Many visitors call at Abraham Lincoln home. When one guest gives evidence of staying indefinitely, Lincoln appeals to group of Springfield young men to take him home. Paul M. Angle, Lincoln 1854-1861: Being the Day-By-Day Activities of Abraham Lincoln (Springfield, IL: Abraham Lincoln Association, 1933), 366.

["It seems Messrs. Lincoln and (Vice President-elect Hannibal) Hamlin have both received anonymous letters threatening violent opposition to their inauguration." Evening Star (Washington, DC), 2 January 1861, 1:1.]

Lincoln writes Sen. Simon Cameron (Pa.), candidate for Republican nomination in 1860: "Since seeing you things have developed which make it impossible for me to take you into the cabinet. . . . I suggest that you write me declining the appointment, in which case I do not object to its being known that it was tendered you." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 3 January 1861, CW, 4:169-70.

Apparently telegraphs Cameron letter is in mail. Cameron to Lincoln, 5 January 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln writes to U.S. Senator William H. Seward, of New York. Seward warned, "A plot is forming to seize the Capitol on or before" the March 4 inaugural. Lincoln expresses more concern about February 13, the day that the electoral college will meet to certify the election. He writes, "If the two Houses refuse to meet...or meet without a quorum of each, where shall we be? I do not think that this counting is constitutionally essential to the election; but how are we to proceed in absence of it?" William H. Seward to Abraham Lincoln, 29 December 1860, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 3 January 1861, CW, 4:170-71; The New-York Times, 15 February 1861, 1:3-4.

Grants interview to Jeriah Bonham, owner-editor, Chicago "Farmer's Advocate." Jeriah Bonham, Fifty Years' Recollections with Observations and Reflections on Historical Events, giving Sketches of Eminent Citizens—their Lives and Public Services (Peoria, IL: Franks, 1883), 184.

Sen.-elect Salmon P. Chase (Ohio), former governor of Ohio and candidate for Republican nomination in 1860, arrives in Springfield. "He comes by invitation of the President and will probably be tendered the Secretaryship of State." N.Y. Herald, 5 January 1861.

After interview with Lincoln Chase writes Cong. Elihu B. Washburne (Ill.), friend of Lincoln: "It is a mistaken supposition that Mr. Lincoln has as yet tendered me the Treasury Dept." Chase to Washburne, 14 January 1861, Elihu B. Washburne, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Sen.-elect Chase (Ohio) and former Cong. Amos Tuck (N.H.) have long interview with Lincoln, presumably about cabinet appointments. N.Y. Tribune, 7 January 1861.

Another visitor, an old man from Mississippi dressed in homespun, expresses wish that every man in South could talk face to face with President-elect. Illinois State Journal, 7 January 1861.

Early in morning Lincoln calls on former Lt. Gov. Gustave Koerner (Ill.), still in bed at hotel. Soon Lincoln returns with Norman B. Judd, Chicago Republican, to talk over appointment of Sen. Cameron (Pa.) to cabinet. Lincoln is "very much distressed." Koerner and Judd oppose appointment, but Lincoln seems to think it necessary. T. J. McCormack, ed., Memoirs of Gustave Koerner, 1809-1896, 2 vols. (Cedar Rapids, IA: The Torch Press, 1909), 2:114.

"Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln and Gov. Chase of Ohio" attend church service. Harry E. Pratt, Concerning Mr. Lincoln, in which Abraham Lincoln is Pictured as He Appeared to Letter Writers of his Time (Springfield, IL: 1944), 35.

Lincoln writes to U.S. Senator Lyman Trumbull, of Illinois, regarding the question of whether or not Lincoln should appoint the controversial U.S. Senator Simon Cameron, of Pennsylvania, to a cabinet post. Trumbull warned, "Our truest friends in the Senate" do not support Cameron for treasury secretary. Lincoln writes, "What I would most like, and what I think he should prefer too, under the circumstances, would be to retain his place in the Senate...I may mention before closing that besides the very fierce opposition to Gen. C. he is more amply recommended for a place in the cabinet, than any other man." Lyman Trumbull to Abraham Lincoln, 31 December 1860, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to Lyman Trumbull, 7 January 1861, CW, 4:171.

