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.