The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1909-02-12
pined With Ilncnln.

at the table and the dinner began.
Mr.. Lamb recalls the fact that Lin
coin was entertaining throughout the
dinner and his good stories proved far
more attractive to the railroad men
than did the sumptuous spread laid
before them. During the entire din.
ner he kept them laughing and La
fayette Junction hotel was certainly
the scene of merry gathering on that
occasion
After the early midday meal the en-
CINE, three coaches and baggage car
containing Lincoln. Fireman Lamb and
many others resumed the journey to
Washington.
An engine was detailed to continue
In advance for some distance of tha
Lincoln train and in this manner ali
possible accidents were averted
During this run Mr.. Lamb douht.
lessly worked with an enthnsia en-, 40
never before, for in his long railroad
experience the opportunity did not pre-
sent itself every day.
Attempt to Ditch Train.
mol Tar from Indianapolis trick
10 ditch the presidential train ard
carry the president-elect and high Of
nclals into the creek with possible
death was avoided by the barest mar
gin and good fortune. This thrilling
incident connected with the trip from
Lafayette to indianapolis is told by
Mr.. Lamb.
AL augusta station, nine miles from
indianapolis, the presidential train
was broguht to halt and a freight
train given time to reach that metopo-
lis and thus clear the tracks for Lin
coin. The freight started on it's Jour.
ney and in a five mile stretch down
steep grade was forced to cross
Crooked Creek four times. The bridg.
es which supported the tracks were
thought to be in the best condition
and there was no need for danger ex-
cept that done by malicious hands.
The first three were crossed in safe
ty but the crash came when the fourth
one was reached AS the heavy freight
entered upon the bridge the engineer
could feel the supports giving away
and orders were quickly given to free
the engine. This trick was accom-
plished none too soon and the engine
was hardly free than four cars crash
ed down into the creek, the bridge
supports giving away under the heavy
weight.
An investigation was Immediately
made and it was found that the af-
fair was not an accidental one, but
that the supports had been sawed and
the bridge weakened to such an ex-
tent that train could not success
fully pass over it.
The railroad men were in a wild
state of rage and cries Of revenge
were ecloed far and wide The pres
idential train was brought to halt.
the bridge repaired and Indianapolis
soon reached.
To the Capture.
Lincoln gave the orders in Indian
apolis to wait until the evil doors were
apprehended. He said 1--WE will wait
in this city until the party guilty of
this attempt upon our lives are caught
and brought before the Justice"
Hardly was 1t necessary for him to
make this remark for already the men
were in a frenzied state and were
securing the nearby country for the
guilty party.
Soon word was brought to Lincoln
that two farmers, the men responsible
for the attempt upon the lives of more
than a score of citizens had been
caught. A mob was going to end their
lives and it looked as If nothing could
intervene to turn them from their mo-
tive.
Lincoln sent out word that he wish
ed to see the two men and when they
were brought to his side he inquired
their motive for doing the deed.
They calmly replied that it was
their intention to ditch the presiden-
tial train. Lincoln prevented any
harm and would not permit the mob
to take the two men again, and they
We're safely delivered to custody.
Mr.. Lamb is of the opinion that the /
two farmers were lynched but speaks
very little about it as 1t is one that he I
recalls very unpleasantly.
A Speech at indianapolis.
The trip thus far had been for the 7
greater part along a line with ,ery
little large cities, but when Indian
apolis was reached the enthusiasm
shown was thrilling.
The incidents of Lincoln's rip had
preceded his arrival in the metropolis
and as the train pulled into the city
here was spirited crowd on hand Il,
greet him.
1t was during his stop there that he
made his best speech of the trip.
The Bates Hotel was the scene of
l short visit of the president.elect
md shortly he departed for Wasting Il
ON on the completion Of his journey.
1t was here that the journey of Mr..
lamb as fireman on the train carry
ng the president ended and the two
men parted, Lincoln to be inaugural
ID at Washington, and Mr.. Lamb %
continue his run on the LAFAYETTE
abroad
In 1864 wnen Lincoln was running
or reelection to the office Mr.. Lamb IL
asst vote which was one of the many
hat assisted in returning him 70 Of ,
ice. ,
With the Mourners. {
When word was sent flashing over
he wires of the country on April IA, !