Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1861-02-28
MR.LINCOLN AT WASHINGTON

NIGHT JOURNEY FROM HARRISBURG. pa
The people of Harrisburg were astounded
Saturday morning, by an announcement that
Mr.. Lincoln had started in a special train fol
Washington, at P N Friday night, incognito
presence at the capital
Reports are busily circulated that there was 4
plot 70 assaSsinate him while passing through
Baltimore, but such stories are discredited The
more probable version is, that an attempt was IA
be made 70 throw Mr.. Lincoln S special train of
the track on the Baltimore and Washing ton
railroad.
The Baltimore committee visited Harrisburg
but did not have an interview with Mr. Lincoln
Mr.. Lincoln went via Philadelphia and Bal
timore, and reached Washington at 6 o'clock
Saturday morning. A great sensation was
caused by his arrival. 1t was unsuccessfully
sought 10 conceal the fact, especially from the
press, the event being at first communicated to
few personal friends in confidence He was
met at the station by several gentlemen of dis
tinction, and without formality Immediately pro.
ceeded 10 Wizards Hotel, where rooms had
been privately engaged for him. He was on
Friday advised to come without delay, and pre-
parations were made TO meet him at the station
and afterwards the mayor was 10 make a vel
come address, but the program was spoiled
About 10 O'Clock Mr.. Lincoln and Mr. Seward
paid their respects 10 the President, spending
about ten minutes IN general conversation.
Mr.. Lincoln gave his first reception at Wash
ington, TO the members of the reace conference
with John Tyler and Salmon =. Chase at their
head, on Saturday evening. A large number
OF citizens and ladies were presented TO him and
Mr.. Buchanans cabinet also paid their respects
Democrats as well as republicans are reported
to he pleased with the president elect His first
day at Washington was decided success
MIR. Lincoln, in company with Mr.. Seward
attended st. johns Episcopal church on Sun
day.
The family of Mr. Lincoln, and the member.
of his travelling party, left Harrisburg Saturday
morning, and arrived at the capital in the even
ing. Mrs. Lincoln excused herself from hel
husbands levee, by the plea OF fatigue from the
days travel.
Che following account of the motives for the
night journey to Washington is given by the
New York Times extra of Saturday -
" Abraham Lincoln, the President elect of the
United States, is safe in the capital of the nation
BY the admirable arrangement of Gen. Scoott
the country has been spared the lasting disgrace
which would have been fastened indelby upon
1t had MIR. Lincoln been murdered upon his
journey thither, as he would have been had he
followed the program announced in the pa.
pers, and gone by the Northern central railroad
to Baltimore.
" On Thursday night after he had retired Mr.
Lincoln was aroused and informed that stran
ger desired To see him on a matter of life OF
@--.'-. TX ueCiiuSu ~ aum uuIess ne
gave his name, which he at once did Such
prestige did the name carry that while Mr. Lin
coin was yet disrobed he granted an interview
to the caller. A prolonged conversation elicit
ell the fact that an organized body of men had
determined that Mr.. Lincoln should not be in.
augurated, and that he should never leave the
city OF Baltimore alive, if, indeed he ever inter
ed 1t. The list of the names of the conspirators
presented most astonishing array of persons
oil in 6 u.
lame IS not to this country alone. Statesmen
laid the plan, bankers endorsed it, and adventu.
rers were to carry it into effect. As they under
stood, MIR. Lincoln was to leave Harrisburg at
nine o'clock this morning by special train, and
the idea was if possible, to throw the cars from
the road at some point where they could rush
down steep embankment and destroy in a mo-
ment the lives of all on board. In case of the
failure of this project their plan was TO sur
round the carriage on the way from depot to de-
pot In Baltimore and assassnate him with dag
ger or pistol shot. So authentic was the source
from which the information was obtained, that
Mr.. Lincoln, after counselling with his friend
was compelled TO make arrangements which
would enable him to subvert the plans OF his en-.
emies. Mr.. Lincoln did not want to yield, and
Col. Sumner actually cried with indignation; but
Mrs. Lincoln, seconded by Mr. Judd and MIR.
Lincoln's original informant, insisted upon It,
and at O'Clock Mr.. Lincoln left on a special
train. He wore Scotch plaid cap and very
long military cloak, so that he was entirely I'M
recognizable. Accompanied by Superintendent
Lewis and one friend, he started, while all the
town, with the exception of Mrs. Lincoln, Col
Sumner, Mr.. Judd, and two reporters, who were
sworn to secrecy, supposed him to be asleep.
The telegraph wires were put beyond reach Of
any one who might desire to use them. At one
o'clock the fact was whispered from one 10 ano-
ther and it soon became the theme of most ex.
cited conversation. Many thought it a very in.
judicious move, while others regarded it as q
stroke Of great merit"