The Time Will Come, and it begins with Orville Browning writing to Abraham Lincoln concerning the upcoming inaugural address. Browning was deeply concerned about the tone of Lincoln’s speech, particularly a passage regarding the reclamation of public properties. He feared that such a statement could provoke the secessionists and escalate tensions with the Southern states. In his letter, Browning emphasized the importance of framing the secessionists as the aggressors, a strategy he believed would help avoid further provocation, especially among the border states that remained undecided. Browning also expressed his belief that the issue of slavery in the South would soon become an unavoidable concern, urging Lincoln to prepare for this inevitable political challenge. This would eventually play a significant role in shaping Lincoln’s policies and leadership.

Lincoln took Browning’s advice to heart, and revisions were made to his inaugural address. He wrote on the back of Browning’s letter, “Americans, all, we are not enemies, but friends,” signaling his commitment to national unity despite the looming threat of division. Lincoln’s adjustments were aimed at healing the rift between the North and the South, and he worked to deliver a message of reconciliation. However, the complexity of the national situation could not be ignored, and the theme of preserving the Union was infused with the weight of the impending conflict. Lincoln’s careful wording reflected a commitment to bridging the ideological gap and forging a path forward, despite the growing tensions that threatened to pull the nation apart.

As Lincoln continued his journey to Washington, D.C., his stops along the way were marked by growing enthusiasm from the public, many of whom had already heard of his arrival. Crowds gathered in various towns to catch a glimpse of the president-elect, and office seekers swarmed around Lincoln in hopes of securing positions within his administration. Each stop brought with it a mix of admiration and political maneuvering, as Lincoln encountered citizens eager to meet him. Notably, he also interacted with journalists, such as Horace Greeley, who were keen to report on the political climate of the time. These exchanges were marked by a sense of both excitement and political intrigue, as Lincoln’s every move was scrutinized, and his responses often offered insight into his political philosophy.

During his time in Albany, Lincoln witnessed an event that would later garner significant media attention: a dramatic performance by John Wilkes Booth. The famous actor, known for his theatrical flair, fell on stage in a manner that captured the crowd’s attention, a moment that was later reported widely. However, the incident had a subtle impact on Lincoln, as it reinforced the notion of performance and spectacle surrounding his travels, which were increasingly being seen as both a political and cultural event. When Lincoln finally reached New York City on February 19, the attention surrounding him was at its peak, with poet Walt Whitman offering detailed accounts of his demeanor and presence. Whitman’s observations painted a vivid picture of the president-elect, capturing both his stature and the growing public fascination with him.

Despite the public adulation, there were growing concerns about Lincoln’s health and safety. Detective Kate Warne, ever vigilant about potential threats, noted that Lincoln appeared fatigued and unwell. She met with an aide to voice her concerns about the security risks surrounding Lincoln’s travels, although these threats were initially dismissed as unfounded. The heightened awareness of potential danger was a constant undercurrent during Lincoln’s journey, especially as tensions grew between the North and South. In New York, showman P. T. Barnum saw an opportunity to profit from the spectacle of Lincoln’s travels, turning his departure into a public event at his museum, although Lincoln himself did not participate in this promotional effort.

After attending a performance of Verdi’s opera, Lincoln continued his journey to Philadelphia on February 21. Upon his arrival, a large crowd eagerly awaited him, and Lincoln seized the moment to address the escalating secession crisis head-on. He made a firm statement against secession, emphasizing the importance of preserving the Union at all costs. His speech, delivered in the midst of wintry conditions, was met with resounding approval from the crowd. The powerful rhetoric Lincoln employed reflected his commitment to the Union and laid the groundwork for the nation’s next steps in the face of imminent civil war. His words resonated deeply with the people, reinforcing his resolve to face the crisis head-on and ensuring that his stance would be remembered as a defining moment in his presidency.

As Lincoln’s journey continued, the weight of the national crisis hung over him, but his public interactions helped reinforce his image as a leader who was both resolute and determined. The growing division between the North and South, marked by the secession of Southern states, only heightened the stakes of his presidency. However, Lincoln’s speeches and actions indicated his commitment to doing whatever was necessary to preserve the Union, signaling his readiness for the monumental challenges ahead. The sense of duty he displayed during these early days set the tone for his presidency and helped shape the narrative of his leadership, which would soon face the full brunt of the Civil War.