I Like Abe Home by Michleen Collins

I LIKE ABE | Abraham Lincoln

"Guidance and mercy were the props on which he humbly and habitually leaned; they were the best hope he had for himself and for his country.

"Hence, when he was leaving his home in Illinois, and coming to this city to take his seat in the executive chair of a disturbed and troubled nation, he said to the old and tried friends who gathered tearfully around him and bade him farewell, 'I leave you with this request: pray for me.'

"They did pray for him; and millions of other people prayed for him; nor did they pray in vain. ... God raised him up for a great and glorious mission, furnished him for his work, and aided him in its accomplishment."
Farewell Address by Lincoln's Washington, D.C. pastor, April 19, 1865

Courage. Character. Class.

"With malice toward none, with charity toward all."
Abraham Lincoln

Some of Lincoln's most poignant words were spoken as he embarked on his greatest and fateful journey.

The Lincoln family left their 2-story home in Springfield, Illinois, on February 11, 1861, for their new home in the White House in Washington, D.C. President Lincoln expressed his sadness at leaving Springfield and his plans to return to his Illinois house, home and community.

Lincoln's Farewell Address from the Great Western Railroad train depot in Springfield, IL, is among his many great speeches. Following are excerpts from his famous parting words to his Springfield friends:

"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."

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated four years later. He led America through the Civil War, preserving the union, encouraging healing from the wounds of war, and setting the stage for a more unified and free America.