a tinge of sadness pervaded his remarks, never noticed
before, and which were occasioned no doubt by the revelations of the
preceding night. He gave a most eloquent expression to the emotions and
associations which were suggested by the day and by the historic old
hall where he then stood. He declared that all his political sentiments
were drawn from the inspired utterances of those who had sat within the
walls of that ancient edifice. He alluded most feelingly to the dangers
and toils and sufferings of those who had adopted and made good the
Declaration of Independence--a declaration which gave promise that "in
due time the weight would be lifted from the shoulders of all men."
Conscious of the dangers that threatened his country, and feeling also
that those dangers originated in opposition to the principles enunciated
in the Declaration of Independence, knowing that his own life was even
then threatened because of his devotion to liberty, and that his way to
the national capital was beset by assassins, he did not hesitate to
declare boldly and fearlessly "that he would rather be assassinated on
the spot than surrender those principles" so dear to him.
After these proceedings, Mr. Lincoln was driven back to the Continental
Hotel, and sending for Mr. Judd, he introduced him to Mr. Frederick H.
Seward, a son of the late William H. Seward, who was in the room with
the President. Mr. Lincoln then informed Mr. Judd that Mr. Seward had
been sent from Washington by his father and General Scott to warn him of
the danger of passing through Baltimore, and to urge him to come direct
to Washington.
From whom this information was originally obtained did not appear, but
the facts were deemed of sufficient moment to be brought to the ears of
the President, and hence Mr. Seward's visit to Philadelphia. Mr. Lincoln
evinced no further hesitancy in the matter, and signified his readiness
to do whatever was required of him. Mr. Judd then directed Mr. Seward to
inform his father that all had been arranged, and that, so far as human
foresight could predict, Mr. Lincoln would be in Washington before the
evening of the following day, and cautioned him to preserve the utmost
secrecy in regard to the matter. No particulars were given and none were
asked.
At the time appointed Mr. Lincoln started for Harrisburg, and I busied
myself with the preparations that were necessary to successfully carry
our plans into operation. From reports which I received from Baltimore,
the excitement in that city had grown more intense, and the arrival of
the President was awaited with the most feverish impatience. The common
and accepted belief was that Mr. Lincoln would journey from Harrisburg
to Baltimore over the Northern Central Railroad, and the plans of the
conspirators were arranged accordingly.
It became a matter of the utmost importance, therefore, that no
intimation of our movements should reach that city. I had no doubt but
that trusty agents of the conspirators were following the presidential
party, and after the absence of Mr. Lincoln had been discovered, the
telegraph would be put into active operation to apprise the movers of
this scheme of the change that had been made. To effectually prevent
this I determined that the telegraph wires which connected Harrisburg
with her neighboring cities should be so "fixed" as to render
communication impossible.
To arrange this matter Capt. Burns was sent to the office of the
American Telegraph Company, and obtaining from Mr. H. E. Thayer, the
manager of the company, a competent and trustworthy man for the purpose,
departed for Harrisburg, in order to carry out the proposed measures.
Mr. Thayer, in the meantime, was to remain in the office during the
night, in order to intercept any dispatches that might be sent over the
wires from any point between Harrisburg and Baltimore, and to
immediately deliver any messages that might be sent to me.
Mr. W. P. Westervelt, the superintendent, and Mr. Andrew Wynne, the
line-man of the telegraph company, were delegated to Harrisburg to "fix"
the wires leading from that place in such a manner as to prevent any
communication from passing over them, and to report to Capt. Burns upon
their arrival.
After the train containing Mr. Lincoln and his party had left
Philadelphia, Mr. Judd sought the first favorable opportunity of
conversing with Mr. Lincoln alone, and fully detailed to him the plan
that had been agreed upon, all of which met with the hearty approval of
the President, who signified a cheerful willingness to adapt himself to
the novel circumstances.
It was evident, from the manner of several of the gentlemen of the
party, that they suspected something was transpiring of which they had
not been advised, but they all very judiciously refrained from asking
any questions. Mr. Judd, however, who felt the responsibility of his
position, finally suggested to Mr. Lincoln the propriety and
advisability of informing them of what had taken place, and of
consulting with them upon the proper carrying out of the contemplated
journey. To this Mr. Lincoln yielded a ready assent, adding, with an
amused smile:
"I suppose they will laugh at us, Judd, but I think you had better get
them together."
It was therefore arranged that after the reception at the State House
had taken place, and before they sat down to dinner, the matter should
be fully laid before the following gentlemen of the party: Judge David
Davis, Col. Sumner, Major David Hunter, Capt. John Pope and Ward H.
Lamon, Esq.
