Tuesday, November 20, 1860
Senator Lyman Trumbull
Illinois Senator Lyman Trumbull speaks at a Springfield rally celebrating Mr. Lincoln’s election. Under pressure to address the threat of secession, Lincoln writes out some material for Trumbull to use. As Mr. Lincoln feared, the press reaction is negative – reinforcing his predilection to make no public statements before he takes office. Lincoln biographer Michael Burlingame wrote: “The press identified Lincoln as the author of these sentiments, and the public reaction confirmed his view that he should remain silent.” He complained of his critics: “This is just as I expected, and just what would happen with any declaration I could make. These political fiends are not half sick enough yet. ‘Party malice’ and not ‘public good’ possesses them entirely. ‘They seek a sign, and no sign shall be given them.'”
Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War 
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