Lincoln
might dislike to change his plans for so shadowy a danger, his
duty to the people who had elected him forbade his running any
unnecessary risk. Accordingly, after fulfilling all his
engagements in Philadelphia and Harrisburg on February 22, he and
a single companion took a night train, passed quietly through
Baltimore, and arrived in Washington about daylight on the
morning of February 23. This action called forth much talk,
ranging from the highest praise to ridicule and blame. A reckless
newspaper reporter telegraphed all over the country the absurd
story that he had traveled disguised in a Scotch cap and a long
military cloak. There was, of course, not a word of truth in the
absurd tale. The rest of the party followed Mr. Lincoln at the
time originally planned. They saw great crowds in the streets of
Baltimore, but there was now no occasion for violence.
In the week that passed between his arrival and the day of his
inauguration Mr. Lincoln exchanged the customary visits of
ceremony with President Buchanan, his cabinet, the Supreme Court,
the two houses of Congress, and other dignitaries.
Careful preparations for the inauguration had been made under the
personal direction of General Scott, who held the small military
force in the city ready instantly to suppress any attempt to
disturb the peace and quiet of the day.
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