Year: 1860

III correspondent of the Chicago


Times and Press, writing from Springfield


in relation to the reception Of the commit


tee who were appointed by the Chicago


Convention 10 convey to Mr.. Lincoln the


intelligence of his nomination, says:


In the evening, the delegation. accom-
panied by forty or fifty outsiders, walked
up to Mr.. Lincoln's house, and were at
once ushered into his presence. The
parlors of his residence, small but neatly
and tastefully furnished, were thrown to.
gether by tho opening of the folding doors,
and he stood at the bottom of the back
parlor, gracefully bowed as the delegates
entered, and after a moments delay mo
toned Mr.. Ashmun TO proceed. In Pc
culiarly appropriate speech which you have
already published, delivered 10 tone OF
voice and with the subdued earnestness OF
manner appropriate to the occasion, that
gentleman discharged his duty. OF course
all eyes were upon the man who now oc-
cupies so large share OF the thoughts
and so warm a place in the hopes of the
American people He stood the test OF
scrutiny. Without o. her evidence Of emo
| tion than that seen in an unnatural paleness
| aud compressed lip, he stepped forward
| at the conclusion Of Mr.. Ashn un's short adj
dress, and with a voice as clear as bell,
in natural tone and with slow and distinct
utterances, pronounced his reply. Men
who had taken up the notion from Mr..
Lincoln's soubriqutf, that he was rough
diamond, who would not shine IN the
White House, that he was stump orator
only. popular with the masses but unused
TO occasions which require tact and polite |
address, were astonished by his manifes-
tations of case and grace and when the
gentlemen present were introduced by |
name, there was not one who did not the |
more cordially grasp the honest mans |
hand because Of the agreeable surprise TO |
which they had been treated. In their |
r,inds The fear that the man who had /
mauled rails, driven oxen, and tugged ut the |
fat. boat oar, could not have that polish
which the etiquette of the salons requires,
fell dead forever. They were the more
pleased because his politeness had the
charm Of sincerity and naturalness. Frank
Pierce, Of all men in America, is the best at
French bow, and is good for nothing
else Mr.. Buchansn is said 10 have a
courtly ease that makes its way in all
crowds but we doubt if either could have
impressed the gentlemen before us as Mr..
Lincoln did, by the manifestation of the
kindly qualities of his nature.


The ceremonies being concluded, the
gentlemen passed in groups to another par
lor on the right of the hall, where they
were received by Mrs. Lincoln. with that
grace and intelligence which have made
her distinguished ornament Of the excel
lent society OF the capital. The visitors
were anxious not only TO see the man who
will WELD the power Of the nation, but the
woman also TO whom the hospitalities and
social influences Of the White House will
be entrusted. They were satisfied that
both will be in capable hands. So much
for the reception.


On the return Of the party TO tho hotel,
the enthusiasm of the citizens broke forth
anew. Every Republican house around
the handsome square was illuminated. the
State House was blaze Of light, the air
was filled with exploding rockets and the
ears Of all We're stunned by the booming
Of cannon and the resonant cheers Of the
happy multitudes glad to do honor 10 their
neighbor who had received as a free gift
one Of the highest honors that can be be.
slowed upon man. The people were fairly
wild with delight. A meeting addressed
by excellent speakers ofnational reputation
was going on in the Representatives Hall;
but nothing but tho open air and the liber-
ty to cry out with all possible strength OF
lung for the nominees would satisfy tie
excited citizens. As long as rockets and
powder were TO be had and as long as there
was one throat left capable OF cheer, the
demonstrations were kept up.