Washington, March 4, 1861.
Dear Father, —
This morning broke badly, but at noon the sky cleared. I remained quietly at
Willard's, and was present when Mr. Buchanan came to receive the President
elect, and saw the interview, which was a formal one; then I saw Lincoln and
Buchanan take their carriage, and the whole procession pass. I then took a
carriage, and, by back streets, reached the Capitol grounds, and got a good
place. Soon Lincoln and Judge Taney, followed by Buchanan and the other judges,
etc., appeared. The band played Hail Columbia. The crowd was immense. The
Capitol steps were covered with uniforms, etc. Baker, of Oregon, of the
Committee of Arrangements, announced that Mr. Lincoln would speak; and when
Abraham rose and came forward and rang out the words, “Fellow-citizens of the United
States,” he loomed and grew, and was ugly no longer. I was not very near,
but heard him perfectly. The address you will read, and like, I hope. Its
effect was very good. An immense concourse — thousands — stood uncovered and
silent, except occasional applause; the voice clear and ringing; the manner
very good, often impressive, and even solemn; the words I think to the point,
direct, and clear. The scene itself was of its own kind. And I must say its
effect upon me was far greater than I had supposed. When the address closed,
and the cheering subsided, Taney rose, and, almost as tall as Lincoln, he
administered the oath, Lincoln repeating it; and as the words, “preserve,
protect, and defend the Constitution” came ringing out, he bent and kissed the
book; and for one, I breathed freer and gladder s than for months. The man
looked a man, and acted a man and a President. So much for inauguration.
SOURCE: Elizabeth Amelia Dwight, Editor, Life and Letters of Wilder Dwight: Lieut.-Col.
Second Mass. Inf. Vols., p. 33-4
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