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

Remarks at a Republican Rally, Springfield, Illinois1Jump to section

August 8, 1860

My Fellow Citizens:---I appear among you upon this occasion with no intention of making a speech.

It has been my purpose, since I have been placed in my present position, to make no speeches. This assemblage having been drawn together at the place of my residence, it appeared to be the wish of those constituting this vast assembly to see me; and it is certainly my wish to see all of you. I appear upon the ground here at this time only for the purpose of affording myself the best opportunity of seeing you, and enabling you to see me.

I confess with gratitude, be it understood, that I did not suppose my appearance among you would create the tumult which I now witness. I am profoundly gratified for this manifestation of your feelings. I am gratified, because it is a tribute such as can be paid to no man as a man. It is the evidence that four years from this time you will give a like manifestation to the next man who is the representative of the truth on the questions that now agitate the public. And it is because you will then fight for this cause as you do now, or with even greater ardor than now, though I be dead and gone. I most profoundly and sincerely thank you.

Having said this much, allow me now to say that it is my wish that you will hear this public discussion by others of our friends who are present for the purpose of addressing you, and that you will kindly let me be silent.

Annotation

[1]   Illinois State Journal, August 9, 1860. This speech is misdated by Nicolay and Hay in the Complete Works (VI, 49) on August 14. The Journal devoted more than three columns to the mammoth occasion at the Fair Grounds, heading the first column with an elephant bearing in its trunk a banner inscribed

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``WE ARE COMING!'' and caparisoned in another which announced ``CLEAR THE TRACK!''---the first known use of the elephant as symbol of the Republican party. Headlines followed: ``A Political Earthquake!'' ``THE PRAIRIES ON FIRE/FOR LINCOLN!'' The rally was described in superlatives. Five speakers' stands (other papers said ``six'') were filled simultaneously. Lincoln's arrival on the grounds occasioned a stampede for his carriage, whence he was lifted and carried above the crowd to one of the stands. After his brief remarks he escaped by stratagem on horseback while the expectant crowd massed around the carriage. The Cincinnati Gazette reporter admitted that ``Immense is the only word that describes to-day's demonstration. . . . The enthusiasm was beyond all bounds. . . . I never saw so dense and large a crowd. . . . Mr. Lincoln's bearing to-day, under such a tribute of personal popularity and admiration as I have never before seen paid to any human being, more and more convinces me of the real greatness of his character. . . . '' (Peoria Daily Transcript, August 13, 1860, copied from the Gazette.)