CHAPTER XIII.
Mr.Lincoln's Journey from Springfield to Washington .-- Speeches on the Way .-- Reaches Washington .-- His Secret Journey .-- Afterwards regretted .-- Precautions for his Safety .-- President Buchanan .-- Secretary Holt .-- Troops for the Protection of Washington .-- Inauguration of Mr.Lincoln .-- Relief to the Public Anxiety .-- Inaugural Address.
-- Hopefulness and Security in the North .-- Mr.Lincoln's Appeal to the South .-- Fails to appease Southern Wrath .-- Dilemma of the South.
-- The New Cabinet .-- The "Easy Accession" of Former Times .-- Seward Secretary of State .-- Chase at the Head of the Treasury .-- Radical Republicans dissatisfied .-- Influence of the Blairs .-- Comment of Thaddeus Stevens .-- The National Flag in the Confederacy .-- Flying at only Three Points .-- Defenseless Condition of the Government .-- Confidence of Disunion Leaders .-- Extra Session of the Senate .-- Douglas and Breckinridge .-- Their Notable Debate .-- Douglas's Reply to Wigfall .-- His Answer to Mason .-- Condition of the Territories .-- Slavery not excluded by Law .-- Public Opinion in Maine, 1861 .-- Mr.
Lincoln's Difficult Task .-- His Wise Policy .-- His Careful Preparation.
-- Statesmanship of his Administration.
When Southern confidence was at its height, and Northern courage at its lowest point, Mr.Lincoln began his journey from Springfield to Washington to assume the government of a divided and disorganized Republic.

His speeches on the way were noticeable for the absence of all declaration of policy or purpose touching the impending troubles.

This peculiarity gave rise to unfavorable comments in the public press of the North, and to unfounded apprehensions in the popular mind.

There was fear that he was either indifferent to the peril, or that he failed to comprehend it.

The people did not understand Mr.Lincoln.