Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-03-06
THE CHANGE IN NIB. LINcoLN's ROUTE.
From the y Y Tribune of Feb 27.

FROM the II. I. tribune, OF teD IL
We lay before our readers statement of the
facts which are said to have led. to the altera-
tion OF the programme Of Mr. Lincoln's jour
ney to Washington. Though not strictly con-
nected with the subject in hand |, it may be sta
ted that the original route, as planned by Gen.
Scott, was for Mr.. Lincoln to come by way of
Pittsburgh, thence on by the Pennsylvania
Central through Harrisburg to Philadelphia,
and thence to Washington, on the very train
which he finally took. 1t is not necessary to
go into the reasons why another programme
was adopted. The matter of Mr.. Lincoln's
personal safety, however, was one that was
never lost sight of; in fact, precautions look
ing to this were taken everywhere.
The facts, as given by Superintendent Ken
nedy, are substantially as follows: The police
authorities of Baltimore had come to the con-
clusion that there would be little demonStra-
tion of any kind during Mr.. Lincoln's passage
through the city. Indeed, so firmly had they
become convinced CT this, and that there would
be no riotous proceedings, that they had de-
termined to employ force of only twenty men
for the special duty of attending to the route
Of the Presidential cortege through Baltimore.
The reason alleged for this course was that
they wished to demonstrate to the country
and to the world the law and order character
of the city. This coming to the ears of Gen.
Scott, he at once declared that one of two
things must be done either military escort
must be provided for Mr.. Lincoln at Baltimore,
or there must be coup de main by which he
should be brought through the city unknown
TO the populace. Under the circumstances, it
was thought that the employment of a militia
~ escort might create undue excitement, and
the cause of its being brought into requisition
misinterpreted. The alternative OF employing
stratagem was therefore determined upon. A
meSsenger-a civilian, and not military man.
carrying three or four letters from men high
md
therefore Immediately dispatched to Philadel-
phia. He ha[kan interview, and delivered his
letters sometime toward midnight of Thurs
day. 1t is not known that the fact was COM
muncated to any other person than Mr.. Lin
coin on that night. MIR. Lincoln, therefore,
was apprised of the deviation from the pub.
lished plan of his journey before he left Phil
adelphia. The messenger then went on to
make arrangements for the special train which
conveyed Mr.. Lincoln from Harrisburg the
next morning.
Superintendent Kennedy, who bad accom-
panied the President in the special train from
this city, took his leave on Thursday evening,
about O'Clock. After calling a few friends
he took the ii p. m. train and returned to
New York. The next morning, on going to
his office, he found several letters reciting the
fact of the inadequacy of the police force or
dereq out for the reception at Baltimore. He
determined to proceed thither, to induce, if
possible, change in the arrangements. 1t SO
happened that he went on from Philadelphia
in the very train which conveyed Mr.. Lincoln,
although he was not aware of 1t at the time.
Arrived at Baltimore, he went to the Police
Headquarters, on Holiday street, and learned
that, yielding to the pressure of public opin-
ion, the police authorities had determined to
have out the whole force, though they still
believed that twenty men would be ail-suffi-
cient. Nobody is going TO turn OUT said
they s'nobody will take any interest in the
thing" Mr.. Kennedy told them they would
find the people of Baltimore very much inter
ested, and that the full force would be needed
he had found it very convenient in New ork,
and they would find it more necessary there.
At 10 O'Clock dispatch received from
J Ohm S. Giddings, Railroad Superintendent,
stating that Mr.. Lincoln had gone to Washing
ton. This was posted up on the newspaper
bulletins; but the people pronounced it
hoax, and designed to lessen the turnout.
Another dispatch was shown, but this time
from one of the Committee at Harrisburg, sta
ting that Mr.. Lincoln was there, and would
start at 9 O'Clock for Baltimore. Other dis
patches came, but was believed but
this. One came from Washington stating that
Mr.. Lincoln had arrived. But this was dis
credited, and looked upon as plan to dimin-
ish the crowd, which was one of the largest
er assembled in the Monumental City. Frank
lin street, Center street, North street, and in
the neighborhood of Battle Monument was one
dense mass of human beings. Mr.. LINCOLN
never received any invitation to visit Balti-
more. The Committees from that city all ar
rived in Harrisburg after Mr.. Lincoln had de-
parted. 1t should be said that no disguise Of
any sort pas adopted By Mr.. Lincoln, all reports
to that effect being entirely false.
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