Honored Sir:
In the name of the people of all classes of my fellow-citizens I extend to you
a cordial welcome, and in their behalf I have the honor of offering you the
hospitalities of Cincinnati.
Our city needs no eulogy from me. Her well-known character for enterprise,
liberality and hospitality is not more distinguished that is her fidelity and
undying devotion to the Union of these States, and a warm, filial and
affectionate regard for that glorious ensign which has “braved the battle and
the breeze,” upon land and see so many years.
The people, under the solemn and dignified forms of the Constitution,
have chosen you as President of the United States, and as such I greet
you. And you will believe me when I say
that it is the earnest and united desire of our citizens that your
administration of the General Government may be marked by wisdom, patriotism
and justice to all sections of the country, from the Atlantic to the Pacific
Oceans, from the northern boundary of main to the Gulf of Mexico. So that when you retire from office your
fellow-citizens may greet you every-where with the cheering words,
“Well done though
good and faithful servant.”
But, sir, I see in this great and anxious concourse not only
the citizens of Ohio but also many from our sister State, Kentucky — the land
of Clay, the former home of your parents and mine, and the place of your
birth. These, too, greet you, for they,
like us, are, and ever will be, loyal to the Constitution and the Union. I again welcome you to our noble city, and
trust your short stay with us may be an agreeable one, and that your journey to
our Federal Capital may be pleasant and safe.
SOURCE: “Reception of President Lincoln,” Cincinnati Daily Press, Cincinnati,
Ohio, Wednesday Morning, February 13, 1861, p. 3
