February 11, 1861; The New York Herald
The President elect leaves Springfield this morning en route for the White House. He travels in special trains, accompanied by a numerous suite. The arrangements are all completed; no outsiders are to be admitted to the Presidential presence, and office beggars are particularly requested to clear the track. Sundry offers of a military escort have been very sensibly declined, but receptions by the local militia will not be objected to. Among the military gentlemen accompanying the Presidential party is Colonel Ellsworth, of the famous Chicago Zouaves. So the soldiers who turn out to do honor to Old Abe must put their best foot forward. Without doubt the journey of the new President will be after the manner of a triumphal march, and altogether the most agreeable of his official experiences.