Remarks in Illinois Legislature
Concerning Commemoration of the Battle. of New Orleans1Jump to section
Mr. LINCOLN said that as that jumping scrape had become so celebrated it appeared necessary that he should say something about it.
The Speaker called Mr. Lincoln to order.
Mr. LINCOLN said that as to jumping, he should jump when he pleased and no one should hinder him. He thought this Resolution ought to pass. Mr. L. proceeded to advocate it, as a national subject, not on party grounds: he was proud of the victory of New-Orleans, and the military fame of Gen. Jackson, though he could never find in his heart to support him as a politician. He had sat for 6 years in the Legislature, and this day had always been observed as a matter of course, with no view whatever to politics.
Annotation
[1] Illinois State Register, January 15, 1841. Speaking on a resolution to adjourn for a half-day in commemoration of the Battle of New Orleans, William H. Bissell of Monroe County had referred to the notorious incident which had occurred on December 5, 1840, when Lincoln and other Whigs had jumped out of the windows in an unsuccessful effort to prevent a quorum.