, 1875-02-18
sonal knowledge which may interest

you. q
In the summer of 1864. duling the
darkest period Of the war, before the
denomination Of Mr.. Lincoln, there was
. serious effort made by many promi-
nent Republicans, to put him asi lie, and
to nominate another candidate for the
presidency. At dinner party given
; by Governor Yates, it was discussed
and the Governor himself. was inclined
to favor the project.
An immense mass meeting of the
citizens Of Illinois was held at Springs
field, shortly after; and the Governor
being called upon to make the first
speech, in mild and gentle words. but in
most unmistakable terms, broke this
matter to the dense mass of patriots
around him.
1t was the largest political meeting
ever held in Springfield. PROBABLY
more than twenty thousand men were
present. Was seated uI on the stand; !;
and had full view of the sea of earn.
est faces; and at the speakers.
The Governor was received with great
enthusiasm. But when he began to
broach the subject of laying aside Mr..
Lincoln as candidate, and Of substi-
tuting some other man, there was a
profound. and almost agonizing silerce.
They gave no cheer. and no appreciation.
Their respect for Governor Yates was
too great to allow them to give vent to
expressions of disapprobation; and, as
he was in such high position, they were
made to feel by his remarks, that, per-
haps, they might be called upon to
acquiesce in the sad necessity, much as
they loved and honored Mr.. Lincoln.
Never shall 1 forget the sorrow seen in
every face, as Governor Yates closed
his address; and, never can l forget the
speech which followed it.
Senator Doohttle from Wisconsin
spoke next. sat near him during the
speech of the Governor; and, as l was
one of the party at the dinner, I watched
every movement and expression of his
countenance, as did rot 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 stepped
forward on the platform, slowly he be-
gan. in that deep earnest. penetrating,
and ar-reaching voice of his, which all
who have heard cannot forget.
Fellow Citizens:" said he. lifting
his hand and face towards Heaven. Il
beliere in God" Then pausing, looking
around upon his audience, he added. in
a tone which reached every ear and
thrilled every heart in that vast assem-
bl. "Under Him, Jeliere in A6rdhdn,
Liacoln."~ "
That was enough. Then ensued such
a scene as I have rever witnessed. The
agony was over. The hearts of 10000
men found utterance, in cheers, i'll sobs,
and tears. in grasring Of hands. em-
braces and salutations.
For some time, Mr.. Doolittle could
not 60 on. Never have l seen, and,
doubt if, in the whole history Of the
world, 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 fin
ished, Governor Yates at once took the
stand, and said he was satisfied the
people demanded the election of Mr..
Lincoln; and that he would do all in
his power to aid that result.
Although, after the war was over. /,
with most of the republican party, diff
fered with Senator Doolittle upon the
reconstruction measures, l have often
recalled his speech on shat occasion;
and have often repeated it to my friends.
Very respectfully yours. s-
e. L. WATERMAN,