FEBRUARY 14, 1861

The president-elect and his party departed Columbus, Ohio, at 8:00 a.m. for a twelve-hour train trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In spite of a pelting rainstorm that lingered the entire day, large enthusiastic crowds gathered to greet Lincoln in towns along the route. As the train zigzagged through rural Ohio towns, Lincoln gave brief impromptu speeches, his voice growing hoarse.