Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 4 [Mar. 5, 1860-Oct. 24, 1861].

Remarks at Wellsville, Ohio1Jump to section

February 14, 1861

Mr. Lincoln came out on the hind platform of the rear car and, after the cheering had ceased, said that he made his appearance merely to pass a word of greeting, and then to bid farewell, as he said he had been informed that the train would halt just a minute and a half, consequently he would not be able to make a speech even if he were prepared to do so; that if he should make a speech at every station stopped at, he would not be able to reach Washington until after the 4th of March. Here some old, drunken chap

rushed up with his paw extended, and asked if he would shake hands with him, saying at the same time, that he had not voted for him but for Douglas---a sad representative by the way---of Douglas Democracy. Mr. Lincoln shook hands with him and said if he and the other friends of Mr. Douglas would assist in keeping the ship of state afloat, that perhaps Mr. Douglas might be selected to pilot it sometime in the future, but if it were allowed to go to pieces now, Mr. Douglas would, of course, stand no chance hereafter. He said he would do what he could to preserve the Union and if the people would do the same, the thing would be accomplished.

Annotation

[1]   New Lisbon, Ohio, The Buckeye State, February 21, 1861.

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