Annotation
[1] C. C. Haven, Annals of the City of Trenton (1866), p. 28. The presentation of the cane took place at the Sanitary Fair, Philadelphia, June 16. A copy of the presentation, incorrectly cataloged June 10, 1864, in the Lincoln Papers, is as follows: ``The loyal ladies of Trenton many of whom are descendants of those `Matrons and Maidens' who scattered flowers in the path of Washington when passing through the triumphal arch which her sons had erected in 1789 on the memorable spot where by the blessing of Providence that repulse was given to Cornwallis which reversed the gloomy fortunes of war for our National Independence, now have the pleasure to present for your acceptance a cane made from the same Arch, as a humble but heartfelt testimonial of that love confidence & respect which they in common with millions of their countrymen & countrywomen feel towards you.
``Approaching as you do so near the character & experiencing the trials and responsibilities of the venerated Father of our Country, most especially in unswerving fidelity to free principles & the discharge of all the duties with which you have been invested by a confiding people, we trust that you may find in the staff now presented you, as an `heir loom' of the old Arch where the `gratulating song' was sung by the patriotic young ladies of Trenton, similar gratification as that which was felt by Washington.'' (DLC-RTL).