John A. Clark, Illinois political friend of Cong. Washburne (Ill.), calls on Lincoln, who "seems as calm and serene as a summer morning." Clark to Washburne, 9 January 1861, Elihu B. Washburne Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Dr. Charles H. Ray, editor, Chicago "Tribune," visits briefly with Lincoln and is "interrupted by a visitor" before stating purpose of call. Ray to Washburne, 7 January 1861, Elihu B. Washburne Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln withdraws $20 from Springfield Marine and Fire Insurance Company. Writes check for $10.97 to Bressmer, McQuinton & Matheny, dry goods. Pratt, Personal Finances, 175.

Iowa delegation urges Lincoln to appoint as postmaster general Col. Fitz-Henry Warren, assistant editor, New York "Tribune." N.Y. Herald, 9 January 1861.

Lincoln receives former Cong. Tuck (N.H.), who is interested in appointment to collectorship in Boston. Tuck to Chase, 14 January 1861, Salmon P. Chase Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Illinois Legislature re-elects Lyman Trumbull U.S. Senator. "Hon. Abraham Lincoln, Governor Wood, the State officers, the Supreme Judges, and many other distinguished personages had seats within the bar." Illinois State Journal, 10 January 1861.

Lincoln withdraws $20.97 from Springfield Marine Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 175.

Sen. Seward (N.Y.) accepts secretaryship of state. "The republicans are in ecstacies. . . . Mr. Lincoln takes the news from Charleston [firing on "Star of the West," chartered side-wheel steamer] very gravely. It is thought that the Rubicon is now crossed." N.Y. Herald, 11 January 1861.

Mrs. Lincoln, accompanied by brother-in-law, Clark M. Smith, and former Cong. Tuck (N.H.), leaves for New York to make purchases for White House. Helm, Mary, 153.

Lincoln withdraws $24.05 from Springfield Marine Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 175.

In a letter he marks, "Confidential," President-Elect Lincoln writes to Republican Congressman James T. Hale, of Pennsylvania. Hale and other border-state representatives seek to appease the states considering secession. Lincoln cites his recent election victory and vows not to "surrender to those we have beaten." Lincoln adds, "They now have the Constitution, under which we have lived over seventy years, and acts of Congress of their own framing, with no prospect of their being changed; and they can never have a more shallow pretext for breaking up the government, or extorting a compromise, than now." Abraham Lincoln to James T. Hale, 11 January 1861, CW, 4:172.

Acknowledges receipt from Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott, general in chief of the army, of correspondence and notes "concerning various military movements, suggested by yourself." Abraham Lincoln to Winfield Scott, 11 January 1861, CW, 4:172-73.

An impromptu presentation of handsome, richly ornamented, gold-headed cane is made to Lincoln this morning in business office of St. Nicholas Hotel by returned Californian, an old friend and client. Chicago Tribune, 14 January 1861.

Lincoln is called upon by old Indiana farmer named Jones, for whom 30 years ago he worked as common farmhand at $1 per day. Chicago Tribune, 14 January 1861.

In letter to Sen. Seward (N.Y.) Lincoln reveals that he is trying to get at least one Southerner in cabinet; also informs him that there is "scarcely any objection" to him as secretary of state, but that there will be trouble over "every other Northern cabinet appointment." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 12 January 1861, CW, 4:173.

Hawkins Taylor, Republican from Keokuk, Iowa, shows Lincoln postscript of letter from Col. Warren supporting Senator Cameron (Pa.) for cabinet. Taylor to Cameron, 12 January 1861, Simon Cameron Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

[Mrs. Lincoln arrives in New York City in company with Philip Dorsheimer, treasurer of state of New York. Stays at Astor House. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 15 January 1861, 2:2.]

