Speeches of Abraham Lincoln 1861 - Farewell Address At Springfield, Illinois
by Abraham Lincoln
FEBRUARY 11, 1861
MY FRIENDS:--One who has never been placed in a like position cannot
understand my feelings at this hour, nor the oppressive sadness I feel at
this parting. For more than twenty-five years I have lived among you, and
during all that time I have received nothing but kindness at your hands.
Here the most cherished ties of earth were assumed. Here my children were
born, and here one of them lies buried. To you, my friends, I owe all
that I have, all that I am. All the strange checkered past seems to crowd
upon my mind. To-day I leave you. I go to assume a task more difficult
than that which devolved upon General Washington. Unless the great God
who assisted him shall be with and aid me I cannot prevail; but if the
same almighty arm that directed and protected him shall guide and support
me I shall not fail; I shall succeed. Let us pray that the God of our
fathers may not forsake us now. To Him I commend you all. Permit me to
ask that with equal sincerity and faith you will all invoke His wisdom
and goodness for me.
With these words I must leave you; for how long I know not. Friends, one
and all, I must now wish you an affectionate farewell.
