"With malice toward none, with charity toward all."
Abraham Lincoln
Some of Lincoln's most poignant words were spoken as he embarked on his greatest and fateful journey.
The Lincoln family left their 2-story home in Springfield, Illinois, on February 11, 1861, for their new home in the White House in Washington, D.C. President Lincoln expressed his sadness at leaving Springfield and his plans to return to his Illinois house, home and community.
Lincoln's
Farewell Address from the Great Western Railroad train depot in Springfield, IL, is among his many great speeches. Following are excerpts from his famous parting words to his Springfield friends:
"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."
Abraham Lincoln was assassinated four years later. He led America through the Civil War, preserving the union, encouraging healing from the wounds of war, and setting the stage for a more unified and free America.
copyright 2009 Michleen Collins, www.Michleen-Collins.com |