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

February 19, 1861

I cannot expect to make myself heard by any considerable number of you, my friends, but I appear here rather for the purpose of seeing you and being seen by you. (Laughter.) I do not believe that you extend this welcome---one of the finest I have ever received---to the individual man who now addresses you but rather to the person who represents for the time being the majesty of the constitution and the government. (Cheers.) I suppose that here, as everywhere, you meet me without distinction of party, but as the people. (Cries of ``yes,'' ``yes.'') It is with your aid, as the people, that I think we shall be able to preserve---not the country, for the country will preserve itself, (cheers), but the institutions of the country---(great cheering); those institutions which have made us free, intelligent and happy---the most free, the most intelligent and the happiest people on the globe. (Tremendous applause.) I see that some, at least, of you are of those who believe that an election being decided against them is no reason why they should sink the ship. (``Hurrah.'') I believe with you, I believe in sticking to it, and carrying it through; and, if defeated at one election, I believe in taking the chances next time. (Great laughter and applause.) I do not think that they have chosen the best man to conduct our affairs, now---I am sure they did not---(here the speaker was interrupted by noise and confusion in another part of the crowd)---but acting honestly and sincerely, and with your aid, I think we shall be able to get through the storm. (Here Mr. Sloan caught hold of Mr. Lincoln's arm and pulled him around to see the locomotives---the Union and Constitution---which passed gaily dressed with flags. Turning hastily, Mr. Lincoln continued)---In

addition to what I have said, I have only to bid you farewell. (Cheers and a salute, amid which the train moved on.)