Remarks at Lincoln, Illinois1Jump to section
FELLOW CITIZENS:---I thank you for this mark of your kindness toward me. I have been shut up in Springfield for the last few months, and therefore have been unable to greet you, as I was formerly in the habit of doing. I am passing on my way to Chicago, and am happy in doing so to be able to meet so many of my friends in Logan County, and if to do no more, to exchange2Jump to section with you the compliments of the season, and to thank you for the many kindnesses you have manifested toward me. I am not in the habit of making speeches now, and I would therefore ask to be excused from entering upon any discussion of the political topics of the day. I am glad to see so many happy faces, and to listen to so many pleasant expressions. Again thanking you for this honor, I will pass on my journey.
Annotation
[1] New York Tribune, November 23, 1860. Lincoln's party, including Mrs. Lincoln, Senator and Mrs. Trumbull, and Mr. and Mrs. Donn Piatt of Ohio, left Springfield on the morning train for Chicago. Three short speeches were made en route, at Lincoln, Bloomington, and Lexington.
[2] The New York Herald, November 22, reported this phrase as follows: `` . . . even if to do no more than exchange with you. . . . ''