Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1865-03-18


woTn. M
Editorial Corresp ondence of the State Journal. 81
( WASHINGTON, March 4
Dear Journal This has been a proud day
for Abraham Lincoln, and for the United
States. Since the days of Old Hickory, no
man has been sufficiently strong with the
American people to receive reelection to
the highest position in their gift, until they
found in Abraham Lincoln, all that is noble
and manly, wise and honest, and with an en-
thusiasm and unanimity never before known
in the country, he was chosen for a second
term, and to-day witnessed his re-inaugura-
ton, in the presence of assembled thousands
and tens of thousands; and amid the huzzas
of grateful and admiring people.
1t is not my intention to give any extend
ed notice of the ceremony. This win reach
you from other sources, more ably done, than
/ could hope to do it, and my time is too
much occupied to do more than to give few
brief paragraphs.
For the past week, strangers have been
pouring into the city from all parts of the
country, until, for several days, it was impos-
sible to find place more eligible than the
soft side of plank upon which to sleep.
On Thursday morning the rain began to fall,
and continued through that day and the next,
rendering the streets muddy to fearful de-
gree. Saturday morning came, and with it
every indication of terrific storm. At five
o'clock the wind blew furiously, causing the
people to shudder, as if the rebels were upon
them At nine o'clock, while we were at
breakfast, darkness came upon us, as if in
total eclipse, rendering the lighting OF gas
necessary. All anticipations of pleasure dur
ing the day vanished. All hope Of witness
inc the Inauguration, except to such as could
I find place in the Senate Chamber, was at an
end. Tens of thousands who had come thou
sands of miles to behold the ceremony, felt
that they were doomed to a sad disappolnt-
ment, and gloom pervaded every locality.
At about 10 o'clock the clouds lighted up
little, and the masses were on their way to
the Capitol. The rain continued to drizzle
every few moments, but it had no terror for
the people. They were all striving to find
some spot where they could witness the in
augural ceremony. 1t mattered not whether
mud was one inch or twelve inches in depth;
or whether ladies were dressed in calico or
satin; regardless of all comfort, of all things,
except the one great event, they made their
way as fast as they could to some point as
near the stand as possible. Thus passed the
time till II o'clock. Once all the chairs from
the platform were removed, during shower,
indicating that the ceremony was to take
place within the Capitol The hopes of the
crowd again sunk. As the important time
approached, the chairs were returned TO their
place on the platform-all eyes frightened,
and were anxiously turned to the East front
of the Capitol.
The procession finally arrived. The doors
of the eastern front of the Capitol were thrown
open; the Chief Marshal appeared on the
platform; he was followed by the Judges OF
the Supreme Court, headed by the majestic
Chief Justice Chase, all wearing their full
silk robes The tall form of the President
appeared. At this very moment the sun came
out clear, shining brightly upon the scene
below, for the first time in three days The
clouds broke away at once, and the balance
of the day was as beautiful as was ever seen
here or elsewhere. He was hailed with shout
upon shout from tens of thousands OF threats.
The platform was soon filed with dignitarles
who had been within the Capitol, including
e go Tho oath nf office
was administered by the Chief Justice in an
impressive manner. The inaugural address was
then pronounced by the President, earnestly
and distinctly At its close, the huzzas OF
the multitude and the booming of cannon,
announced to the surrounding country that
Abraham Lincoln had been duly inaugurated
President of the United States for second
term of four years.
The spectacle was sublime, and the happi-
ness of the people was unbounded. The
prayer of the nation is, that the noble head
may live through his term, and that during
that time, peace may be restored, and all
portions of the country brought to rally under
the old flag, in harmony and prosperity.
we are no UelleNeI III OHlSno, OuS may W.
not look upon the weather preceding the in
auguration, and that which followed, as omi-
nous. For days heavy clouds hung over us,
md then the threatening storm as of tor
nado, then the elemeI Is gave way, and ali
was bright and glorious During the first
term of the President, clouds have hung over
country. At times fearful forebodings have
been witnessed, as of impending ruin. Now,
as the second term commences, all is hopeful
of peace and quiet The sun shines upon the
country, and every loyal heart beats high
with assurance of an early triumph of the
National forces over all of its enemies, and of
a speedy restoration of the Union in all of its
former unanimity and glory. God speed the
day.
Prior to the ceremonies above alluded
to, within the Senate Chamber, the Vice
President was inaugurated This ceremony
was witnessed BY all who could gain admit
lance to the room. 1t being so similar to
what every body has seen in the opening of
our State Senate, no description seems neces-
sary. Vice President Hamlin delivered a
brief and feeling speech on retiring, after
which he introduced Mr.. johnson, admins
tered to him the oath of Office, and the new