The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-14
The Days of 1861.
Ben. PerIey Poore. ]

Ben. Perley Poore
The unexpected arrival of Mr. LincoIi
before his inauguration, at Willard
hotel. early in the morning, created
qnite a sensation when it became known
at Washington. 1t was not true, as wa
asserted, that he came in disguise, al
though he wore a travelling cap and
shawl, which had been loaned him, and
which changed his appearance.
Mr. Lincoln felt confident that an at
tempt was to have been made to assas-
sinate him as he passed through Balti-
more. Among other statements which
confirmed him in this opinion was one
! by hr. Grittenden, of Vermont, after
wards register Of the treasury. Mr..
Critten1en was a delegate from the
State Of Vermont to the peace confer
month of February, 1860, upon the in
gitation of the Governor of Virginia
In that convention he happened to form
the acquaintance of James b. Clay, of
Kentucky, William A. Seddon. Of Vir.
ginia, Governor MDrehead, of Kentucky
and others. His seat was near those
gentlemen. One morning, while sitting
chatting with them before the conven-
tion met, a servant from the adjacent
hotel entered and handed a card to Mr.
Seddon, who sat near Mr.. Crittenden
He did not know what was on the card,
but 1t WIS passed around from one to
the other in such manner that be
could net help but see what was written
on it. On the card was written these
words 'Lincoln is in Washington"
He never saw such confusion made by
small piece of card before They looked
a each other with amazement. At last
Waldo P. johnson, afterward a senator
from Missouri, who could control him
self no longer, exclaimed, with vehem-
enee, How in the devil did he get
through Raltimore?' 4 few hours later
the presidcnt-elect wds asked il he would |
receive the members of the peace con-
gress and he said that he would.
Mr.. Lincoln, who had returned to the |
hotel from call at the White House,
received the members of the peace con
gress, who had formed in procession in
the hall where they met, and moved to
the reception parlor of the hotel. Ex-
President Tyler and Governor Chase
led the van. The latter did the honors,
irst Introducing Mr. Tyler. Mr.. Lin
colin received him with all the respect
lue to his position. The several dele
gates were then presented by Governor
chase, in the usual manner. The great
,st curiosity was manifested to witness
his. Mr.. Lincoln's first reception in
Washington. The most noticeable thing
hat occurred was the manifestation by
Mr. Lincoln of a most wonderful
memory. It will be remembered that
he convention was composed of many
nen who, although distinguished in
heir time, bad until lately not been
'ery much known. Each member was
Introduced by his surname, but in nine +,
ases out of ten, Mr.. Lincoln would !
recall the entire name, no mat
er how many initials it contained. In
everal instances lie recited the histori- {
al "reminiscences of families. When the
all Gen. Doniphan of Missouri, was in |
reduced, Mr.. Lincoln had to lock up to |
atch Duniphan's eye He Immediately
inquired:
Is this Doniphan, who made that {
plcndid march across the plains and /
wept the swift Comanches before /
imp
II commanded the expedition across !
he plains, modestly responded the gen
raj {
Then you have come up TO the stan {
ard Of my expectation, rejoined Mr..
lincoln. !
When Mr.. Rivcs, Of Virginia, was in e
reduced, Mr.. Lincoln said: ~ always {
.d an idea that you were much taller s
1an." He received James b. Clay, son |
f the Kentucky statesman, with marked /
ttentio., saving to him: II was r
fiend If your father !" The interchange 4
18th Mr.. Rarringer, Of Nerth Carolina, a
tho was his colleague in Congress was
cry cordial. When Reverdy Johnson
'as presented, he expressed great re- 7
1icing, remarkiug to him:
Il bad to bid you goodbye just at c
ne time when our intimacy had rip a
ned to point for me to tell you my J
.ories."
The Southern commissioners freely 8
expressed their qualification at his affa-
iiity aad easy manner, and all Joined d
expressing agreeable disappointment t
his good looks in contrast to his pic
Tres. Nothing was said to any one in h
gard to the condition of the country (
r the national troubles. After the re- il
option of the peace congress was con- b
uded, large number of citizens were
Mr. Lincoln was then noti-
ell that the ante rooms and main sa Il
IONS of the hotel were filled with ladies, s
ho desired to pay their respects, to j,
hich the president-elect very promptly g
The ladies then passed in t
,view, each being introduced by the f
entlemen who accompanied her. Mr.. |,
lincoln underwent the new ordeal with y
luch good humOr. g