Nominations as One of President Lincoln's Finest Speeches

[David Lockmiller]

(03-21-2023 06:33 PM)Gene C Wrote:  I've always liked Lincoln's farewell speech at the Springfield train depot as he leaves Springfield heading to Washington DC.

https://www.illinoistimes.com/springfiel...d=11440385
Unfortunately the mural depicting this event was never completed, and the building torn down.
The train depot is still there though.

Good choice, Gene.

"I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington."

The extemporaneous Farewell Address was given on February 11, 1861 at the Illinois Great Western railroad depot in Springfield, Illinois.

"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 every thing. 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 every where 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."


This is the official version which President-elect Lincoln wrote after his train pulled away from the Springfield station.

The original manuscript at the Library of Congress shows the first part of the pencil-written remarks in Lincoln's handwriting; the remainder is in the handwriting of John Nicolay, his secretary, who took down what Lincoln dictated.

(Information source: Abraham Lincoln Online - Speeches and Writings)