Mr. Lincoln arrived at Harrisburg at noon, and was introduced to the
people from the balcony of the Jones House, where an address was
delivered by Gov. Andrew G. Curtin, whose fame became widespread during
the dark days of the rebellion that followed, as the "War Governor of
Pennsylvania." From the hotel the party proceeded to the House of
Representatives, where he was welcomed by the Speaker, to which he
replied in a few well-chosen words.
After a short time spent in congratulations and hand-shaking they
returned to the hotel, and the gentlemen who have been previously named
were invited (in company with the Governor) to confer with the
President in the parlor. At this meeting the information of the
discovery of the plot to assassinate the President was laid before them,
and also the details of the proposed journey to Washington. After the
matter had been fully explained, a great diversity of opinion manifested
itself among the gentlemen present, and some warm discussion was
indulged in. Finally, Judge Davis, who had expressed no opinion upon the
subject as yet, addressed the President, saying:
"Well, Mr. Lincoln, what is your own judgment upon this matter?"
"I have thought over this matter considerably since I went over the
ground with Mr. Pinkerton last night," answered Mr. Lincoln, "and the
appearance of Mr. Frederick Seward, with warning from another source,
confirms my belief in Mr. Pinkerton's statement; therefore, unless there
are some other reasons than a fear of ridicule, I am disposed to carry
out Mr. Judd's plan."
Judge Davis turned to the others, and said:
"That settles the matter, gentlemen."
"So be it," exclaimed Col. Sumner. "It is against my judgment, but I
have undertaken to go to Washington with Mr. Lincoln, and I shall do
it."
Mr. Judd endeavored in vain to convince the gallant old soldier that
every additional person only added to the risk, but the fiery spirit of
the veteran was aroused and debate was useless.
Having arranged the matter thus satisfactorily the party, at about four
o'clock in the afternoon, repaired to the dining-room for dinner.
All the preliminaries had now been successfully arranged. The special
train, ostensibly to take the officers of the railroad company back to
Philadelphia, was waiting upon a side track just outside of the town.
The telegraph operators had performed their work admirably. Walking out
of the city nearly two miles, Mr. Wynne climbed the poles and placing
fine copper ground wires upon the regular lines, the city was soon
entirely isolated from her neighbors. No message could possibly be sent
from Harrisburg, and the capital of Pennsylvania was cut off temporarily
from the rest of the world.
The preparations in Philadelphia had also been fully made. Mrs. Warne
had succeeded in engaging the rear half of a sleeping-car for the
accommodation of her invalid brother, and that portion of the car was to
be entirely separated from the rest by a curtain, so arranged that no
one in the forward part of the car would be aware of the occupants of
the same coach.
In order to detain the Baltimore train until the arrival of Mr. Lincoln,
the conductor was directed not to start his train until he received
personal instructions to that effect from Mr. H. F. Kinney, the
superintendent, who would hand him an important parcel, which President
Felton desired should be delivered early on the following morning to Mr.
E. J. Allen at Willard's Hotel, in Washington. (E. J. Allen was the
nom-de-plume I generally used when on detective operations.)
At a quarter to six o'clock everything was in readiness. A carriage was
in waiting at the side entrance of the hotel, and the entire party were
still at the table. A message was delivered to the President by Mr.
Nicolay, and upon receiving it, he immediately arose, and, accompanied
by Mr. Curtin, Mr. Lamon and Mr. Judd, he left the dining-room. Mr.
Lincoln exchanged his dinner dress for a traveling suit, and soon
returned with a shawl upon his arm and a soft felt hat protruding from
his coat pocket.
The halls, stairways and pavement were filled with a mass of people,
who, seeing the President in company with the Governor, at once imagined
that they were going to the executive mansion, where a reception was to
be held in the evening.
Mr. Judd whispered to Mr. Lamon to proceed in advance, adding:
"As soon as Mr. Lincoln is in the carriage, drive off."
As the party, consisting of Mr. Lincoln, Governor Curtin, and Mr. Lamon,
entered the carriage, Col. Sumner attempted to follow them, but Mr. Judd
gently put his hand upon the old gentleman's shoulder, and as he turned
quickly around to inquire what was wanted, the carriage was driven
rapidly away.
[Illustration: "_The party, consisting of Mr. Lincoln, Governor Curtin
and Mr. Lamon, entered the carriage._" P. 94.]
Thus far everything had passed off admirably, and in a short time Mr.
Lincoln was upon the special train, accompanied only by Mr. Lamon and
the railroad officials, and speeding along toward Philadelphia.
Without accident the party arrived at the Quaker City shortly after ten
o'clock, where I was waiting with a carriage, in company with Mr.
