CINCINNATI, February
15, 1861.
DEAR UNCLE: — . . .
The reception given to the President-elect here was most impressive. He rode in
an open carriage, standing erect with head uncovered, and bowing his
acknowledgments to greetings showered upon him. There was a lack of comfort in
the arrangements, but the simplicity, the homely character of all was in
keeping with the nobility of this typical American. A six-in-hand with gorgeous
trappings, accompanied by outriders and a courtly train, could have added nothing
to him; would have detracted from him, would have been wholly out of place. The
times are unsuited to show. The people did not wish to be entertained with a
display; they did wish to see the man in whose hands is the destiny of our
country.
You will read the speeches in the papers, and search in vain
for anything to find fault with. Mr. Lincoln was wary at all times, wisely so I
think, and yet I hear no complaint. Our German Turners, who are radical on the
slavery question and who are ready to make that an issue of war, planned to
draw from him some expression in sympathy with their own views. They serenaded
him and talked at him, but they were baffled.* In private conversation he was
discreet but frank. He believes in a policy of kindness, of delay to give time
for passions to cool, but not in a compromise to extend the power and the deadly
influence of the slave system. This gave me great satisfaction. The impression
he made was good. He undoubtedly is shrewd, able, and possesses strength in
reserve. This will be tested soon. . . .
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHABD.
__________
* Mr. William Henry Smith happened to be present when the
Germans serenaded Mr. Lincoln. He made a
shorthand report of Mr. Lincoln's reply. The speech is preserved in print in
Francis F. Browne's "Everyday Life of Lincoln," p. 385.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 5-6
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