Another speech from the President
Addresses of Gen. Scott and Ex-Sec'y Holt.
Washington, March 5.
--Several State delegations called on Mr. Lincoln this morning to pay their respects.
The most prominent among them were those from Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.
The former (as did the latter,) assembled in the East-room, and upon the President making his appearance, Hon. Charles F. Train, on behalf of the delegation, said Massachusetts had read his Inaugural and would stand by it, and from none would it meet with a more cordial support than from the Old Bay State.
Mr. Lincoln replied substantially as follows: ‘
I am thankful for this renewed assurance of the kind feeling and confidence of the Old Bay State, in so far as you. Mr. Chairman, have expressed it on behalf of those you represent.
Your sanction of what I have enunciated in my Inaugural, is very grateful to my feelings.
The subject was one of great delicacy.
In presenting views at the opening of an administration, under the peculiar circumstances attending my entrance upon the official duties connected with the Government, I studied all the points with great anxiety, and presented them with whatever of ability and sense of justice I could bring to bear.
If it meets the approbation of our good friends in Massachusetts, I shall be exceedingly gratified.
While I hope it will meet with the approbation of friends everywhere, I am thankful for an expression of those who have voted with us, and, like every other man of you, I like them — certainly, as do others.
(Laughter.) ’
As President, in the administration of the Government I hope to be man enough not to know one citizen of the United States from another--(cries of "good")--nor one section from another.
I shall be gratified to have the good friends of Massachusetts and others who have thus far supported me in these national views still to support me in carrying them out.
Mr. Lincoln excused himself from further remarks on account of pressing business, and retired without more ceremony than a farewell bow.
Gen. Scott and Secretary Holt were also visited.
To the greetings of the Pennsylvania delegation Gen. Scott made a brief, patriotic and friendly speech.
Mr. Holt expressed himself honored by the visit, and regretted that the brief time be had occupied the War Department had not enabled him to do more for his country in this, the time of its troubles.