The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1875-02-04
LANES II. HOOLKITLE.
An Interesting Reminiscence Of the
War-Gov. Yates. Of Illinois, and
Nisconsan's EIOQuens Ex.Sena.
tor On LincOln's withdrawal

OTTAWA, Ill, Jan. %, 1875. Maj
Truman q. Wright; Dear Sir:-SInce
our conyerSatlon upon the train, the other
day, on the way to Chicago, about your
feilow-cltizen of Racine, the Hon. j Il.
DoolIGtle, | have recalled an incident in
his public life, which came under nv per-
sonsl knowledge v ich may interest you
In the summer of 1864, during the dark
est period of the war, before the renomina-
ton OF Mr.. Lincoln, there was q serious
effort made by many prominent republicans,
to put him aside, aod to nominate another
candidate tor the presidency. At dinner
patty given by Governor Yates, it was dis
cussed, aud the Governor himself, was In
clined to favor the project
An immense mass meeting Of the citizens
OF Illinois Was held at Springfield, shortly
after; and the Governor being called upon
to make the FIRST speech, in mild aud gentle
words, but in most uEmistakable terms,
broke this matter 10 the dense mass Of pat
riots around him.
IL Was the largest political meeting ever
helc in Springfield. Probably more than
twenty thousand men were present. Twas
seated upon the stand. and had full view
OF the sea vi earnest faces, and of the
speakers.
The Governor was received with great
enthusiasm. But when he began to breach
the subject of laying aside Mr.. Lincoln as
candidate, and OF substituting some other
man, there was profound, and almost ago
nIzlng silence. They gave no cheer, aud
no expression OF appreciation. Their re-
spect for Governor Yates was too great to
allow them To give vent to expressions of
Interpretation; and, as he was in such
high position, they were made to feel by
his remarks, that, perhaps, they might be
called upon to acqulesce IN the sad necessi-
ty, much as they loved and honored Mr..
Lincoln. Never shall forget the sorrow
seen in every face, as Governor Yates closed
his address; anu, never can l forget the
speech which followed It,
Senator Doolittle from Wisconsin spoke
next. sat near him during tn. speech of
the Governor; and, as | was one of the
party at dinner, | watched every movement
and expression Of his countenance, as did
not then know whether he Joined in that
movement and sympathized with Governor
Yates OF not. He looked pale and nervous.
His broad chest heayed with deep emo ton,
and his broad face beamed with intense
earnestness. As he stepped forward, on the
| platform, slowly he began, in that deep
earnest, penetrating, and far reaching voice
of his, which all who have beard cannot for
get.
Fellow Citizens:' said he, lifting his
hands and face toward Heaven. 81 6eiiece
IN God.' Then pausing, looking around
| upon his audience. he added, in tone which
reached every ear and thrilled every heart in
that vast assembly, "Uader Him, be-
| iteUe M A6raA1m Lincoln"
! That was enough. Then ensued such q
scene as / never witnessed. The agony
was over. Tie hearts of 20, 600 men found
utterance, in cheers, in sobs aad tears, In
| tIons-
For some time, Mr.. Doolittle could not 90
on. Never have seen, and, doubt if, in
the whole history of the world, a speech of
eleven words ever produced greater effect.
He went on, at length, and spoke for an
| hour and half i'll the same vein. When
he finished, Governor Yates at once took
| the stand, and SAID, he was satisfied the
people demanded the election of Mr.. Lin
coin; and that he would 20 all in his power
| to aid that result.
! Although, alter the war was over, /,
with most of tie republican party, differ
ed with Senator DOolittle upon the the re-
construction measures, i have often recall
! ed his speech on that occasion, and have
4 often repeated it to my friends. Very
/ Respectfully Yours,
Z. L. WATERMAN.