Kinney. Without a word Mr. Lincoln, Mr. Lamon and myself entered the
vehicle, while Mr. Kinney seated himself alongside of the driver, and we
proceeded directly to the depot of the Philadelphia, Wilmington and
Baltimore Railroad.
Driving up to the sidewalk on Carpenter street, and in the shadow of a
tall fence, the carriage was stopped and the party alighted. As we
approached the train, Mrs. Warne came forward, and, familiarly greeting
the President as her brother, we entered the sleeping-car by the rear
door without unnecessary delay, and without any one being aware of the
distinguished passenger who had arrived.
A carefully inclosed package, which resembled a formidable official
document, but which contained only some neatly folded daily papers, was
placed in the hands of the unsuspecting conductor--the whistle sounded,
and soon the train was in motion, whirling on towards the capital of the
nation.
So carefully had all our movements been conducted, that no one in
Philadelphia saw Mr. Lincoln enter the car, and no one on the train,
except his own immediate party--not even the conductor, knew of his
presence, and the President, feeling fatigued from the labors and the
journeys of the day, at once retired to his berth.
In order to prevent the possibility of accident, I had arranged with my
men a series of signals along the road. It was barely possible that the
work of destroying the railroad might be attempted by some reckless
individuals, or that a suspicion of our movements might be entertained
by the conspirators, and therefore, the utmost caution must be observed.
As the train approached Havre de Grace, I went to the rear platform of
the car, and as the train passed on a bright light flashed suddenly upon
my gaze and was as quickly extinguished, and then I knew that thus far
all was well.
From this point all the way to Baltimore, at every bridge-crossing these
lights flashed, and their rays carried the comforting assurance "All's
Well!"
We reached Baltimore at about half-past three o'clock in the morning,
and as the train rumbled into the depot an officer of the road entered
the car and whispered in my ear the welcome words "All's Well!"
The city was in profound repose as we passed through. Darkness and
silence reigned over all. Perhaps, at this moment, however, the reckless
conspirators were astir perfecting their plans for a tragedy as infamous
as any which has ever disgraced a free country--perhaps even now the
holders of the _red_ ballots were nerving themselves for their part in
the dreadful work, or were tossing restlessly upon sleepless couches.
Be that as it may, our presence in Baltimore was entirely unsuspected,
and as the sleeping-car in which we were, was drawn by horses through
the streets from the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore depot, until
we reached the Washington station, no sign of life was apparent in the
great slumbering city. At the depot, however, a number of people were
gathered, awaiting the arrival and departure of the various trains, and
here the usual bustle and activity were manifested.
We were compelled to remain here fully two hours, owing to the detention
of the train from the West, and during that time, Mr. Lincoln remained
quietly in his berth, joking with rare good humor with those around him.
Ever and anon some snatches of rebel harmony would reach our ears, as
they were rather discordantly sung by the waiting passengers in and
around the depot. "My Maryland" and "Dixie" appeared to be the
favorites, and once, after an intoxicated individual had roared through
one stanza of the latter song, Mr. Lincoln turned quietly and rather
sadly to me and said:
"No doubt there will be a great time in Dixie by and by."
How prophetic his words were, the succeeding years too fully proved.
At length the train arrived and we proceeded on our way, arriving in
Washington about six o'clock in the morning. Mr. Lincoln wrapped his
traveling shawl about his shoulders, and in company with Mr. Lamon,
started to leave the car. I followed close behind, and on the platform
found two of my men awaiting our arrival. A great many people were
gathered about the depot, but Mr. Lincoln entirely escaped recognition,
until as we were about leaving the depot, Mr. Washburne, of Illinois,
came up and cordially shook him by the hand.
The surprise of this gentleman was unbounded, and many of those standing
around, observing his movements, and the tall form of Mr. Lincoln
exciting curiosity, I feared that danger might result in case he was
recognized at this time. I accordingly went up to them hurriedly, and
pressing between them whispered rather loudly:
"No talking here!"
Mr. Washburne gazed inquiringly at me, and was about to resent my
interference, when Mr. Lincoln interposed:
"That is Mr. Pinkerton, and everything is all right."
Thus satisfied, Mr. Washburne quickly led the way to a carriage in
waiting outside, where we met Mr. Seward, who warmly greeted the
President, and then the party were rapidly driven down Pennsylvania
Avenue to Willard's Hotel--I following closely behind them with my men,
in another vehicle.
[Illustration: "_The safe arrival at Washington._" P. 98.]
On his arrival at the hotel Mr. Lincoln was warmly greeted by his
friends, who were rejoiced at his safe arrival, and leaving him in the
hands of those whose fealty was undoubted, I withdrew, and engaged
temporary quarters at another hotel.
