Sunday, October 21, 2018

Speech of Mayor George Wilson Welcoming Abraham Lincoln to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, February 15, 1861

Honored Sir, it affords me sincere pleasure to extend to you on behalf of my fellow citizens the kind greeting and hospitality of the citizens of Pittsburgh.

It rarely occurs that an opportunity is afforded the people for an exhibition of their devotion to the Union by a tribute of respect to the person of their chief magistrate.

It is not singular, therefore, that the merchant, the mechanic and the laborer, laying aside their usual avocations, have come out in their strength to pay homage to the man whom the people, in their wisdom have called to preside over the destinies of the nation.

We greet you, sir, on this occasion, not only as the Chief Magistrate of the nation, but as the harbinger of peace to our distracted country.

The people of Allegheny county, relying on your wisdom and patriotism, trust that by your prudence and firmness the dangers which threaten the permanency of our Government may be speedily removed, and the glorious confederacy established by our fathers may find in you an able and patriotic defender.

SOURCE: “The Reception of the New President,” The Pittsburg Daily Post, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Saturday, February 16, 1861, p. 1

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