Interview with Abraham Lincoln Nov 1860

An Interview with Abraham Lincoln-His Freedom from Alarm at the Secession Movement.

A Springfield (Ill.) correspondent of the New York Evening Post says:

The timid gentlemen who are expecting Mr. Lincoln to issue a pronunciamento after the manner of successful Mexican chiefs, wherein his policy will be declared, for the conciliation of the madmen who are threatening the secession of a few of the States of the South, do not know the President-elect. It was my good fortune to talk with him an hour yesterday, in relation to this secession movement, and though he makes no concealment of the uneasiness which the contemplated treason gives him, he is not a bit alarmed by the aspect of affairs, nor is he at all inclined to yield an inch to the well-intended but mistaken solicitations of his friends. He believes that his success is only a public pretext for what has been long preparing; that his position on all questions of public concern - all which affect the slavery question nearly or remotely - is so well known that no declaration of his would change treasonable purposes already announced; and that a reiteration of views which are patent to all men who have sought to know them, would be an evidence of timidity which he does not feel, and of which he would have no man suspect him.

He is cautious, discreet and wise in his replies to questions as to what may or will be done. But those who know the steadfastness of purpose and the conscientious firmness which are his distinguishing characteristics, have no doubt that he will adopt that policy, when President, which a proper regard for the whole country dictates; and that he will pursue it firmly, persistently, and if necessary, obdurately, to the end. “ I know” said he, “the justness of my intentions, and the utter groundlessness of the pretended fears of the men who are filling the country with their clamor. If I go into the Presidency, they will find me as I am on record - nothing less, nothing more. My declarations have been made to the world without reservation. They have been often repeated; and now, self-respect demands of me and of the party that has elected me, that when threatened I should be silent.” While he holds this language in relation to a public letter, he does not hesitate to in his private letters to the South (he has already a large correspondence in that section), and in conversation with his visitors, in answer to proper inquiries, to give any assurances which are consistent with his views heretofore expressed, and the party platform on which he stands.