In conclusion I may say that my friendship for Mr. Lincoln was of no recent hot-house growth. Unlike that of many who have made me the subject of hostile criticism, it antedates the beginning of his presidential term and the dawn of his political triumphs. I had the good fortune to be in intimate association with his private life when it was humble and obscure, and I was near him too in the darkest hour of his executive responsibility, until, indeed, the first rays of God-given peace broke upon the land. I can say, with truth that none can assail, that I retained his confidence unshaken as he retained my affections unbroken until his life was offered up as a crowning sacrifice to domestic discord at the very threshold of his and the nation's triumph. Is it, therefore, likely that words of mine, written or spoken, should do purposed injustice to his memory? With the most profound respect, I am Very truly your obedient servant, WARD H. LAMON. * * * * * Transcriber's note: Page xxv: The date 1661 has been changed to 1861. Page 24: "at Harrisburg to chose one companion"--"chose" has been replaced with "choose". The following line of the Table of Contents has been moved from the first heading in CHAPTER II to the end of CHAPTER I: "Time between Election and Departure for Washington 28".