Lincoln withdraws $3.30 from Springfield Marine Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 175.

Lincoln writes Senator Cameron (Pa.) conciliatory letter: "I now think I will not definitely fix upon any appointment for Pennsylvania until I reach Washington." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 13 January 1861, CW, 4:174-75.

James Appleton Jr., of Boston, Senator-elect Edgar Cowan (Pennsylvania), and John P. Sanderson of Pennsylvania, state senator and confidential friend of Simon Cameron, arrive late this evening to visit Lincoln regarding cabinet appointment for Cameron. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 15 January 1861, 3:6.

Lincoln writes Gen. John E. Wool, commanding Dept. of the East, to thank him for his "patriotic and generous letter." Abraham Lincoln to John E. Wool, 14 January 1861, CW, 4:175.

Former Cong. Richard Yates (Ill.) is inaugurated governor of Illinois. His inaugural address, "although delivered under the very eyes of the President-elect . . . is so radical as to make it altogether improbable that it has his sanction." N.Y. Herald, 14 January 1861.

Lincoln withdraws $30 from Springfield Marine Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 175.

["When Mrs. Lincoln was on her way home from New York, attended by her son Robert, she found herself at Buffalo, without a pass over the State Line Railroad; no provisions had been made for that part of her trip from New York City to Springfield. After Mrs. Lincoln had taken her seat at Buffalo Bob entered the office of R. N. Brown, esq., the superintendent of the State Line Railroad, and said: 'My name is Bob Lincoln; I'm a son of Old Abe—the old woman is in the cars raising h-ll about her passes—I wish you would go and attend to her.' Mr. Brown allowed Mrs. Lincoln and Bob to ride over his railroad free of charge." Baltimore Sun, 22 February 1861.]

New York delegation consisting of George Opdyke, New York merchant, Hiram Barney, New York attorney, and Judge John T. Hogeboom consults with Lincoln on cabinet appointments for Sen. Cameron (Pa.) and Sen.-elect Chase (Ohio). They tell Lincoln "a thousand truths which he ought to know." Ray to Washburne, 16 January 1861, Elihu B. Washburne Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln adjusts his account of purchases for 1860 with brother-in-law, Ninian W. Edwards, and his store, Smith, Edwards & Co., against a loan of approximately $2,587 and interest at 10 per cent, which Lincoln made to them in 1852. Pratt, Personal Finances, 75-76.

Lincoln announces selection of Judge Edward Bates of Missouri and Senator William H. Seward (N.Y.) for cabinet. No further selections will be made until he arrives in Washington. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 17 January 1861, 2:1.

[A Republican who has just returned from Maryland reports that 10,000 men have been secretly organized in Maryland and Virginia to prevent the inauguration of Lincoln. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 17 January 1861, 2:4.]

"A strong California delegation, headed by D. Crittenden, of San Francisco, is laying close siege to the President-elect." N.Y. Herald, 19 January 1861.

In evening Cong. William Kellogg (Ill.), member of House Committee of Thirty-three, arrives in Springfield to confer with Lincoln. "His object is supposed to be in reference to a compromise of the national difficulties." N.Y. Tribune, 22 January 1861.

Matias Romero, Mexican chargé d'Affaires in Washington, calls upon Lincoln at home. Ernest G. Hildner, Jr., "The Mexican Envoy Visits Lincoln," Abraham Lincoln Quarterly 6 (September 1950):184.

Lincoln deposits $200 in Springfield Marine Bank and withdraws $31.25. Pratt, Personal Finances, 164, 175.

Cong. Kellogg (Ill.) and Lincoln spend most of day together. N.Y. Herald, 21 January 1861.

Representative William Kellogg (Ill.) still in Springfield, seeking to ascertain how far Lincoln will go by way of compromise on slavery question. Remarks Concerning Concessions to Secession, [c. 19-21 January 1861], CW, 4:175-76.

In addition, two delegations are in town—one from New York on behalf of Sen. Cameron (Pa.), the other from Indiana to push claims of former Cong. Caleb B. Smith (Ind.). N.Y. Herald, 22 January 1861.

