Year: 1861

boy even though was-that there must have been
something more Than common that those men stYusgled
they then sirussed that something even more shsn na
tonal independence, that something which held out
great promise % all the people Of the world to ell me 10
come. am exceedingly anxious that this Union, the
constitution Of this Union and the liberties this peo
pie sbaD be pe!pcnated in accordance with the original
And sba be most happy indeed IL am 70 be an humble
instrument in The hands Of the Almighty and Of this
bands Of the Almighty pepetuating the object Of
that great struggle. You give this reception, as
understand without distinction Of party I learn that
this bedy s ccmposed OF majority Of lentlemen
who. In the exercise Of their best Judgment in the
choice OF chief masistrate did think the
greet the onsttutionaly elected President Of
the 6nited states ss czens Of the United and
representatives Of the citzens Of the United States TO
meet the Who for the time being s the representa-
tive Of the majesty Of the nation united by the single
purpose 70 the constitution OF the Union and
the beytife Of the people, As such accept this recep
tion atefuy than could do did believe it were
rendered 70 me as an individual Allow 70 bring
my remarks 70 q close.


Mr. Lincoln then shook hands With the President OF the
Senate and introduced to each Of the members He
likewise presented to the Philadelphia Joint Commit
tee, and recognizing among them number Of old friends
spent brief time in that running happy conversation
which is one Of his agreeable characteristics


Then arm in arm with Senator Cook he walked across
the hall into


THE ASSEMBLY CHAMBER,


where gathered the State other
officials besides crowd Of others admitted by tickets
The galleries, a in the Senate chamber were filed by
ladies'


On the entry Of Mr. Lincoln considerable confusion en-
sued from the universal desire TO hear see and seve
raj CALCULATIONS fell forcbly enough the excite
grave suspicious that Jerseymen not patient
than their mercural neighbours but quiet length
restored, and the Speaker, Hon. r. Teeze addressed
Mr. lincoln as follows


SPEECH or SPEAKER rEEzr


On behalf Of the General Assembly OF the State of
New Jersey, II affords pleasure sir, TO welcome you,
the President elect Of the United States the capital of
attn that we should nav our respecs TO the chosen
Chief Magistrate OF the repubc but that the best
the wisest and the bravest stand still doubt and awe
at the posture Of our national affairs, happy give
you the Of the descendants Of those whose
blood shed in the Of liberty upon this SOIL of
the continued devotion Of this State TO the constitution
and Union founded by our rs-(applause)- )-and
that people will readily cooperate with you in l
constitutional efforts speedy peaceable settle
meni Of the dinerences which now unhappny distract
country. We sympathize with you in the difficulties
by which you are surrounded Already have the dark
and heavy clouds Of disnnion obscured q portion Of
those bright stars which shone in the constellation of
the nation but hope that councils Of wisdom and pru
dence will yet dspe those Clouds and that the close Of
your administration may witness us a united
and bar monous nation Sir permit TO introduce TO
you Of their respect and best wishes for yourself
personally and to renew TO you the assurance OF de-
sire TO join with you in every effort for the promotion Of
the interests OF the common country. {Applause)


The anxiety TO see the President at this juncture
immense The audience arose almost ,crowdng,
pushing and surging from side to side Intellectual ef
forts 10 crafty their curiosity while cries OF Down in
front " "Take your hat on, Kecp your seats "wheres
the President" ''Hus h-h," mingled with the sharp
tones and raps Of the Speaker calling order gave TO
the occasion but aspect Of Legislative dignity


Prompt to solve the difficulty, however, Mr. Lincoln
ascended the rosrum, and there. his form towering
head and shoulders above all others and within sight OF
every ey the audience hushed silence he replied as
follows


SPEECH LINCOLN IN THE ASSEMBLY.


AR. SpEAKEa AND GENTLEMEN uT HOUSE, RErREs1cs.
the other branch OF thus General Assembly or
am not sure which s the technical term with you
70 & he my SsSs


majesty Of the people of the Tinted states appropriate
devotion Little should given 70 or TO any other
promises much Tor the wdare Of this peo-
the union and desire to perpetuate the liberties of
the people. Great applause As such accept It. AZ
SO again allude 70 the fact here. / undsrstan2
m, self 70 be received here by the representatives
oI the people Of New Jersey msorisy Of whom differ,
tbe United States But nevertheless understand that
this manifestation anifessatson in fsvoF Of ths o.
vernment, In favor Of the uou, itution sni libcr
been pleased 70 aude 10 the difficulties that lie before
@
be done You, therefore, see the reason why should
not f,ate in detail the course ! propose to take:
You will recognise the propriety OF my waiting until
the very day when il shall become proper for me 70
speak officially, 50 that when do make my policy pub
lcr IL shall be as nearly right possible. Taking that
ground which deem abicst and bost trust that shall
hid little occasion TO swerye shall take the ground
ard 70 the westto ali the states Of tho Union and 70
the whole country. lGreat applause shall take it,
as hepe In entire good temper and with such hrmness
that may be. shall take 10 with malice W any
tion any portion Of the people Of the country shall
take with the view Of promoting peace and Of peacea
does not live in the Unitcd States Of America who
s At heart more devoted 70 peace and harmony than
and that spirit is sure 70 mark TO the greatest
tent possible the position shall take. (Great applause
Nevertheless fear may have TO set the foot down
several minutes before Mr. Lincoln could procecd)-and
having put the foot down, TO stand firmly upon IL.
smile and manner that IS both inimi.abe and nde-
scribable, said-And, gentlemen, II you think I
am light y you WI % ssna x me T0S .yS you
have already suggested the majority Of the Lcgisla
ture agree with In sentiment, win try and
the ship for this voyage; and the next time may
be hoped that In your judgment better pilot may
be chosen my place. II the ship be wrecked how
ever win be bad chance e. Tor the pilot who losss this
expected Allow the eore TO return my thanks to
you again and express the pleasure have In meeting





Mr.. Lincoln then warmly greeted the Speaker and was
introduced TO large number mis,ellaneousy, who
crowded around TO grasp the rail sptters hand. The
ladies' in the gallery waved their handkerchefs and the


men shouted but with the departure Of the President
his carriage this transferred 10 the outside


Tho passage from the legislative hall to the
riagcs, which were in waiting at the gate, como
four or nve rods distant like running
a gauntlet. The police, unable to restrain the
crowd were compelled 20 let IL loose, and they
formed such apparently impcnetrabc about the
President as TO almost prevent movement. Good ma
turedy however, be met the dilemma by stretching out
bis long and bending his tall form 70 the task Of
making hiaown way. This he did very efectually and
in few moments was safely seated in his vehicle.


The procession then resumed ts march and proceeded
the Trenton House. the crowd in that vicinity being
increased 70 the proportions Of almost mmovsble
jam Here small platform had been erected over the
entrance and here Mr. Lincoln in response repeated
calls, appeared and made few remarks