Norwich bulletin., 1909-02-12
RECOLLECTlONS OF LINCOLN

The Connecticut state election in
1860, which then occurred on the first
Monday in April, was a most exciting
one. Political agitation was at fever
heat, and both parties put forth their
most strenuous efforts to elect their
respective party tickets. The demo-
Gratis had nominated for governor
Thomas H. Seymour, who had long
been tho idol Of the party and they
left no stone unturned to place him in
the gurberaatorial chair. The republi-
cans had renominated William A.
Buckingham. who had already occu-
pied the place two years. The demo-
Gratis were aggressive and confident;
the republicans were ardent and hope
Ful. Mr.. Buckingham was elected by a
very slender majority.
The managers Of the republican cam
vass, realizing the need Of every aid
in their work, induced Abraham Lin
coin to come into the state and make a
number of speeches. How many he de-
liVered do not know, but one in Mer-
iden I was fortunate enough to be
able to listen to. The interest In Mr..
Lincoln at that time rested upon the
fame OF his memorable debate with
Stephen A. Douglas in their canvass
for the senatorship In Illinois two
years previously, and no one then an
ticipated the career which was des-
tined to be his. But even that in the
excited state Of the public mind of
that time was sufficient to call togeth-
er a crowded audience. I had a seat
well to the rear Of a large and not
very brilliantly lighted hall, and from
my point of view there was nothing
extraordinary in his appearance, in his
voice, or In his manner. I had pictur-
ed in my mind something quite differ
snt from the individual who actually
appeared. was really a little disap-
pointed, and had not subsequent events
placed him in a conspicuous position
before the public 1t is doubtful II I
should now retain more than q faint
recollection Of ever having seen or
heard him.
As to his personal appearance, the
distance from which I viewed him, to-
gsther with the subdued light, prevent
ed my receiving an impression Of an
undae n Fgedness and LONELINESS Of
features which all descriptions concur
in giving him, and ] should have
thought him rather a handsome man
had / relied upon my own impressions
alone. His face was smooth shaven,
and his hair. instead of the semi
poHpadour fashion generally presented
in his portrait, was brushed fiat down
upon the top Of his head, and this d.
Unfinished the apparent size Of his head.
His voice. while not unpleasing. had a
kind Of w1ry hardness and his speak
ing gave a suggestion Of conscious ef-
fort at enunciation. He used no violent
gestures, and so far as I can remem-
Der he told no stories, funny or other
WISE and used no humorous illustra-
tions. He did make use Of some rather
homely Illustrations, but not bordering
upon the facetious. His speech was
an argument in support Of the position
Of the repJ blican party upon the issues
Of the time. and was listened to with
earnest and profound attention.
But. after ALL was unable to see
anything in Mr.. Lfncoln's effort at that
time to entitle him to rank above many
other stump speakers had previously
listened to, or to invest him with the
qualities Of craftsmanship. When
few weeks afterward, news came that
he had been nominated by the repubIi-
cans for the presidency I could not
help the fear that a mistake had been
nRde--not that doubted his election,
for believed that the nominee of the
republican convention would be elect
ed, whoever he might be, but that he
was not of the csliber demanded by the