Speeches of Abraham Lincoln 1861 - Remarks At The Astor House
by Abraham Lincoln
NEW YORK CITY, FEBRUARY 19, 1861
FELLOW-CITIZENS:--I have stepped before you merely in compliance with
what appears to be your wish, and not with the purpose of making a
speech. I do not propose making a speech this afternoon. I could not be
heard by any but a small fraction of you, at best; but, what is still
worse than that, I have nothing just now to say that is worthy of your
hearing. I beg you to believe that I do not now refuse to address you
from any disposition to disoblige you, but to the contrary. But, at the
same time, I beg of you to excuse me for the present.
