TRENTON — When he stopped by 150 years ago on his way to his inauguration in Washington, President-elect Abraham Lincoln spoke to both houses of the New Jersey Legislature, attended a luncheon for 400 where terrapin and oysters were served and then made his way back to the Trenton Train Depot for the next leg of his journey —...
President-elect Lincoln gave his speech in 1861, on his way to his inauguration.TRENTON — When he stopped by 150 years ago on his way to his inauguration in Washington, President-elect Abraham Lincoln spoke to both houses of the New Jersey Legislature, attended a luncheon for 400 where terrapin and oysters were served and then made his way back to the Trenton Train Depot for the next leg of his journey — Philadelphia.
Lincoln's historic visit to New Jersey's Capital City will be commemorated with events this month that include reenactments of separate speeches to the Senate and Assembly.
"In Trenton, on Feb. 21, 1861, the President-elect spoke to the state Senate, alluded to New Jersey's important role in the Revolution and reaffirmed his determination to preserve the Union," said Peter Mazzei, who works for the Office of Legislative Services and is the Legislature's librarian. "He then crossed over to the Assembly chamber and delivered another speech, stating that he was devoted to peace but would put his foot down firmly if necessary, to which there was much applause."
Lincoln was invited to speak by the New Jersey Legislature, which passed a joint resolution asking then-Gov. Charles S. Olden to extend Lincoln the invitation, according to Mazzei. That's particularly interesting because the Legislature was controlled by Democrats, while Lincoln and Olden were both Republicans.
New Jersey was one of five states Lincoln stopped at during a train trip from Springfield, Ill., to Washington. But Trenton was the only site where the Senate and Assembly convened separately, so he gave two speeches.
The Senate heard a version of the stump speech Lincoln had prepared to deliver along his route. But when he got to the Assembly, Mazzei said, Lincoln had no prepared remarks.
So he gave an extemporaneous address, filled with colorful, earthy language.
With the issue of slavery dominating the domestic agenda, Mazzei said Lincoln hinted of war to Southern states for the first time, saying, "it may be necessary to put the foot down firmly." He also referred to the American public as God's "almost chosen people," a phrase that's since become familiar in American politics.
New Jersey's commemorative events will be held Thursday, because Monday — the anniversary of the day Lincoln actually spoke — is a state holiday. But The National Park Service is sticking to the actual date of Lincoln's appearance, holding its commemoration Feb. 21.
Thursday's scheduled events include a 1 p.m. ceremony at the Statehouse, where a commemorative plaque honoring the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birthday will be unveiled outside the governor's office. The Hall Institute of Public Policy's Michael Riccards also will speak on the significance of Lincoln's visit to New Jersey, while Lincoln re-enactor Bob Costello will read the two speeches Lincoln delivered to state lawmakers.
At 2 p.m. in the State Museum at 225 West State St., Costello appears as Lincoln and is joined by Bruce Sirak of the Camp Olden Civil War Round Table portraying Governor Olden. An honor guard and period musicians also will appear, while Mazzei and David Martin will speak about the significance of Lincoln's visit and the Lincoln re-enactor will again read the two speeches.
Martin will then conduct a tour of the Civil War Flags gallery at the museum, starting at 3:45 p.m.
On Feb. 21, the National Park Service program will get under way at 1 p.m. in the Assembly Chambers in the Statehouse. It will feature actor Fritz Klein portraying Lincoln as he appeared in 1861, explaining the significance of his visit and the challenges facing the country.
Tours of the Statehouse will then start at 2:30 p.m. in the Rotunda. Reservations not required, but are encouraged and can be made by calling 609-633-2709.
And starting Monday, the Statehouse will host an exhibit of documents — including original manuscripts relating to Lincoln's visit and the 1860 election — that will remain on display through March 11. The exhibit includes a letter signed by Lincoln accepting the invitation to visit Trenton.