GDG- Road to White House - Aug 8, 1860

[Dennis Lawrence]

Illinois Republicans hold immense rally to celebrate Lincoln's nomination. 
Thousands attend. Giant morning procession passes Lincoln residence; he 
reviews it from his doorway. In afternoon there is speaking from five 
stands at fair grounds. Lincoln appears, declines to make speech, and 
escapes on horseback. More speeches are made in evening at Wigwam and state 
house.
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Remarks at a Republican Rally, Springfield, Illinois [1]
August 8, 1860

My Fellow Citizens:---I appear among you upon this occasion with no 
intention of making a speech.

It has been my purpose, since I have been placed in my present position, to 
make no speeches. This assemblage having been drawn together at the place 
of my residence, it appeared to be the wish of those constituting this vast 
assembly to see me; and it is certainly my wish to see all of you. I appear 
upon the ground here at this time only for the purpose of affording myself 
the best opportunity of seeing you, and enabling you to see me.

I confess with gratitude, be it understood, that I did not suppose my 
appearance among you would create the tumult which I now witness. I am 
profoundly gratified for this manifestation of your feelings. I am 
gratified, because it is a tribute such as can be paid to no man as a man. 
It is the evidence that four years from this time you will give a like 
manifestation to the next man who is the representative of the truth on the 
questions that now agitate the public. And it is because you will then 
fight for this cause as you do now, or with even greater ardor than now, 
though I be dead and gone. I most profoundly and sincerely thank you.

Having said this much, allow me now to say that it is my wish that you will 
hear this public discussion by others of our friends who are present for 
the purpose of addressing you, and that you will kindly let me be silent.
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