Lincoln on Democracy

"WITH A TASK BEFORE ME"

190 LINCOLN ON DEMOCRACY "WITH A TASK BEFORE ME" Farewell Address at Springfield, Illinois [FEBR U AR Y II, 1861] Lincoln bade farewell to his Springfield neighbors with an emotional address delivered from the back ofthe train that was to take him on the first leg ofhis long journey to Washington. Asked to write out the apparently impromptu remarks after his departure, he greatly improved the version recorded by newspaper stenographers at the depot. This is the version he composed aboard the train. Although most historians cite this text today, the first version was quoted in most nineteenth-century biographies . In the words ofa local newspaper, Lincoln had never spoken with more "simple touching eloquence, " although another journalist insisted Lincoln could not be heard above "the incorrigible hissing ofthe locomotive ." Though not strictly a statement on democracy, the address reflected Lincoln's grave view of the burdens he would soon undertake to preserve democracy. My friends-No one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, lowe every thing. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of that Divine Being, who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him, who can go with me, and remain with you and be every where for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell[.] ...