Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1875-03-05
Rom mise ences of tho War Of the Re-
bellion.
Ell. Waterman. Ottawa. LII.

In the summer OF 1864, during the
darkest period Of the war, before the
denomination Of Mr.. Lincoln, there
was serious effort made by many
prominent Republicans to put him
aside, and to nominate another candi.
date for the presidency. AT dinner
party gwen by Governor Yates, it
was discussed, and the Governor him
self was inclined TO- favor the pro-
!ject.
An immense mass-meeting Of the
citizens Of Illinois was held at Spring
field shortly after, and the Governor
being called upon to make the first
speech, in mild and gentle words,
but i'll most unmistakable terms,
broke this matter to the dense mass
Of patriots around him.
1t was the largest political meeting
ever held III Springfield. Probably
more than 10000 mep were present.
was seated upon the stand, and had
IA full view Of tie sea Of earnest faces,
and of the speakers.
The Governor was received with
great enthusiasm. But when he be-
gan to broach the subject Of laying
aside Mr.. Lincoln as candidate. and
substituting some other man, there
was profound and almost agonizing
silence. They gave no cheer and no
expression OF appreciation. Their
respect for Governor Yates was too
great to allow them to give vent to
expressions of Interpretations; and,
as he was in such high position, they
were made to feel by his remarks,
that, perhaps, they might be called
upon to acquiesce in the sad neces-
sity, much as they loved and honored
Mr.. Lincoln. Never shall | forget
the sorrow seen in every face, as
Governor Yates closed his address;
and never can | forget the speech
which followed.
Senator Doolittle. from Wisconsin,
spoke next. sat near him during
the speech of the Governor; and as
was one OF the party at the dinner, l
watched every movement and ex-
preston of his countenance, as l did
not then know whether he joined IN
that movement and sympathized with
Governor Yates or not He looked
pale and nervous-his broad chest
heaving with deep emotion, and his
broad face beaming with intense
earnestness. AS he steppei forward
on the platform, slowly he began, in
that deep, penetrating and tar-reach-
ing voice of his, which all who have
heard cannot forget
"Fellow citizens" said he, lifting
his hand and face toward heaven. II
believe in God" Then pausing, look
ing around upon his audience, he
added, in a tone which reached every
ear and thrilled every heart in that
vast assembly, "Under Him l believe
i'll Abraham Lincoln"
That was enough. Then ensued
such Il scene as | have never wit
messed. The agony was over. The
hearts Of 10000 men found uttelance
i'll cheers, in sobs and tears, in grasp
ing of hands, embraces and saluta-
tions.
For some time Mr.. Doolittle could
not 60 on. Never have | seen, and I
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 in the same vein. When he
had finished, Governor Yates at once
took the stand, and said he was salts
fed the people demanded the election
of Mr.. Lincoln, and that he would do
all in his power to aid that result.