On February 11, 1861, Abraham Lincoln left his hometown of Springfield, Illinois to assume the office of President of the United States. He gave this speech to the crowd of well-wishers who had come to cheer him on. He was well-aware of the monumental task before him. And he was trusting in God to help him complete it. He was a man of few words.
My friends,
No one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe every thing.
Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried.
I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington.
Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail.
Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you and be every where for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well.
To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.