The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-02-05
How Mr. Lincoln Entered Wash
lngton.

there has been much Misrepresentation
Misrepresentation which could only be
cleared up by Mr. Washburne, and
which now, for the first time, is fully
cleared up. 1t was at first arranged by
the Republican managers, who, in 1861,
were concerned in the entrance of the
President-elec to the capital, and who,
with many other good citizens, feared
he would be molested if not assassinat-
ed upon his way, that Mr.. Lincoln should
leave Philadelphia on an ordinary day
train and arrive at Washington in the
afternoon, where he was to be received
by Mr. Washburn and Senator Seward.
In accordance with the same arrange
ment all the telegraph wires between
Washington and New York were cut,
and hence no Geographic communica-
ton could be had.
At the time appointed the two gen
tlemen mentioned were at the depot, but
much to their establishment, Mir. Lin
coin was not on train the which arrived.
With the utmost anxiety they scruti-
nized the face Of each man as he passed,
and when the last one had left the de-
pot, with great alarm Seward turned to
Washburne and said:
"My God, he has not come What
can have happenedF
To which Mr.. Washburne reassuringly
replied:
81 can't imagine, but let us hope for
the best. 1t is probable that he will be
in on the morning train
evil you come down with me and
meet him y asked Seward.
eyes, of course, answered Mr.. Wash
burne, and shortly afterward the two
gentlemen parted.
Meanwhile the President elect was in
Harrisburg, and attended reception
which was given to him in that city.
In the course of the evening, at about
10 o'clock, while the festivities were at
their hight, he slipped quietly away, and
in close carriage was conveyed to a
special train in waiting for him. On
this train he was taken to Philadelphia,
there making connection with the or
binary night train between New York
and Washington. He boarded that train
with two companions, Allan Pinkerton,
the detective, and Ward H. Lamon.
With these gentlemen, on the ordinary
train. he proceeded on his way.
On the following morning, in the gray,
cold dawn, Washburne, faithful to his
promise, was at the old Baltimore and
Ohio depot. He looked anxiously about
for Seward, but Seward had not arrived.
Fearing much, yet still hoping. he
walked restlessly up and down the plat
form. Still Seward did not come. At
length the train came in sight, rolled
into the depot, and came to q stand
still. One by one the passengers be
gan to alight. In almost an
agony of suspense, Mr.. Washburne
looked closely at each mans face, looked
only to be disappointed, for the face was
not of the Republican President elect.
At last, when he had almost relinquished
hope, he saw, from his position behind
one of the pillars of the station, three
men descend from the sleeping car.
One of them, tall and ungainly, he at
once recognized as Lincoln. The Presi-
dent was not clad in Scotch cap and
short cloak, as has been described by a
number of writer's, and as is popularity
believed He wore q black slouched
hat, short overcoat, and his neck was
muffled in what was known as a wooden
comforter. AS he came down the plat
form, Mr.. Washburne hastily advanced
from behind the pillar, and extending
his hand, said "Lincoln, l am glad
you have got here safely"
As he did SO, Llncoln's companions
rushed forward, as if fearing an assault,
but the President, waving them back,
said reassuringly, and with his own Pc
culiar drawl, "Now, never mind this
is all right; it is only my friend Wash
burne."
Then, without further ceremony, the
four gentlemen took carriage which
Mr.. Washburne had in waiting, and
rode to Wizards Hotel. So it was
that Abraham Lincoln entered Wash
ington for the first time after his election
to the Presidency.-New York Times.