Mr. Lincoln's last speech.
Mr. Lincoln made what will probably be his last speech previous to the Inauguration, at Washington, on Thursday evening, in reply to a serenade from his Republican friends.--He said:‘ My friends — I suppose that I may take this as a compliment paid to me, and as such please accept my thanks for it. I have reached this city of Washington under circumstances considerably differing from those under which any other man has ever reached it. I am here for the purpose of taking an official position amongst the people, almost all of whom were politically opposed to me, and are yet opposed to me, as I suppose. [Loud cries of "No, no;" "Go on, sir;" "You are mistaken in that; indeed you are; "] I propose no lengthy address to you. I only propose to say, as I did say on yesterday, when your worthy Mayor and Board of Aldermen called upon me, that I thought much of the ill-feeling that has existed between you and the people of your surroundings and the people from amongst whom I come, has depended, and now depends, upon a misunderstanding. ["That's so," and applause.]
’ I hope that, if things shall go along as prosperously as I believe we all desire they may, I may have it in my power to remove something of this misunderstanding; [cries of "Good!" "Good!" and applause;] that I may be enabled to convince you and the people of your section of the country that we regard you as in all things being our equal — in all things entitled to the same respect and same treatment that we claim for ourselves; ["Good!" "Good!" and applause;] that we are in nowise disposed, if it were in our power, to oppress you, or deprive you of any of your rights under the Constitution of the United States, or even narrowly to split hairs with you in regard to those rights; [prolonged applause;] but are determined to give you, as far as lies in our hands, all your rights under the Constitution — not grudgingly, but fully and fairly. ["Good!" and applause.]-- I hope that, by thus dealing with you, we will become better acquainted, and be better friends. [Loud cheers.] And now, my friends, with these few remarks, and again returning my thanks for this compliment, and expressing my desire to hear a little more of your good music, I bid you good night.
Mr. Lincoln retired amidst three big cheers.
The band played Yankee Doodle, and six cheers were given for the Union.
