February 11 1861 Farewell Address

### About this speech Abraham Lincoln February 11, 1861 Source National Archives A brief farewell to friends and well wishers as Lincoln departs Springfield, Illinois on his journey to Washington D.C. [Presidential Speeches](/the-presidency/presidential-speeches) | Abraham Lincoln Presidency ## February 11, 1861: Farewell Address ### Transcript My friends---No one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe every thing. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of that Divine Being, who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him, who can go with me, and remain with you and be every where for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell. Previous [February 27, 1860: Cooper Union Address](/the-presidency/presidential-speeches/february-27-1860-cooper-union-address) Next [March 4, 1861: First Inaugural Address](/the-presidency/presidential-speeches/march-4-1861-first-inaugural-address) ### More Abraham Lincoln speeches [View all Abraham Lincoln speeches](/the-presidency/presidential-
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