February 24, 1861; The New York Herald
OUR SPECIAL DESPATCHES.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 1861.
Mr. Lincoln arrived here at six o’clock this morning direct from Harrisburg, and was received at the depot by Senator Seward and Mr. Washburne, of Illinois, and proceeded very quietly to Willard’s Hotel. A private letter received here from Mr. Lincoln last night announced this change in his programme. He was advised by high authorities here to come through Baltimore in the night in order to avoid a difficulty growing up in that city about who should receive him and how it should be done. He was accompanied on the trip by Mr. Lamon, of Illinois, and Mr. Allen, of New York. Mr. Lincoln, after getting some rest, breakfasted privately.
Senator Seward received official intelligence on Thursday evening, from reliable sources, that most diabolical plot had been unsuccessfully arranged, on the part of a secret organization in Baltimore to assassinate the President elect on this arrival in that city. Mr. Seward communicated this intelligence to a few private friends, and it was determined to despatch a messenger at once to Philadelphia, informing him of the fact, and urging him to take an earlier train, which would bring him through in the night. Mr. Lincoln said he had received intelligence from Baltimore of a similar nature. A special train was accordingly arranged, and he departed at once for Washington.
It is positively denied by Baltimoreans that any such organization exists, or that any interference would have been made with the Presidential party. There is little doubt that the feeling and sentiment of the people of Baltimore is very bitter against Mr. Lincoln, so much so, indeed, that violence might have been attempted. It is regarded as a very wise move in giving them the slip.
Mr. Lincoln’s family, accompanied by his suite, will reach here this afternoon. A suit of five elegantly furnished rooms in the southwest corner of Willard, fronting on Pennsylvania avenue and overlooking the White House, have been set apart for President Lincoln and his family.
As the news of Mr. Lincoln’s sudden and unexpected arrival spread through the city this forenoon, people wondered that it could be possible that Old Abe was actually in their midst.
At eleven o’clock Mr. Lincoln, accompanied by Mr. Seward, called at the White House and paid his respects to Mr. Buchanan. The interview was merely one of courtesy, and not for business. Mr. Buchanan received Mr. Lincoln very cordially.
When Mr. Lincoln called upon Mr. Buchanan the Cabinet were in session. The messenger announced that Mr. Seward was in the ante-room, attended by Mr. Lincoln, the President elect. This was a coup d. The President was not aware that Mr. Lincoln had arrived, nor was either member of the Cabinet. Mr. Buchanan proceeded immediately to his private reception room, and soon Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Seward were shown in, the latter introducing the former. Mr. Buchanan received Mr. Lincoln very cordially, and a pleasant interview was had. Mr. Buchanan was anxious to know if Mr. Lincoln had a satisfactory reception at Harrisburg, to which the latter responded that it was very enthusiastic on the part of the people, and exceedingly satisfactory to him. Mr. Buchanan then invited Mr. Lincoln to visit the Cabinet Chamber, which he accepted, and was introduced to each member. The interviews were very agreeable.
Upon leaving the White House, Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Seward made a call upon Lieut. General Scott, but the old chief was absent attending to his official duties.
A three o’clock General Scott returned Mr. Lincoln’s call. He was warmly greeted by the President elect, who expressed to the General his thanks for the many marks of attention he had shown him, especially in detailing an escort from his home to the capital. General Scott expressed his great gratification at Mr. Lincoln’s safe arrival, and especially complimented him for choosing to travel from Harrisburg unattended by any display, but in a plain democratic way.
At four o’clock the Illinois Congressional delegation, without respect of party, headed by Senator Douglas, called upon Mr. Lincoln, and paid their respects. The meeting was less formal perhaps than would be the case at the interview with any other delegation, from the fact that they were all friends and acquaintances before. The interview between Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Douglas was peculiarly pleasant.
Among the caller upon Mr. Lincoln this afternoon were the venerable Frank Blair and his son, Montgomery Blair.