Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing left;
created on November 25, 1860 in Chicago, Illinois, by Samuel G. Alschuler, photographer.

From the Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Reproduction #: LC-USZ62-15984 (b&w film copy neg.)

Abraham Lincoln as President-elect
Farewell speech to the people of Springfieled

Springfield, Illinois
February 11, 1861

My friends, no one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.


© Lucie LeBlanc Consentino
Acadian & French Canadian Ancestral Home
2005 - Present

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