The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1866-06-26
Mr. LinCOln'S Entrance InfO
Washington.

w aShAHStOAs
While in washington city, early in de-
cember, 1864, the writer of this article
called on the President, with Isaac MAI
mold member of Congress from Chicago,
one of Mr. Lincoln's most trusted personal
friends. We fouEd him alone 10 the room
wherein the Cabiuct meetings are held
Tin the White House) whose windows
overlook the Potomac aud Washington
Monument. At the request Of the writer
the President related the circumstances
of his candestine journey between Phila-
delphia and Washington. The narrative
is here given substantially 10 his Own
words as follows:
81 arrived at Philadelphia on the 21st.
agreed to stop over night, and on the
following morning hoist the flag over
Independence Hall. In the evening there
was great crowd where | received my
friends at the Continental Hotel Mr.
Judd, warm personal friend from Chi
cago. sent for me to come TO his room. |
went aud found there Mr.. PiDkerton, a
skillful police detective, also from Chicago
who had been employed for some days iD
Baltimore, watching or searching for sus-
picious persons there. Pinkerton informed
me that a plan had been laid for my as
sassination, the exact time when | ex-
pect to 90 through Baltimore being pub-
lcly known. He was well informed as
to the pIau, but did not know that the
conspirators would have pluck enough to
execute it. He urged lie TO 80 right
through with him TO Washington that
night.
Il didn't Ike that l had made en-
SagemeOts to visit harrisburg, and 90
from there to Baltimore. aud | resolved
to do so. | could not believe there was
d plot to murder me. | made arrange
ments, however, with Mr. judd for nv
return to Philadelphia the next night if |
should be convinced that there was danger
in going through Baltimore. I told him
that if should meet at Harrisburg, as |
had at other places, "a delegation to 90 with
me to the next place Chen Baltimore,) |
should feel safe, and 90 on.
"Wheu was making my way back to
my room, through crowds Of people met
Frederick Seward. We went together to
any room, when he told me that he had
been sent, at the instance Of his father
and General Scott to inform me that their
detectives, in Baltimore, had discovered a
plot there to assassinate me. They knew
nothing Of Pinkertou's movements | now
believed such plot 10 be in existence.
The next morning | raised the flag
over Independence Hall, and then went
10 Harrisburg with Mr.. Sumner, Major
Inow GeneraD Hunter, Mr. Judd, Mr..
Lamon and others. There / met the
Legislature and people, diaed, ard waited
until the time appointed for me to leave.
In the meantime Mr.. Judd had so secured
hetelegFaph that no communication could
pass to Baltimore and give the conspira-
tors knowledge of a change Of my plans
ala New York some friend had given
Ine a new beaver hat in a box, aud in it
had placed soft wool hat. | had this
box in my room. Having informed very
few friends of the secret of my pew move,
ment, and the cause,L put on an old over
coat had with me, and putting the soft
hat in nay pocket, | walked out of the
house at back door, bare headed without
exciting any special curiosity. Then l
put on the soft hat and joined my friends
without being recognized by strangers, for
J. was not the same man. Sumner and
Hunter wished 10 accompany me. | said
40, you are known, aud your presence
might be!ray Inc. | will only take Lamon
<uow marshal of this district,) whom no.
body knew, and Mr.. Judd. Sumner and
Hunter felt hurt.
"iFe went back TO philadelphia, and
found message there from Pinkerton
<who had returned to Baltimore, } that the
couspiratOrs had held their final meeting
shat eveuing,aDd it was doubtful whether
they had the nerve to attempt the execu-
tion of their purpose. Invent on however
as the arrangements had been made, in q
special train. We were a long time in the
station at Baltimore. | heard people
talking aronnd, but no one particularly
observed me. At an early hour on satur,
day morning, at about the time l was ex-
Qected to leave Harrisburg, | arrived in
Washington"