Lincoln writes Cameron to visit him again, then apparently neglects to mail letter. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 21 January 1861, CW, 4:177.

M. Romero again calls on Lincoln, this time to take leave. Abraham Lincoln to Matias Romero, 21 January 1861, CW, 4:177-78.

["Mr. L has undertaken his Cabinet without consulting me. For the present I shall be content to leave the responsibility on his own broad shoulders." William H. Seward to Weed, 21 January 1861, Thurlow Weed Papers, Rush Rhees Library, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY.].

A committee from Indiana Legislature brings invitation to Lincoln to pass through Indianapolis on way to Washington. N.Y. Herald, 28 January 1861.

Lincoln acknowledges receipt of "a very substantial and handsome overcoat," gift of Isaac Fenno, clothing dealer of Boston. Abraham Lincoln to Isaac Fenno, 22 January 1861, CW, 4:179.

John G. Nicolay, private secretary to President-elect, writes Gen. Edwin C. Wilson on Lincoln's instructions, expressing satisfaction at assurance that militia of Pennsylvania is ready to come to support of Union "in the event of trouble or danger." Nicolay to Wilson, 23 January 1861, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Francis P. Blair, Jr., Congressman-elect (Mo.), visits Springfield to press claim of his brother Montgomery to cabinet appointment. Blair says: "The day of compromise is gone, and the day of fighting come." Harry J. Carman and Reinhard H. Luthin, Lincoln and the Patronage (New York: Columbia University Press, 1943), 38; N.Y. Herald, 24 January 1861.

Dr. Gilt of Virginia calls on Lincoln on behalf of Cassius M. Clay, Kentucky abolitionist, and Judge John C. Underwood, Virginia unionist, relative to cabinet posts. Blair to Blair, 24 January 1861, Gist-Blair Family Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln deposits $165.10 in Springfield Marine Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 164.

Waits in vain at station for arrival of Mrs. Lincoln and their eldest son Robert on night train from east. Villard, Eve of '61, 54-55.

George G. Fogg, secretary of Republican National Executive Committee, returning to Springfield monopolizes Lincoln's time throughout day. His visit relates to selection of New England member of cabinet and action of Republican congressmen upon compromise propositions. N.Y. Herald, 25 January 1861.

Committee of Central Republican Club of Philadelphia visits Lincoln to urge Sen. Cameron's (Pa.) appointment to cabinet. Smith to Cameron, 24 January 1861, Simon Cameron Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln replies: "I have every reason to hope that your wishes will be gratified." Remarks to a Pennsylvania Delegation, 24 January 1861, CW, 4:179-81.

Again waits in vain at station for arrival of Mrs. Lincoln and Robert. Villard, Eve of '61, 54-55.

"It is evident," writes the "Herald" correspondent, "that influences are now at work here to commit Mr. Lincoln on the border State propositions; but he as yet manifests no signs of yielding." N.Y. Herald, 26 January 1861.

Lincoln is delighted by return of Mrs. Lincoln and Robert from East; he has been expecting them for three days. Villard, Eve of '61, 54-55.

Deposits $136 in Springfield Marine Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 164.

Lincoln determines to leave for Washington on February 11, 1861. Nicolay to Bates, 27 January 1861, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln writes committee of Indiana Legislature accepting invitation to visit Indianapolis, and names February 12, 1861 as date. Abraham Lincoln to R. A. Cameron, Walter March, and David C. Branham, 26 January 1861, CW, 4:181.

Lincoln writes to Major David Hunter, of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, regarding arrangements to travel to Washington, D. C., for the March 3 inaugural. Lincoln explains, "I have determined to leave here for Washington on February 11th, subject to be changed for any extraordinary cause. I find the journey will have to be a circuitous, and rather tedious one. I expect the pleasure of your company." Edwin V. Sumner to Abraham Lincoln, 17 December 1860; David Hunter to Abraham Lincoln, 18 December 1860, both in Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to David Hunter, 26 January 1861, Private Collection.

