The farewell speech was one of Lincoln's most emotional. Lincoln understood that he might not make it back to Springfield, as his election had already caused multiple states to secede from the Union, and the American Civil War would soon begin. Lincoln feared assassination before he was even sworn in (such fears led to the uncovering of the alleged Baltimore Plot). Lincoln's farewell address was truly his last farewell to Springfield: he would never again be in the city alive due to his assassination. He would return to the city in a casket after a long memorial train ride for his funeral and burial.