The First Inaugural was carefully written in Springfield a month before
its delivery. Contrary to his usual practice in public speaking,
Lincoln read from the MS. The address was enthusiastically received by
an immense audience assembled front of the Capitol and the general
impression produced at the North was favorable. By the Southern and
the Abolition press it was severely criticised, both with regard to its
form and its content.
_The mystic chords of memory_. This passage was suggested by Mr.
Seward, to whom the address had been submitted for criticism. The
customary usury of genius was paid for the verbal loan.