The Silence Breaks as Abraham Lincoln embarks on his long-awaited journey toward his inauguration. On February 11 and 12, he begins his travels on the Great Western Railroad, passing through various towns in Illinois. As Lincoln makes his way through towns like Illiopolis, Niantic, and Danville, he takes brief moments to step onto the rear platform of his train, offering the public a chance to catch a glimpse of their president-elect. His presence stirs a mix of excitement and curiosity, drawing crowds who anxiously gather in the streets. People are eager to see the man who has caused so much unrest in the country, especially in light of his election that has divided the nation.

Throughout his journey, Lincoln delivers short, thoughtful speeches to the gathered crowds, often quoting poetry to instill hope in the people. One of his favorite quotes is, “Behind the cloud the sun is still shining,” which he uses to convey the message that, despite the current turmoil, there is always hope for a brighter future. Despite the crowds’ enthusiasm, Lincoln faces an unpleasant surprise during a midday stop at the Illinois-Indiana state line when he is served overpriced and unsatisfactory food. Nevertheless, he presses on, determined to reach his destination on time. Lincoln’s ability to maintain his composure and optimism in the face of challenges speaks volumes about his character and determination to fulfill his duty, even as the tension in the country continues to mount.

As Lincoln’s journey continues, the train makes a stop in Thorntown, Indiana, where Lincoln takes the opportunity to entertain the crowd with a humorous story about a man and his slow-moving horse. His wit and charm resonate with the audience, lightening the mood in the midst of a tense political environment. Lincoln’s light-hearted story contrasts sharply with the weight of the political situation at hand, but his ability to connect with people on such a personal level remains one of his greatest assets. He bids the crowd farewell and continues his journey, mindful of the ticking clock and his need to reach Washington on time. This journey not only serves as a physical passage but also marks the emotional and political journey that Lincoln is about to undertake, as he prepares to lead the nation through its most challenging time.

In Indianapolis, Lincoln’s day culminates with a speech delivered at the Bates Hotel before a large crowd. He carefully addresses the growing political tensions, speaking on the key issues of his time, including terms like “coercion” and “invasion.” Lincoln asserts the government’s right to reclaim federal properties, reminding his audience of the importance of unity and the role of the federal government in upholding the Union. Despite initially feeling reserved, Lincoln finds his voice in front of the crowd, demonstrating his ability to speak directly to the nation’s struggles and his readiness to take on the monumental task of leading the country. His speech is a pivotal moment, as it signals his firm stance on the critical issues facing the country and sets the tone for his presidency.

After delivering the speech, Lincoln is greeted by an overwhelming surge of curious onlookers eager to meet him. As the crowd presses against him, Lincoln’s attention shifts to his son, Robert, who is guarding a satchel containing copies of his inaugural address. However, Robert, slightly intoxicated, reveals he left the satchel with the hotel clerk. In a humorous turn, Lincoln rushes down to the clerk’s office, sifting through baggage until he finally locates the satchel. This lighthearted moment provides a much-needed reprieve from the serious political atmosphere surrounding Lincoln. It reminds the public of his human side, showing that, despite the immense pressure and responsibility he faces, he is still a father, experiencing the same small anxieties as anyone else.

The chapter closes with Lincoln reflecting on his birthday while surrounded by his family. Festively adorned train cars and the excitement of his presidential journey mark the beginning of what will undoubtedly be a momentous period in American history. The juxtaposition of the celebrations with the tense political atmosphere underscores the uncertainty and significance of Lincoln’s role in leading the country through its impending crises. The journey symbolizes the beginning of his leadership, a journey that will ultimately define his legacy as one of the most important presidents in American history.