A Rumor of Plaid captures the dramatic and secretive journey of President-elect Abraham Lincoln to Washington, D.C., on the eve of his inauguration, setting the stage for the turbulence that would soon grip the nation. A New-York Times reporter described Lincoln’s arrival on February 25 as nothing short of magical, noting that the city was “agreeably surprised” by his unexpected and stealthy entrance. The president-elect, wearing a Scotch plaid cap and a long military cloak, appeared unrecognizable, which sparked a wave of cartoonist ridicule. In one depiction, Lincoln was humorously shown fleeing in panic from a freight car, his frightened expression adding to the growing legend of his secretive arrival. Mary Chesnut’s diary reflects this absurdity, emphasizing the oddity of Lincoln’s “noble entrance,” signaling the peculiar nature of his arrival in the capital amidst a time of growing national tensions.

As Lincoln’s secretive journey unfolded, reactions varied widely. Critics from both the North and South voiced their disapproval, with Southern newspapers like the Charleston Mercury labeling him a coward for entering Washington so quietly. The New York Herald also chimed in, comparing his entry to that of a “thief in the night,” fueling further disdain. These reactions were amplified by the racial undertones, as many likened Lincoln’s journey to the Underground Railroad, associating him with a fugitive slave trying to avoid detection. This harsh criticism underscored the deepening division between North and South, as Lincoln, already a divisive figure, struggled to establish the commanding presence needed in such a volatile time.

Amidst the criticisms, Lincoln’s clandestine arrival highlighted his precarious position as President-elect. The silence surrounding his entrance only served to enhance the perception of national failure, as noted by an unnamed diarist referred to as “Public Man,” who expressed disappointment that an elected president should have to be “smuggled through by night.” George Templeton Strong, a noted observer of the time, worried about the rumors of an assassination plot against Lincoln, fearing that such threats might tarnish his moral authority as a leader. These fears, though widely discussed, lacked concrete evidence. There were no confirmed arrests or discoveries of weapons, and figures like Ward Lamon expressed doubts about the legitimacy of such a plot, suggesting that the stories surrounding Lincoln’s secrecy might have been exaggerated. Despite these rumors, Lincoln’s train ride—often cited as a potential target—proceeded without any incidents, which further questioned the credibility of the supposed assassination threat.

This chapter also contrasts Lincoln’s cautious entry with the bold and inflammatory actions of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. In stark contrast to Lincoln’s secretive arrival, Davis entered Montgomery amid a call to arms, a direct challenge to the Union. The decision to inaugurate Davis and the subsequent secession of Southern states served to escalate the already tense atmosphere, further heightening the divide between the North and South. The chapter illustrates the widening gap between the two factions, with Lincoln attempting to ease tensions through a quiet, almost apologetic entrance, while the Confederacy took an aggressive stance from the outset. This difference in tone and action would set the stage for the Civil War, a conflict that would reshape the nation and challenge its very identity.

The chapter provides a snapshot of the turbulent political landscape of the time, highlighting the uncertainty and division that defined the early days of Lincoln’s presidency. While the rumors surrounding his arrival fueled a narrative of conspiracy and mistrust, they also underscored the fragile state of the nation. Lincoln’s cautious approach contrasted with the boldness of his Confederate counterparts, illustrating the challenges he faced in attempting to lead a nation on the brink of collapse. The public’s reaction to Lincoln’s secretive entrance into Washington only added to the growing sense of crisis, marking the beginning of a presidency that would be defined by war, division, and the eventual struggle for national unity.