CHAPTER XXI. The remains had tarried so long at Chicago, while such extensive preparations were in progress at Springfield, it would not have been surprising if the people along the line had contented themselves with visiting one or the other of those places, and had omitted any demonstrations at the respective towns and cities along the route, but the love in the hearts of the people of Illinois for the memory of Abraham Lincoln would not permit them to be so easily satisfied. At Bridgeport, in the very suburbs of Chicago, the people had kindled bonfires, and with torches lighted the way as the train moved slowly along. Crowds of spectators were at Summit and Willow Springs stations, and at the town of Lemont. Lockport, 11:33 p. m., Tuesday, May 2. An immense bonfire was burning, minute guns firing, and the track lined with people holding torches. The glare of light revealed the mourning drapery on almost every building, and many mottoes expressive of the feelings of the people. None elicited more sympathetic feeling than the simple words, "Come Home," Joliet. It was midnight and raining. At least twelve thousand people were assembled at the depot. Bonfires lighted up the scene, and the cortege was greeted by minute guns, tolling of bells, and funeral dirges by a band of music. An immense arch spanned the track, decked with flags, evergreens and the insignia of mourning. The arch was surmounted by a figure representing the Genius of America, weeping. Among the mottoes, the most impressive was, "Champion, defender and martyr of liberty." As the train moved away, a number of ladies and gentlemen, on an elevated platform, were singing, "There is rest for thee in heaven." At Elwood and Hampton-both very small placesthe people had kindled large bonfires to enable them to take a passing view of the funeral train. Wilmington, one o'clock, a. m., Wednesday, May 3. Minute guns announced the arrival of the train, and a line of men with torches was drawn up on each side of the track. The depot was draped in mourning and about two thousand people were present to view the grand funeral cortege. At Gardner all the houses to be seen were draped in mourning and illuminated, while crowds of people were at the depot. Dwight, two o'clock, a. m., May 3. Minute guns and the tolling of bells announced the arrival of the cortege. The American flag was displayed, and all the buildings in view were draped in mourning. The entire population appeared to be out of doors desirous to pay their respects to the memory of Lincoln. Some of the escort recognized this as the place where the Prince of Wales and his royal party were entertained. Minute guns, tolling of bells, bonfires, funeral dirges and the insignia of mourning made up the demonstrations at Ödell, Cayuga, Pontiac, Chenoa and Lexington. Towanda, 4:30 a. m., May 3. A large assemblage of people were at the depot anxious to testify their sorrow and respect for the distinguished martyr. This is the highest point between Chicago and St. Louis, being one hundred and twenty-eight feet above the water of Lake Michigan. Bloomington, five o'clock, a. m., May 3. A large. arch over the track bears the inscription, "Go to thy Rest." The depot was handsomely draped in mourning, and about five thousand persons were assembled to testify their respect for the distinguished statesman. There would, no doubt, have been greater demonstrations at Bloomington, but a considerable number of the citizens visited Chicago, and a very large delegation had already gone, or were then on the point of going to Springfield to participate in the procession and other demonstrations of respect and mourning. At Shirley, a large number of people were present, with sad countenances, to view the imposing funeral cortege as it glided by. At McLean, minute guns, tolling bells, and singing by a choir of ladies contributed with mournful effect to the occasion, which called out almost the entire population. Atlanta, six o'clock, a. m., May 3. Minute guns and the fife and muffled drum greeted the funeral cortege at this place, just as the sun arose in splendor over the beautiful prairies. A large number of people had assembled, and portraits of Abraham Lincoln with emblems of mourning were everywhere visible. Among the mottoes were, 'Mournfully, tenderly, bear him to his grave." "He saved our country and freed a race." This town was Lincoln, Ill., 7 a. m., May 3. named for Abraham Lincoln, by some personal friends before he was known to fame. The depot was appropriately draped in mourning, and ladies dressed in white, trimmed with black, sang a requiem as the train passed under a handsomely constructed arch, on each column of which was a portrait of the deceased President. The arch bore as a motto: "With malice to none, with charity for all." The national colors were prominently displayed, and a profusion of evergreens, with black and white drapings, completed the artistic decorations. At Elkhart, a beautiful arch spanned the track, ornamented with evergreens and national flags, all draped in mourning. The arch was surmounted by a cross formed of evergreens and bearing the motto: "Ours the cross, thine the crown." At Williamsville, the houses were nearly all draped in mourning, with a profuse display of small flags and portraits of the late President. An arch spanned the track here, also, which bore the inscription: "He has fulfilled his mission." Springfield, Ill., 9 a. m., Wednesday, May 3, 1865. The train arrived one hour later than schedule time, so little did it deviate from the time table arranged before leaving Washington twelve days previous. The trains on all the roads for the twenty-four hours before the expected arrival of the funeral cortege, brought in passengers by thousands. The greatest anxiety was manifested by the people to be present at the reception of the remains of Abraham Lincoln. Long previous to the time appointed for their arrival, crowds were collected at the depot of the Chicago & Alton Railroad, and extended along the line of the road several squares north. Every building in the vicinity was covered with spectators. Hundreds of men who could not find standing or sitting room near the depot, walked up Fourth and Fifth streets to the crossing near the northern limits of the city. Every class of people was |