Abraham Lincoln - The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln-VOL. V (Chap. 4.5) lyrics

Farewell Address At Springfield, Illinois, February 11, 1861 MY FRIENDS:—One who has never been placed in a like position cannot understand my feelings at this hour, nor the oppressive sadness I feel at this parting. For more than twenty-five years I have lived among you, and during all that time I have received nothing but kindness at your hands. Here the most cherished ties of earth were a**umed. Here my children were born, and here one of them lies buried. To you, my friends, I owe all that I have, all that I am. All the strange checkered past seems to crowd upon my mind. To-day I leave you. I go to a**ume a task more difficult than that which devolved upon General Washington. Unless the great God who a**isted him shall be with and aid me I cannot prevail; but if the same almighty arm that directed and protected him shall guide and support me I shall not fail; I shall succeed. Let us pray that the God of our fathers may not forsake us now. To Him I commend you all. Permit me to ask that with equal sincerity and faith you will all invoke His wisdom and goodness for me. With these words I must leave you; for how long I know not. Friends, one and all, I must now wish you an affectionate farewell.