The Hancock Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Ohio) 1857-1870, 1861-03-01

struggled for. am exceedingly
anxious that that thing which they
then struggled for; that something
even more than national independ'
ence; that something which held out
great promise to all people Of the
world in all time TO come--.I an
exceedingly anxious thaTthis Union,
the Constitution and liberties of the
people shall be perpetuated in ac-
cordance with the original idea for
which that struggle was made, and
shall be most happy indeed il |
shall be an humble instrument in the
hands Of the Almighty, and of this,
His almost chosen people, as a
chosen instrument also in the hands
OF the Almighty, for perpetuating
the object of that great struggle
You give me this reception as | m
derstand, without distinction of par
ty. | learn this body is composed
OF majority Of gentlemen, who, in
the exercise OF their best Judgment,
in the choice OF a Chief Magistrate,
did not think ! was the man. un-
derstand, nevertheless, that they
came forward here to greet me as
the constitutional President OF the
United States, as citizens OF the Unit
ed States, 10 meet the man who Tor
the time being is the representative
man OF the nation, united by a pur.
pose to perpetuate the Union and
liberties of the people. As such, ]
accept this reception more gratefully
than | conld do, did | believe it was
rendered me as an individual"
The speech was followed by hearty
applause.
Mr.. Lincoln was then conducted
to the Assembly Chamber. The
Speaker addressed him appropriate.
ly. Mr.. Lincoln replied:
Mr.. SPEAKER AND GENTLEMEN: i
have jnSt enjoyed the honor Of u
reception by the other branch Of this
Legislature. / return to you and
them my thanks for the reception
which the people OF New Jersey have
given me through their chosen Re.
presentatives. As for the time being
the representative of the majority OF
the people of the United States, |
appropriate to myself very little OF
the demonstrations OF respect with
which | have been greeted. | think
little should be given to any man,
but that it should be a manifestation
of adherence to the Union and Con.
stitution. ! understand myself to ba
received here by the Representatives
OF the people OF New Jersey, a ma
j rity OF whom differ in opinion from
those with whom have acted. -
This manifestation is, therefore, to
be regarded by me as expressing
their devotion to the Union. the
Constitution, aai the lihur,,,; ul the
people. You. Mr. Speaker, have
well said that this ia time when the
grtvest and wisest look with doubt
and awe upon the aspect presented
by our national affairs. Under these
Circumstances. You will readily see
why should not speak in detail OF
the course ! shall deem it best to
pursue.
at is proper should avail myself
If all the information aud all the
time at my command, in order that
when the time arrives in wlich |
must speak officially. | shall be able
to take the ground which shall deem
the best and safest, and from which
| shall have no occasion TO swcrvc.
| shall cndeavor 10 take the ground
deem moet ust to the North, the
South. the East, the West, and the
whole country. Take it, hope, in
good temper, certainly with no NAL
ice towards any section. shall do
all that may be in my power 10
promote a peaceful settlement of all
our difficulties.
"The man does not live who is
more devoted to peace than am -
lCheers. None who would do more
to preserve it, but il may he neces
sary to put the foot down firmly
(Here the audience broke into cheers
so loud and long that for some mo-
ments it was impossible to hear Mr.
Lincoln's voice) And If | DO my
duty and do rigat, YOU will sustain
me, will you notl Loud cheers and
cries OF "yes," ''yes, we will,"l -
Received, as | am, by members OF q
!. Legislature, the majority OF whom
do not agree with me in politica
sentiments, | trust that may hav,
/ their assistance in plotting the shiI
OF state through this voyage, sur
{ rounded by perils as it is; for if i
should suffer from the attack now
! there will be no pilot ever needed fOI
: another voyage.
/ Gentlemen, | have already spokcr
l longer than | intended, and must be!
t leave to stop here"
' The procession moved to the Tren
: ton House, where Mr.. Lincoln spok,
/, briefly to the crowd outside.
! A splendid COLLATION. was givon
8 The train left at half-past two 70
q Philadelphia, in charge OF tho Com
: mittee from that city. 1t is though
there were twenty thousand person
!, present.
o PHILADELPHIA, 10 80 p. NTH
b train, with Nj. Lincoln and suite
8 arrived at Kensington at four o'clock
'f They were escorted in carriages, MI
n Lincoln's barouche being conspicu
Q Gus by the gay plumage Of four whit
3 horses. The procession consisted {
's mounted Police, cavalcade of cit