During the forenoon I received a note from Mr. Lincoln requesting an
interview, and received his warm expressions of thankfulness for the
part I had performed in securing his safety, after which, finding that
my object had been fully accomplished, I took the train and returned to
Baltimore.
Here I found the utmost excitement prevailing. The news of the safe
arrival of Mr. Lincoln had already reached there, and a general
sentiment of rage and disappointment pervaded the entire circle of
conspirators and secessionists. I lost no time in securing an interview
with Howard, and learned from him the particulars attendant upon the
discovery that Mr. Lincoln had outwitted his enemies and was now safely
quartered in Washington. Finding that their plans had been discovered,
and fearing that the vengeance of the government would overtake them,
the leading conspirators had suddenly disappeared. All their courage and
bravado was gone, and now, like the miserable cowards that they were,
they had sought safety in flight.
A curious episode occurred at Harrisburg immediately after the
departure of Mr. Lincoln from that city. Two newspaper correspondents
connected with prominent New York journals had accompanied the party
from Springfield, and had faithfully noted the incidents which had
occurred upon the journey. As soon as the train which carried Mr.
Lincoln away from Harrisburg was on its way, a gentlemanly individual,
_well-known to me_, went to the room occupied by these journalists, and
found them engaged in preparations to witness the further proceedings of
the presidential party.
The visitor quickly informed the gentlemen that Mr. Lincoln had left the
city and was now flying over the road in the direction of Washington,
which he would no doubt reach in the morning. This was the signal for
renewed activity, and both gentlemen hastily arose, and, grasping their
hats, started for the door. Their visitor however, was too quick for
them, and standing before the door with a revolver in each hand, he
addressed them: "You cannot leave this room, gentlemen, without my
permission!"
"What does this mean?" inquired one of the surprised gentlemen, blinking
through his spectacles.
"It means that you cannot leave this room until the safety of Mr.
Lincoln justifies it," calmly replied the other.
"I want to telegraph to the _Herald_," said the second
correspondent--"what is the use of obtaining news if we cannot utilize
it?"
"You cannot utilize anything at present, gentlemen. The telegraph will
not be of any service to you, for the wires are all down, and Harrisburg
will be separated from the rest of the world for some hours yet."
"When do you propose to let us out?" humbly asked one.
"Well, I'll tell you, gentlemen. If you will sit down calmly, and bide
your time and mine, I will make matters interesting for you, by
informing you all about this flank movement on the Baltimoreans."
Their indignation and fright subsided at once, and they quietly sat
down. Refreshments were sent for, and soon the nimble pencils of the
reporters were rapidly jotting down as much of the information as was
deemed advisable to be made public at that time. After they had heard
all, they prepared their dispatches for New York, both correspondents
writing long and interesting accounts of the affair.
When daylight dawned, and the gladsome tidings had been received that
Mr. Lincoln was safe, these knights of the quill were liberated, and,
rushing to the telegraph offices, which were now in running order again,
the news was transmitted to New York and in less than an hour the types
were being set which would convey to the public the startling news of
the discovered conspiracy, and the manner in which the conspirators had
been outwitted.
As the later train arrived at Baltimore, I went to the depot and found
the remaining members of the President's party, who also brought Mrs.
Lincoln with them.
Mr. Judd was jubilant at the success of the adventure, but Col. Sumner
had not yet recovered his good humor. I have no doubt, however, that Mr.
Lincoln succeeded in placating his irascible friend, and I know that in
the bloody scenes which followed Col. Sumner bore an honorable and
courageous part.
Thus ends the narration of this important episode in one of the most
interesting epochs of the country's history, and a truthful record has
been given. Exaggerated stories and unauthorized statements have been
freely made with regard to this journey of Mr. Lincoln. The caricaturist
has attempted to throw ridicule upon the great man who now sleeps in a
martyr's grave. A silly story of his being disguised in a Scotch cap and
plaid obtained a temporary currency, but the fact remains that Mr.
Lincoln, as a gentleman, and in the company of gentlemen, successfully
passed through the camp of the conspirators and reached in safety the
capital of the country.
Now the war is ended. Peace reigns throughout the borders of the great
Republic. And when, during the last dying throes of the rebellion, this
great man was stricken down by the hand of an assassin, North and South
alike united in lamenting his death, and in execrating the damnable
deed and its reckless perpetrators.
I had informed Mr. Lincoln in Philadelphia that I would answer with my
life for his safe arrival in Washington, and I had redeemed my pledge.
[Illustration: A CAMP SONG.]