Withdraws $5.25 from Springfield Marine Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 175.

Lincoln publicly designates February 11, 1861 as day of departure for Washington. He also makes known desire for "the utmost privacy" during remainder of stay in Springfield. N.Y. Herald, 28 January 1861.

He plans to "go via Lafayette to Indianapolis, where he will receive the hospitalities of Indiana Legislature; thence he will proceed, probably by way of Cincinnati to Columbus, Cleveland, Buffalo, and Albany. From Albany he intends to make for Harrisburg direct, thence to Baltimore and Washington; but a tour to New York and Philadelphia is not impossible." Baltimore Sun, 29 January 1861.

"The first draft of the Inaugural Message is now being made by the President-elect, . . . It will not be finished until after consultation with the Republican leaders in Washington. . . . No further invitations will be issued to prominent politicians to visit the President-elect, and none are desired here. The Cabinet will be completed in Washington." N.Y. Tribune, 29 January 1861.

Lincoln invites his cousin, John Hanks, to "go along" on visit to Coles County, Ill., January 30, 1861. Abraham Lincoln to John Hanks, 28 January 1861, CW, 4:181.

Committee representing citizens of Indianapolis calls upon Lincoln to present transcript of resolutions inviting him to visit city en route to Washington. The same day Lincoln writes committee accepting invitation and setting February 12, 1861 as date. Abraham Lincoln to James Sulgrove, Eric Locke, William Wallace, and John F. Wood, 28 January 1861, CW, 4:181-82.

Withdraws $40.90 from Springfield Marine Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 175.

Editorial that seems to be authoritative appears in Springfield "Illinois State Journal": "Mr. Lincoln is not committed to the Border State Compromise, nor to any other. He stands immovably on the Chicago Platform, and he will neither acquiesce in, nor counsel his friends to acquiesce in, any compromise that surrenders one iota of it." Despite Lincoln's desire for privacy there is "a perfect inundation of Chicago politicians." N.Y. Tribune, 30 January 1861.

Lincoln withdraws $25.40 from Springfield Marine Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 175.

In the morning, President-Elect Lincoln departs Springfield on the Great Western Railroad. He is traveling to visit his stepmother Sarah Bush Lincoln, "who resides near Charleston, in Coles county." A newspaper reports that Lincoln "expects to return" to Springfield on the evening of February 1.Illinois Journal (Springfield), 31 January 1861, 2:1.

Arrives Charleston on freight train shortly after 6 P.M., having changed trains at Mattoon. Charles H. Coleman, Abraham Lincoln and Coles County, Illinois (New Brunswick, NJ: Scarecrow Press, 1955), 191.

In the evening, Lincoln arrives in Charleston, where he spends the night at home of Illinois State Senator Thomas A. Marshall. Many friends visit with Lincoln during his stay. Illinois Journal (Springfield), 2 February 1861, 2:3; Charles H. Coleman, Abraham Lincoln and Coles County, Illinois (New Brunswick, NJ: Scarecrow Press, 1955), 209-10.

Lincoln rides to stepmother's home, where he spends day. "While there he paid a visit to the grave of his father. In the evening he rode back to town, in company with his aged relative, and at the urgent request of the citizens of the place held an impromptu reception at one of the public halls." Though called upon, Lincoln declines to speak. Illinois State Journal, 2 February 1861.

"He stated that the time for a public definition of the policy of his administration had not come, and that he could but express his gratification at seeing so many of his friends and give them a hearty greeting." N.Y. Herald, 4 February 1861.

"[William H.] Herndon [Lincoln's law partner in Springfield] records that on this visit, besides seeing his stepmother, Lincoln met members of the Johnston and Hanks families, visited his father's grave, gave directions for a suitable stone marker, and made a brief public address at Charleston." James G. Randall, Mr. Lincoln, edited by Richard N. Current (New York: Dodd, Mead, 1957), 130.