time. It was that which gave promise
that in due time the weight would be lifted from the shoulders of all
men and that all should have an equal chance. This is the sentiment
embodied in the Declaration of Independence.

"Now, my friends, can this country be saved on that basis? If it can,
I will consider myself one of the happiest men in the world if I can
help to save it. But if this country cannot be saved without giving up
that principle, I was about to say I would rather be assassinated on
this spot than surrender it."

Four years and two months later, April 22, 1865, his body lay,
assassinated, on the very spot where he had made the above remarks,
then being taken to Springfield, Illinois, for burial.

[Illustration: INDEPENDENCE HALL, PHILADELPHIA]

Henry Wilson Clendenin, born at Schellsburg, Pennsylvania, August 1,
1837; educated in private schools and by tutors. Married Mary E. Morey
of Monmouth, Illinois, October 23, 1877; to them were born five
children, four of whom survive: George M., manager _Illinois State
Register_; Clarence R., Deputy Internal Revenue Collector,
Springfield, Illinois; Harry F., proofreader, _Illinois State
Register_, and Marie, Assistant Instructor Physical Education, State
Normal University, Normal, Illinois. He was a private of Company I,
Twentieth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in the Civil War. Began
newspaper work on _Burlington_ (Iowa) _Hawkeye_. Afterwards telegraph
editor _Peoria Transcript_, 1858; telegraph editor _Burlington
Gazette_, 1863, and editor and proprietor, _Keokuk Daily
Constitution_, 1876-1881; since that year was editor and president of
the _Illinois State Register_. Postmaster, Springfield 1886-90. Member
Illinois State Historical Society, The Jefferson Association, Grand
Army of the Republic and Sons of the American Revolution. Director of
Lincoln Library at Springfield, Illinois, for ten years. Member of the
First Congregational Church of that city.

This sonnet was written by Mr. Clendenin, in Philadelphia, February
22, 1861, after witnessing Lincoln hoist the flag over Independence
Hall.

LINCOLN CALLED TO THE PRESIDENCY

Hark to the sound that speedeth o'er the land!
Behold the sword in fratricidal hand!
'Tis duty calls thee, Lincoln, and thy trust
Demands that all thy acts be wise and just.
No idle task to thee has been assigned,
But work th