GDG- The blood they have so nobly shed

[Dennis Lawrence]

October 4, 1862.
Headquarters, Army of Potomac, Frederick, MD, and Washington, DC.
	

President and Gen. McClellan visit wounded in vicinity of headquarters. At 
Sharpsburg, Md., (Antietam) Lincoln visits "Fighting Dick" (Gen. Israel B.) 
Richardson who lies mortally wounded in farmhouse. At noon they ride to 
South Mountain battleground and conclude their survey. Lamon, 
Recollections, 147-48; LL, No. 1277.

Enthusiastic reception with signal guns and parade welcomes President to 
Frederick about 4:45 P.M. He goes to residence of Mrs. Ramsey to see Gen. 
George L. Hartsuff who is ill from wounds received at Antietam. Washington 
Star, 6 October 1862.

Addresses brief remarks to crowd assembled in front of house. About five 
minutes later speaks to crowd at railway station. At 10 P.M. special train 
bearing Presidential party arrives in Washington.

Speech at Frederick, Maryland [1]
October 4, 1862

In my present position it is hardly proper for me to make speeches. Every 
word is so closely noted that it will not do to make trivial ones, and I 
cannot be expected to be prepared to make a matured one just now. If I were 
as I have been most of my life, I might perhaps, talk amusing to you for 
half an hour, and it wouldn't hurt anybody; but as it is, I can only return 
my sincere thanks for the compliment paid our cause and our common country.
Annotation

[1]   New York Tribune, October 6, 1862. Lincoln's brief remarks were made 
to a group of citizens at ``Mrs. Ramsey's house'' where he called to visit 
wounded Brigadier General George L. Hartsuff.

Second Speech at Frederick, Maryland [1]
October 4, 1862

FELLOW-CITIZENS: I see myself surrounded by soldiers, and a little further 
off I note the citizens of this good city of Frederick, anxious to hear 
something from me. I can only say, as I did five minutes ago, it is not 
proper for me to make speeches in my present position. I return thanks to 
our soldiers for the good service they have rendered, for the energies they 
have shown, the hardships they have endured, and the blood they have so 
nobly shed for this dear Union of ours; and I also return thanks not only 
to the soldiers, but to the good citizens of Maryland, and to all the good 
men and women in this land, for their devotion to our glorious cause. I say 
this without any malice in my heart to those who have done otherwise. May 
our children and our children's children to a thousand generations, 
continue to enjoy the benefits conferred upon us by a united country, and 
have cause yet to rejoice under those glorious institutions bequeathed us 
by Washington and his compeers. Now, my friends, soldiers and citizens, I 
can only say once more, farewell.

Annotation

[1]   New York Tribune, October 6, 1862. Lincoln spoke to a crowd gathered 
at the railway station before the departure of his train.