The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1861-03-01
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 special train for
Washington. AT 8 p. III. Friday night, incog-
nito, dispatches having been received requir-
ing his presence at the capital.
Reports are busily circulated that there
Was plot to assassinate him while passing
through Baltimore, but such stories are dis
credited. The more probable version is, that
an attempt was to be made to throw MIR Lin
coins special train off the track on the Balti-
more and Washington railroad.
The Baltimore committee visited Harris
burg, but did not have an interview with MIR
Lincoln.
Mr. Lincoln went via Philadelphia and
Baltimore, and reached Washington at 6 o.
clock Saturday morning. y great sensation
was caused by his arrival. 1t was unsuccess-
fully sought to conceal the fact, especially
from the press, the event being at first com
municated to a few personal friends in conf.
dence. He was met at the station by several
gentlemen of distinction, and without formal
ity Immediately proceeded to Wizards Ho-
tel. where rooms had been private, engaged
fer him. He was on Friday advised to come
without delay, and preparations were made
TO meet him at the station, and afterward the
mayor was to make a welcome address, but
the pro ram was spoiled. About 10 o'clock
MIR Lincoln and Mr. Seward paid their re-
spects to the president, spending about ten
minutes in general conversation.
MIR Lincoln gave his first reception at
Washington, to the members of the peace
conference, with John Tyler and Salmon Z.
Chase at their head, on Saturday evening"
A large number Of citizens and ladies were
presented to him, and MIR Buchanans cabinet
also paid their respects. Democrats as well
as republicans are reported to be pleased
with the president elect Hi, first day at
Washington was decided success.
Mr. Lincoln, in company with Mr. Seward,
attended St Johns Episcopal church on Sur
day.
The family of MIR Lincoln, and the men,
bers Of his travelling party, left Harrisburg
Saturday morning. and arrived at the capital
in the evening. Mrs Lincoln excused her
self from her husbands levee, by the plea of
fatigue from the days travel.
The 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 General Scott, the country has been spared
the lasting disgrace, which would have been
fastened indelibly upon it had Mr. Lincoln
been murdered upon his journey thither, as
he would have been had he followed the pro.
gram as announced in the papers, and gone
by the Northern central railroad to Balti-
more.
On Thursday night after he had retired,
Mr. Lincoln Was aroused and informed that
stranger desired to see him on a matter of
life or death. He declined to admit him un-
less he gave his name which he at once did.
Such prestige did his name carry that while
Mr. Lincoln was yet disrobeG he granted an
interview to the caller. A prolonged con-
versation elected the fact that an organized
body Of men had determined that Mr. Lin
coin should not be inaugurated, and that he
should never leave the city Of Baltimore a.
live, if, indeed, he ever entered it. The list
of the names of the conspirators presented
most astonishing array Of persons high in
southern confidence, and some whose fame is
not to this country alone. Statesmen laid
the plan, bankers endorsed it, and adventu-
rers were to carry it into effect. AS they I'M