The National tribune., 1900-03-15
FAREWELL VISIT TO HIS MOTHER.


Early in February. Mr. Lincoln made a
parting visit 10 his relatives in Coles County,
TO whom. in this hour of grave trial. his
heart turned with fresh yearning. He
spent n night at Charleston, where his
cousin, Dennis Hanks. and Mrs. Col. Chap
man, daughter of Dennis. resided. The
people crowded by hundreds to see him; and
he was Sereladed by 'bot,l the string and
brass bands of the town. hut declined max
ing speech" The following morning.
he passed on to Pennington. 10 the homo of
his Stepmother, who was living with her
daughter. Mrs. Moore. Mr.. Lamon re
lates that "the meeting between him and the
old lady was of most affectionate and
tender character. She fondled him as her
own Abe and he her as his own mother.
1t was soon arranged that she should re-
turn with him to Charleston, so that they
might enjoy by the way the unrestricted
and uninterrupted intercourse which they
both desired above all things, but which
they were not likely TO have where the
people could get at him. Then Mr.. Lin
coin and Col. Chapman drove to the house
of John Hall, who lived on the old Lincoln
farm whore Abe spill the celebrated rails
and fenced in the little clearing in 1890.
Thence they went TO the spot where old Tom
Lincoln Was buried. The grave WAS uIl-
marked and utterly neglected Mr.. Lin
coin said he wanted to have it incloscd.
and IL suitable tombstone erected He
told Col. Chapman 10 go to Il marblc-deai"r.
ascertain tie cost of the work proposed. and
write him in full. He would thcn send
Dennis Hanks the money and inscription
for tn" stone, and Dennis would DO the rest.
I'VE then returned SAYS Col. Chapman.
"to Pennington. whore We found Il large
crowd OF enthusiastically all old acnuaint-
an"CS waiting to sec him. His reception
| was very enthusiastic, and appeared to
CRAFTY him very much. After taking din
I ner at his step-sistcr's (Mrs. Moorc's). hc
returned to Charleston. his stepmothcr
| coming with us. Our conversation during
| the trip was mostly concerning family
affairs. Mr.. Lincoln spoke to me on the
| way down TO Pennington Of his stcpmothcr
| in the most affectionatc manner; said she
| had i,ccI his best friend in the world. end
! that no son could love n mother more than
| lie loved her. He also told me of the cor
dtion Of lis fathers family at the time he
married his stcpmOthcr, and of the change
| she mad" in the family, and Of the cucojir-
ag"m"tt he (Abc) received from her.
| He spok" of his father. and related some
amusing incidents of the old NAN; Of tho
bulldogs biting the old man on his return
| from NyF: Orleans; of the old mans escape
| by his uua." Mordccai. He spoke OF his
uncl" MorG"c;!i rs being a man Of very
| great natural gifts, and spoke of his step
| brothtr. john johnson. who had died &
| short TIN" previous. ~ the most ailection
ate ElatI"r. Arriving at Charleston OF
our return from Pennington, We procecGcC
| to mv residence. Again TIE house was
crowded by persons wishing 10 see him
| Tho crowd finally became so great that he
| ant tOriZcd me 10 announce shat he would
| hold u pahlic reception at the Town Hal
! HAT evening ut o'clock; but that, uni:
! incn. he wished 10 be lcft with relations ant
! friends. After supper he projected to thC
I.H l.
| town and surrounding country. irrespective
of party. called 10 see him. Re left thi!
! piacn Wednesday morning at 4 o'clock, +
rciurn TO Springfield. Mr.. Lin
cola appeared to enjoy his visit here remark
ably well. His reception by his old &C
quai1tancns appeared To be very gratifying
! 20 him. They all appeared so glad TO se
| him. irrespective Of party, and all appeared
so anxious that his Administration nigh
bc Il success. and that he might have /;
| pleasant and honorable career as Presi
dent"
/