Lincoln Preparing to leave for Gettysburg

[frontrank2]

Wednesday, November 18, 1863

The morning does not start well. Mr. Lincoln is very concerned and a bit depressed because Tad is very ill and won't eat breakfast. Mary is hysterical.
Lincoln makes a note that William H. Johnson, his valet, will accompany him to Gettysburg.
President and party leave Washington at 12:10 P.M. on special train of four cars furnished by B. & O. Railroad.
The Party consists of John Nicolay and John Hay, Secretary of State William H. Seward and Secretary of the Interior John P. Usher, Postmaster General Montgomery Blair, several members of diplomatic corps, and foreign visitors, together with military guard from Invalid Corps and Marine band. General Schenck's staff boards additional car at Baltimore about 2 P.M.
During the ride to Gettysburg President relates number of stories and puts everyone at ease. Little girl presents flowers to President at one stop and receives kiss in return.
Presidential party reaches Camden Station in Baltimore in 1 hour and 10 minutes. Train is transported to North Central tracks at the Bolton Station and leaves that station at 2:00 P.M. It proceeds on that line to Hanover Junction, Pa. Changes to Hanover Line for remainder of trip. Proceeds west to Hanover where "train passing east compelled the Presidential train to halt. . . . The President stepped upon the platform . . . and delivered one of the brief, quaint speeches for which he is celebrated. Said he: 'Well, you had the rebels here last summer . . . did you fight them any?' " Train is delayed 8 minutes at Hanover.
Special train arrives about 5 P.M. in Gettysburg, where Lincoln is guest of Judge Wills.
After supper Lincoln receives telegram from Sec. Stanton : "By inquiry Mrs. Lincoln informed me that your son is better this evening."
At 10 P.M. 5th New York Artillery band serenades President at Wills house. After repeated calls Lincoln addresses crowd briefly.

The Lincoln Train at Hanover Junction

 

[Reconstructed Rebel]

Train is transported to North Central tracks at the Bolton Station and leaves that station at 2:00 P.M

Wondering if this means the train had to be physically moved to the other tracks? I know not all railway lines connected with each other.

And just have to say the idea that a "train passing east compelled the Presidential train to halt…" sounds pretty amazing in a way. Other train traffic took priority over the Presidential cars - Lincoln was not pulling rank.

 

[Nathan Stuart]

Thought it also needs to be borne in mind that during this train journey on Nov.18 to Gettysburg, Lincoln became physically ill and displayed serious symptoms of weakness and dizziness (which some claim were the early stages of smallpox). These symptoms rapidly worsened into severe headaches, back pains, high fever and widespread rashes over the following days (and lasted for several weeks).

His diminished physical condition undoubtedly contributed to the brevity of his personal interactions and exchanges over the period but did not appear to affect the brilliance of his quips and speech.

 

[infomanpa]

Looks a bit different today.

 

[frontrank2]

Bumping up this thread.

 

[frontrank2]

Bumping this thread.