Rensselaer Republican, Volume 20, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 November 1887 — A NARROW ESCAPE. [ARTICLE]

A NARROW ESCAPE.

Interesting Incident in the Life of Hon. E. B. Wasbourne. yWsshirgton speeial. The death of E. B. Washburne reminds me of an interesting incident related by Ward H. Lamon, who was United States Marshal of this District; under President Lincoln. Colonel Lamon was Mr. Lincoln’s traveling companion on his celebrated journey from Springfield, 111., to Washington, • when the President elect was on his way here to assume the office of President. At that time Lainon was a great, strapping young fellow, and was accompanying Mr. Lincoln not only as his chosen traveling companion; but as his body guard and defender, and was armed with two Colt revolvers and a huge Bowie knife. The air was full of rumors of plots for the assassination of the President-elect, and in consequence of a report that an attempt would be made on his life at Baltimore, the programme arranged for the trip to Washington was suddenly changed, and Mr. Lincoln, who had gone from Philadelphia to Harrisburg, the intention being to proceed from the latter place to Baltimore, was brought back to Philadelphia and placed on the regular midnighttrain leaving that city for the Capital.

Two end sections of a sleeping car, directly opposite each other, the sleeper being the last car of the train, were secured, one of which was occupied by Mr. Lincoln and Colonel Lamon, and the other by Allan Pinkerton and another detective. Lincoln and Lamon occupied the same berth, both lying down without removing their clothes, Lamon with his weapons so placed that they could be readily used, stretched on the side next the aisle. Previous to the departure of Mr. Lincoln from Harrisburg, Thomas A. Scott sent -a special messenger to Washington to inform E. B. Washburne of the change of programme, and then, to prevent any intelligence of Mr. Lincoln’s movements from being forwarded, cut all the telegraph wires running between Harrisburg and Baltimore. Mr. Washburne was the only man in Washington who knew that the President-elect would arrive at the Capital in the early morning instead of in the afternoon, as was originally proposed. . The arrival of Mr. Lincoln at the Capital is best told in Colonel Lamon’s own words:

“I never closed my eyes, said Cononel Lamon, “during the trip from Philadelphia to Washington. The story of the cloak and Bcotch cap to disguise Mr. Lincoln had no foundation. There was no attempt at disguise and no occasion for it. We reached Baltimore at daybreak, and as the cars were being examined and made ready for the transfer through Baltimore from the President street depot to that of Camden street we could hear remarks made by the train men and those about the sta- i

tion in reference to the anticipated arrival of Lincoln during the afternoon of that day. Mr. Lincoln and myself remained in the berth until the train left Baltimore. I did not know, nor did Mr. Lincoln expect, Mr. Washburne was to meet him at the depot in Washington. Besides, I did not know Mr. Wasbburile by sight. On reaching Washington we left the train and proceeded with the other passengers toward the large room of the Baltimore and Ohio Depot fronting on New Jersey avenue, intending to pass through to the street, and, taking a carriage, drive to the residence of Wm. H. Seward. When we reached the waiting-room a man approached Mr. Lincoln, laid his hand on the shoulder of the Presidentelect and called his name. I paid no attention to what he said, but in an instan,t my pistol was at his head as was also that of Allan Pinkerton. Mr. Lincoln grasped my arm and said: “Ward, this is Mr. Washburne. You must be more careful of our friends? I replied: ‘Mr. Washburne should have more sense than to accost you in thjs place in such a manner? “Although I afterward became well acquainted with Mr. Washburne he never forgave me for this demonstration. I have often thought of this incident, and could never explain to myself how Mr. Washburne escaped death that morning from my pistol or that of Allan Pinkerton. Had Mr. Lincoln first seen and recognized Mr. Washburne it would not have aroused our supicions, but Mr. Lincoln did not see Mr. Washburne until his hand was laid on Lincoln’s shoulder and until Mr. Washburne called his name. It was a very close call for Mr. Washburne.”