The Portland daily press., 1862-09-25
Serenade to the President.
Remarks of Messrs. Lincoln, Chase and
Clay.
WASHINGTON, Sept. "a.

WASHINGTON, Sept. "a.
A large crowd assembled at the Executive
mansion tonight Oh the occasion of serenade
to President Lincoln. Having been cheered
and called for, he appeared at an upper win
dow, and spoke as follows:
Fellow-citizens-I appear before you to do
little more than acknowledge the courtesy you
pay me, and to thank you for it. have not
been distinctly informed why it is on this oc-
casion you appear to do me this honor, though
l suppose-inteTuptions- because of
the proclamation'-cries of 'good,' and ap-
plause). was about to say l suppose l un-
derstand it. (Laughter-Voice, That you
do; you thoroughly understand it.") What
did l did after very full deliberation and under
very heavy and solemn sense of responsible
ty. (Cries of Good, God bless you," and ap-
plause.) / can only trust in God. l have
made no mistake. (Cries "No mistake; all
right; you're made no mistake yet; go ahead
your right.) | shall make no attempt on
this occasion to sustain what have done or
said by any comment. Voices, "That's un-
necessary;" "We understand it.") 1t is now
for the country and world to pass judgment on
it, and may be to take action upon it. will
say no more upon this subject. In my posi-
ton l am environed with difficulties. A
voice, "That's so.h) Yet they are scarcely so
great as the difficulties of those who upon the
battlefield are endeavoring to purchase with
their blood and their lives the future happiness
ana prosperity OF this country. lApplause,
long continued.
Let us never forget that on the 14th and
18th days of this present month there have
been battles bravely, skillfully and successfully
iought. lAppause.) We do not yet know
the particulars. Let us be sure that IN giving
praise to particular individuals, we do no in
justice to others. l only ask you at the con-
ciusion OF these lew remarks to remember to
give three hearty cheers to all good and brave
oihcers' men VINO fought those successful
battles.
Cheer after cheer was given when the Pres
ident bade them good-nlggt and withdrew.
Inc procession then removed to the resi-.
aehce Oh secretary Chase. Alter beng cheered
ne appeared upon the steps. several voices
caiieu Ior gasnSnt, 10 which request ne SAD ne
was AFRAID all the light the assembly could
nave this evening would be the light reflected
,Ioli tne Srea, act OF tne PRESIDENT. toheers.)
ne Understood they lad Just pald Their respects
10 the Cmei Magistrate OF the Republic, and to
tnahk MN lor having lsueda proclamation
Which VIII hhd a response III the hearts OF the
American people,
no one, ne sad, can reloice more since we
rely III tne penel tnat the Judgement you nave
expressed VIII De the Judgement OF the entire
people OF the Y. ). (Cries of YES" and ap-
piause') am better accustomed to work than
70 10 speak n l loVe acts better than words
v oices- mat so; that you 90 you've
sho"h.j but n0lhlis mas gwen me more SIN
cere pleasure tnan 10 say amen TO tnls last
great ACT Oh the ohiei Magistrate. 10 the
amen lhere was a warm and spontaneous
response Dy the crowd.l Ii Is the dawn oil a
new era, ana although the act was performed
from an imperative sense oi duty, quaiiiied by
military emergency which gave nm power
10 perform II; II Is nevertheless, though bap-
USED III Diood, an act OF humanity and justice.
Latest generations VIII celebrate II. voice
Inc whoie word. Yes, salu secretary
ohaSe, the whoie world WIN pay honor TO the
man VINO executed Al: IL II were necessary TO
say another word, 1t is this: The tins has
come when all Jealousies and divisions, all per-
sohailslls ana aspirations should be banished,
SO that united we may all stand the integrity
oil the republic. Let him have the most of
our appreciation and applause. and confidence
VINO does the most, whether in the field or in
the cabinet, ior their country. Dismissing all
the past, let us look to the future, and hence
forth let there be no dissensions. Let US do