Lincoln’s Farewell to Springfield

On February 11, 1861, in Springfield, Abraham Lincoln parted from the place where he had lived for a quarter of a century and where his children had been born and one was buried. He said that to that place and the kindness of its people he owed everything, and that he left not knowing when or whether he might return. Facing a task greater than that which rested upon Washington, he said he could not succeed without the assistance of the divine being who had attended Washington, and with that assistance he could not fail. Trusting in God to go with him, remain with those he left behind, and be everywhere for good, he expressed hope that all would yet be well and bid them an affectionate farewell.

Springfield, Illinois · United States