Pursuing the Boers
February 19, 1861 – Lincoln’s Speech in Cleveland
The reception at Cleveland, where Mr. Lincoln arrived on Friday afternoon, was an imposing affair, the military, firemen and tradesmen turning out in procession. The enthusiasm of the populace of that Republican town was at its highest pitch. J. N. Masters, acting Mayor, welcomed the President, and Judge Andrews did the same on behalf of the citizens’ committee.
Mr. Lincoln spoke as follows:
Mr. Chairman and fellow-citizens of Cleveland: We have been marching about two miles through snow, rain and deep mud. The large numbers that have turned out under these circumstances testily that you are in earnest about something or other. But do I think so meanly of you as to suppose that earnestness is about me personally? I should be doing you injustice to suppose that you did. You have assembled to testify your respect to the Union, the Constitution and the laws. And here let me say that it is with you, the people, to advance the great cause of the Union and the Constitution, and not with any one man. It rests with you alone.