Act 3, Scene 12 Summary

Today is the day that Lincoln will leave Springfield for Washington. Kavanagh is pacing the ground at the railroad car anticipating his arrival. The guard has been with him for three months now and is afraid that he won't be able to protect him with all the threats on Abe's life. Abe is not concerned about it and he just prefaces any statements about the future with the words "if I live." Edwards and his wife Elizabeth are there, as well as Josh and Billy. The crowd, which has gathered to see him off, is growing and chanting. Finally, Abe enters with Mary and their sons following him. Kavanagh is anxious to get him into the train car, but the crowd calls for a speech. Lincoln obliges them and thanks them for everything. Springfield has been his home for 25 years and...