contemplation of universal law, and of the Constitution, the Union of the United States is perpetual!" "I shall take care, as the Constitution expressly enjoins upon me, that the laws of the Union shall be faithfully executed in all the States!"'

"The power confided to me will be used to hold, occupy, and possess the property and places belonging to the Government."

"I am loath to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection."

Lincoln controlled the audience at his will, and closing with these memorable words, he prepared to take the oath of office:

"The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battle-field and patriotic grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be."

The Chief Justice of the United States now came forward. His venerable appearance gave, to what might have been a mere matter of form, great dignity and impressed significance.

He extended an open Bible, upon which Mr. Lincoln laid his left hand, and uplifting his right arm, he slowly repeated after the Chief Justice the words of the Constitution: "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God!"

The ceremony ended. Then those upon the plat

THE CHICAGO WIGWAM WHERE THE REPUBLICAN CONVENTION OF 1860 WAS HELD.

form rose and remained standing as the President and his party passed back into the building.

The procession reformed in the same order as before, and returned, leaving at the White House as President of the United States the private citizen it had escorted from the hotel. Within an hour, another carriage, in which there was a single occupant, was driven down the avenue to the only railroad station then in Washington.

It contained Ex-President Buchanan, returning as a private citizen to his Pennsylvania home.

"I'LL TRY TO STEER HER THROUGH."

Gen. John A. Logan and Mr. Lovejoy, of Illinois, called upon Mr. Lincoln at Willard's Hotel, Washington, February 23, the morning of his arrival, and urged a vigorous, firm policy.

Patiently listening, the President replied seriously but cheerfully, "As the country has placed me at the helm of the ship, I'll try to steer her through."'

ONE CONCEPTION OF THE NEW PRESIDENT.

Soon after Mr. Lincoln began his Administration, a distinguished South Carolina lady, the widow of a Northern scholar, called upon him out of curiosity.

She was very proud and aristocratic, and was anxious to see this monstrosity, as he had been represented. Upon being presented she hissed in the President's ear: "I am a South Carolinian.” The President,

taking in the situation, was at once courteous and dig. nified.

After a pleasant conversation, she said: "Why, Mr. Lincoln, you look, act, and speak like a kind, goodhearted, generous man." "And did you expect to meet a savage?" said he. "Certainly I did, or even something worse. I am glad I have met you, and now the best way to preserve peace is for you to go to Charleston, and show the people what you are, and tell the people you have no intention of injuring them."' The lady attended the first levee after the inauguration.

LINCOLN'S UNCONVENTIONALITY IN RECEIVING OLD FRIENDS AT THE WHITE HOUSE.

Mr. Lincoln's habits at the White House were as simple as they were at his old home in Illinois. He never alluded to himself as "President," or as occupying "the Presidency." His office he always designated as "the place." "Call me Lincoln," said he to a friend; "Mr. President" had become so very tiresome to him. "If you see a newsboy down the street, send him up this way," said he to a passenger, as he stood waiting for the morning news at his gate. Friends cautioned him about exposing himself so openly in the midst of enemies; but he never heeded them. He frequently walked the streets at night, entirely unprotected; and felt any check upon his movements a great annoyance. He delighted to see his familiar Western friends; and he gave them always a cordial welcome. He met them on the old footing, and fell at once into the accustomed habits of talk and story-telling.