The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1861-02-27

other Republican clubs. Mr.. Lincoln did
not make his appearance, but Mr.. Hamlin,
being called out, made short speech.
Up to late hour in the evening, Mrs
Lincoln and Mr.. and Mrs. Hamlin received
their friends.
TRENTON, N. j., Feb. 21.-The special
train araived at IL o'clock. There was an
immense crowd at the Depot Mayor Mills
extended a welcome, and introduced Mr..
Lincoln to the members of the city govern
ment The party was taken in carriages to
the State House, under escort Of 100 horse.
men. Having been introduced to the Senate,
the President thereof, welcomed Mr.. Lincoln,
who replied
Mr.. President, and gentlemen of the SEN
ate of the State of New Jersey II am very
grateful to you for the honorable reception
of which have been the object. / cannot
but remember the place that New Jersey
holds in our early h;story-in the Revolu-
tionary struggles. Few Of the States among
the old Is had more of the battle fields OF
country within their limits than New Jersey.
May be pardoncd if upon this occasion
I mention that away back in my childhood,
the earliest days of my being able to read, |
got hold Of a small book, such aOne as few
of the younger members have ever seem
Weem's Life of Washington. l remember
that in all accounts there given of the battle.
fields, none fixed themselves upon my imag-
nation as the struggle here at Trenton
The crossing Of the river-the contest
with the Hessians-the great hardships en-
AZ hot all =
my memory more than any single revolu-
tionary event, and you all know, for you
have been boys, how all these early impress
sions last longer than any others.
J recollect thinking then, hoy even though
was, that there must have been something
more than common, that these men struggled
for. am exceedingly anxious that that
thing which they then struggled for that
somethidg even more than National indie
pendencc, that something that held out a
great promise to all people of the world, to
all time to come.
lam exceedingly anxious this Union, the
Constitution and liberties of the people shall
be perpetuated in accordance with the origi
nal idea for which that struggle was made,
| shall be most happy indeed, if shall be
an humble instrument in the hands of the
Almighty, and of this almost chosen instru.
mcnt in the hands of the Almighty, for per-
petuating the object of that great struggle.
You give me this reception, as | under
stand, without distinction of paaty. learn
this Loly is composed Of a majority CT gem
tleinen who, in the exercise of their best
judgment in the choice of 4 Chief Magistrate,
did not think was the man. understand.
nevertheless, they came forward here to greet
me as the Constitutional President of the
United States. ....
As citizens of the United States to meet
the man who for the time being, is the rep
resentative man of the nation, united by a
purpose to pcrpetuate the Union and liber.
ties of the people, ond as such accept this
did believe it was rendered me as an indi.
vidual.
The speech was followed by hearty ap.
plause. Mr.. Lincoln w2s then conducted to
the Assembly Chamber. The Speaker nd.
dressed him appropriately. Mr.. Lincoln re.
piled:
Mr.. Speaker and gentlemen: have Just
enjoyed the honor of reception by the 9th.
er branch of the Legislature. return you
and them my thanks for the reception whi,h
the people of New Jersey have given me
through their chosen representatives, as for
the time being the representative of the
majesty of the peopleof the United States,
appropriate to myselfv little of the de-
monstrations of respect with which | have
been greeted.
think little should be given to any man.
but it should be a manifestation of adher.
encc to the Union and Constitution. I un-
derstand myself to be received here by the
representatives Of the people OF New Jersey,
a majority Of whom differ in opinion from
those with whom have acted.
This manifestation is therefore to be re-
g,rded by me as expressing their devotion
t. the Union, the Constitution and the lib
critics of the people. You, Mr. Speaker,
have well said this is time when the gra-
vest and wisest look with doubt and awe
upon the aspect presented by our national
affairs.
Under these circumstances you will read
lily see why should not speak in detail of
the course l shall deem it best to pursue
1t is proper should avail myself of all the
,fCrmation and all the time at my command
in order that when the time arrives in which
| must speak, | shall be able to take the
ground which shall deem the best and
safest and from which shall have no oeca-
sion to swerve.
shall endeaver to take the ground /
deem the most just to the North, the South,
the East ard the West, and the whole coun-
try; take it hope, in good faith certainly
with no malice towards any section. shall
do all in my power to promote peaceful
settlement of all difficulties.
The man does not live who is more devo-
ted to peace than l am. Cheers None
who would do more to preserve it, but it
may be necessary to put the foot down
firmly, Here the audience brook into cheers
So loud and long that for some moments it
was impossible t. hear Mr.. Lincolns voice
and if | do my duty and do right, you will
sustain me, will you not. Loud cheers
and cries of yes, yes, we will.
Received as am by members of a Legis-
laturc, the majority of whom do not agree
with me in political sentiments, trust
may have their assistance in plotting the
ship of the State through this voyage. Sur
rounded by perils as it is, lift should suf-
fer from the attacks, now there will
be no pilot ev n needed for another voyage.
Gentlemen. have already spoken longer
than intended, and must beg leave to stop
h,re.
The procession moved to the Trenton
House, where Mr.. Lincoln spoke briefly to
the crowd outside. A splendid collatin was
gwen, and the train left at half-past for
Philadelph in charge Of the committee
from that City.
1t is thought there were 10000 people
present.