The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1861-02-22
The Presidential Journey.


The frequent speechmaking. the ovations,
and general excitement attendant upon his
Journey to Washington, are severely testing
the physical endurance of Mr. Lincoln, and
when he reached Buffalo On Saturday he ad-
dressed the people with much difficulty, be-
ing so hoarse from his frequent efforts as to
be scarcely able to make himself heard. Out
door speaking at this season of the yea. in
wolves degree of exposure which few men
could bear, and it ought not to be exacted of
the president elect. If speeches must be
made. let some capacious hall be provided
when practicable where he can respond to the
congratulations of the people without the Sc
rious danger to his health consequent upon
talking uncovered. in the open air.
Among the incidents of his journey, the n.
y. Herald correspondent relates the follow
ing as having occurred at Erie:
AT North East station tlag inscribed
Fort Sumter was carried right UP to where
Mr. Lincoln stood, but he made no allusion to
it in his few remarks. AT the same station
Mr. Lincoln took occasion to state that dur
ing the campaign he had received letter
from young girl of this place, in which he
was kindly admonished to do certain things,
and among others to let his whiskers grow,
and that, as he had acted upon that piece OF
advice. he would now be glad to welcome his
fair correspondent, if she was in the crowd.
In response to the call lassie made her way
through the crowd, was helped to the plat
form and kissed by the president"
No: less than ten thousand people assem-
bed at the depot in Buffalo to greet MIR Lin
co.n Owing to the inetiiciency Of the po-
lice arrangements the presidential party were
seriously incommoded. The same correspon-
dent says of the reception at this point:
The reception in this place was the most
ill-conducted affair witnessed since the de-
departure from Springfield. A thick crowd
had been allowed to await the arrival of the
train in the depot SO that out narrow pas
sage could be kept open by the few soldiers
and policemen detailed to protect the prcsi-
dent. He had hardly left his car and, after
heartily shaking hands with Mr. Fillmore
made a few steps toward the door, when the
crowd made rush, and overpowering the
guard, pressed upon him and his party with a
perfec, Juror. a scene of the widest confu.
sion ensued To and fro the ruffians sxayed
sides. The pressure was SO great that it IL
really a wonder that many were not crushed
and trampled to DEATH AS it was, Major
Hunter, one of the presidents escort, alone
suffered bodily injury by having his arm
dislocated. The president elect was saiel!
got out of the depot only by the desperate
efforts of those Immediately around him.
His party had to struggle with might ant
main for their lives, and after fighting thei
way to the open air found some of the car
riages already occupied, so that not fe,
had to make for the hotel atoot as best the
could.
The hotel doors were likewise blockade
by immoyable thousands, and they had t
undergo another tremendous squeeze to &c
inside. The indignation of the presideEta
cortege at their rough treatment is great, All
they insist that MIR Lincoln should decline a
further public receptions, in case no bette
protection could be guaranteed. Althoug
somewhat exhausted, Mr. Lincoln is in goo
spirits. This evening he is holding leve
at the American Hotel"
The presidential train reached New Ior
city, Tuesday afternoon last. At Thirty-fir:
street depot, MIR Lincoln and his suite lie
the cars. Mrs Lincoln and children wei
driven in a carriage to the Astor House,
The president elect and suite, occupying eleve
carriages, then rode to the Astor House.
long their route the streets were packed Wi
people, but the party had no difficulty
making progress, owing to the excellent p
lice arrangements. 1t is estimated that
quarter Of million people turned out
witness the future president. Continue
cheering greeted the procession all the W
from the depot to the hotel. At the Asst
House an immense assemblage had gather
with hearty applause. The streets general
were decorated with flags; all the hotels e
cep,ing the New York hotel, and all t
newspaper offices excepting the Day-Boo
displayed the American flag. The shippi
in the harbor also hoisted bunting duril
the day, and the city generally presented
holiday appearance.
MIR Lincoln dined in private, receiving
calls until evening. The republican clu
of the city Their waited on MIN in the hall
the Aston House. Delaheld Smith adore
ed Mr. Lincoln in speech of welcome,
ludng to the fact that the hall had only be
occupied on three occasions for the receipt
of public men; once for Webster, once
CLAY. and now for Abraham Lincoln. I
President elect responded as follows
81 did not understand, when brought il
this room, that was to make speech.
was not intimated to me that was about
enter room where Webster and Clay
made speeches, and where, in my position
might be expected to do something like tn
men, or something unworthy of myself
NY audience Since the presidential elect
and until my present journey, have k
silence and avoided public speaking and
lie writing. Upon full consideration, b
thought it was the proper course for m,
hoy lent