The Baltimore Plot by Michael J. Kline

Author:Michael J. Kline
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Westholme Publishing

AS William S. Wood began spinning his version of the story, the press began printing theirs. At around the same time that the Baltimore Republicans were being told that Lincoln had already gone, the newspapermen, now freed from their unofficial gag order, were telegraphically zapping their early morning dispatches to their respective newspapers. What follows is one of the first newspaper stories to hit the wires, as reported by special correspondent Joseph Howard Jr. of the New York Times. The story would soon be picked up by newspapers all over the country:

HIGHLY IMPORTANT NEWS.

Secret Departure of the President Elect

From Harrisburgh.

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Alleged Plot for His Assassination.

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UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL IN WASHINGTON.

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Surprise of the Harrisburgh People, and Indignation of the Baltimoreans.

Special Dispatch to the New-York Times.

HARRISBURGH, Saturday, Feb. 23—8 A.M.

Abraham Lincoln, the President Elect of the United States, is safe in the capital of the nation. By the admirable arrangement of Gen. Scott, the country has been spared the lasting disgrace, which would have been fastened indelibly upon it had Mr. Lincoln been murdered upon his journey thither, as he would have been had he followed the programme as announced in papers, and gone by the Northern Central Railroad to Baltimore.

On Thursday night, after he had retired, Mr. Lincoln was aroused and informed that a stranger desired to see him on a matter of life and death. He declined to admit him unless he gave his name, which he at once did, and such prestige did the name carry that while Mr. Lincoln was yet disrobed he granted an interview to the caller.

A prolonged conversation elicited the fact that an organized body of men had determined that Mr. Lincoln should not be inaugurated, and that he should never leave the City of Baltimore alive, if, indeed, he ever entered it.

The list of the names of the conspirators presented a most astonishing array of persons high in Southern confidence, and some whose fame is not to this country alone.

Statesmen laid the plan, bankers endorsed it, and adventurers were to carry it into effect. As they understood Mr. Lincoln was to leave Harrisburgh at 9 o'clock this morning by special train, the idea was, if possible, to throw the cars from the road at some point where they could rush down a steep embankment and destroy in a moment the lives of all on board. In case of the failure of this project, their plan was to surround the carriage on the way from depot to depot in Baltimore, and assassinate him with dagger or pistol shot.

So authentic was the source from which the information was obtained that Mr. Lincoln, after counselling with his friends, was compelled to make arrangements which would enable him to subvert the plans of his enemies.

Greatly to the annoyance of the thousands who desired to call on him last night, he declined giving a reception. The final council was held at 8 o'clock.

Mr. Lincoln did not want to yield, and Col. Sumner actually cried with indignation; but Mrs. Lincoln, seconded by Mr. Judd and Mr.

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