The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-03-01
Mr.. Lincoln's Inauguration.

washington Letter.
Monday, March 4, 1861, broke bright, with
every indication of fair weather. Rumors Of con-
spiracy and violence filled the air. Secession
was openly talked. Fears were entertained for
Mr.. Lincoln's personal safety. General Scott
had for days been making cautionary arrange
ments. The American flag fioated from the City
Hall and the departments. Few citizens raised
the flag over their dwellings, places of busi-
ness. There was an oninous sullenness. How
much was meant no one could accurately say.
AT in the morning citizens began to assemble
IN the neighborhood of Wizards Hotel. where
Mr.. Lincoln was staying, and it was not long be-
fore Pennsylvania avenue and the adjacent
streets were packed. The buildings, for blocks
either way, wherever stand or foothold could
be gained were crammed with human beings.
At an early hour the military had begun to move.
The drum and fife were heard in many direc-
lions. Troops were marching and counter
marching. and predictions of bloodshed were
freely INDUCED in. At the Capitol the pecEe Of
all conditions and classes began to gather, and
before the day had far advanced vast crowd
were already in waiting. Mr.. Lincoln had risen
early and members of his Cabinet and others
were with him. At the Capitol, in the Senate,
Crittenden, Wade, Douglas Wigfall and Trum-
bull were keeping up rafting debate. The
session had extended over twelve hours About
o'clock the procession began to form. b. g.
French was the grand marshal, assisted by
many aids. At ii the procession began to move,
passing through Louisiana to Pennsylvania
avenue. The military formed on all sides at
Wizards
Mr.. Buchanan, who had been kept busy sign
ing bills at the White House. appeared at the
hotel at 1l:30. At 1890 Mr. Lincoln and Mr..
Buchanan came out of the hotel and took seats
in carriage, the public cheering and bands
playing Hail Columbia. Senators Baker and
Pearce also took seats in the carriage with Mr..
Lincoln and Mr. Buchanan The latter looked
grave and hardly spoke. Mr.. Lincoln was calm
&c ~~oA H. "a "
were in the procession. The delegates from
abroad, although large numbers were in the city,
numbered not over 100 or 800. New England
sent 150, New York 500 The entire South was
represented by not moro than IS persons From
the Northwest the numbers were few. Penn
sylvania avenue was almost ankle deep with
dust. rendering marching very difficult and un-
comfortable
The military arrangements showed the appre-
tensions of a murderous plot against Mr.. Lin
coin. His carriage was SO closely surrounded on
all sides as to hide it from view. shot could
not possibly have been aimed at him. so closely ,
was he envroned by the military. The guards
Of honor were selected from the most efficient }
companies of the regulars and marines Pla-f
toons of soldiers were stationed every hundred
yards along Pennsylvania avenue. Several
companies were held in reserve at the armories,
to be dispatched to any point in case of an out
break Mounted orderlies were placed at every
street corner to convey information speedily to
General Scott. who remained all day at head
quarters. Rihemen were placed on the roofs OF
the houses along and adjacent to the avenue to
watch for dangerous persons. The procession
moved slowly through the avenue, with little of
the manifestations on previous occasions of the
kind. Everything was done as if in the presence
of danger and as though calamity was impend-
ing.
Masses of people poured toward the Capitol.
Thousands had already waited there from three
to five hours for the doors to open The major
ity were Northern men There were few
generally stood aloof. AT five minutes to II
Hannibal Hamlin, Vice. resident-elect, entered
the Senate chamber. The judges of the Supreme
Court, headed by the venerable Chief-justice
fancy, entered soon after The diplomatic
tors were all present The galleries wore
crowded. The President and the President
elect were soon after ushered into the CAPT
toll. Mr.. Lincoln looked pale and solemn.
The procession from the Senate had taken their
places Mr. Lincoln stood forward in sight OF
the multitude and was cheered Laying down
his manuscript and adjusting his spectacles, IN
a voice that caused him to be heard to tho
furthest bounds of the multitude he read his
inaugural address. When he had concluded he
turned to Chief Justice fancy and took the oath
of Office and as soon as practicable after went
to the White House.
Throughout the day and that night the mill
tary patrolled the streets. Active watch was
kept up at all points. A number OF persons,
for uttering secession sentiments, were taken
away The same night number of army Off
GERS passed over the Long bridge to take part in
the rebellion, which was near at hand
Andrew Johnson's Shame.
Washington Letter to Cleveland Leader.
Perhaps the most diss-aceful scene in our his
tory as Republic was the day Of Lincolns see.