Lincoln’s Farewell Address
February 16th, 2009. Filed under: Monday's Musings.
We are all familiar with President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, but this speech was given at Springfield, Illinois as he was leaving to start his inaugural trip to Washington, D.C. It’s almost prophetic in nature and tugs at my heart, knowing that he never did return to this place and the people he loved.
My friends, no one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.
If you would like to see what some of our more recent past presidents had to say, you can find it in The New York Times Op-Classic: Presidents’ Day Edition.