Before leaving Tremont House, Lincoln pens note to his old friend Henry Whitney, formerly of Urbana, replying to Whitney's note on behalf of Alschuler, photographer. Abraham Lincoln to Henry C. Whitney, 26 November 1860, CW, 4:145.

Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln leave Chicago at 9 A.M. and reach Springfield at 6:30. Lincoln's return "is the delight of the reporters and a number of office-seekers, who have been lying in wait for him since [Nov. 24]. The President and party traveled in separate cars. No ovations were received on the way on account of the rainy weather." Chicago Journal, 26 November 1860; N.Y. Tribune, 27 November 1860.