January 12, 1861: Letter from C. C. Farnham to Elmer Ellsworth

Col. Elmer Ellsworth was a lawyer and soldier and friend of Abraham Lincoln who would become one of the first casualties of the Civil War. As a colonel of the Chicago National Guard Cadets before the war, Ellsworth introduced French-inspired Zouave uniforms and drills to the unit. He worked in Lincoln’s law office in August 1860 and assisted him during the fall campaign. After Lincoln’s election he helped organize troops, including the 11th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was shot and killed on May 24, 1861 while removing a large Confederate flag from a tavern in Alexandria, Virginia.

 AMs 811-2-6 Farmingham to Ellsworth

Transcript:

Chicago Jany 12th 1861

Dear Colonel,

From present appearances I think the U.S. Government will issue a call for troops from the different States. Should this be done I presume your regiment will be among the first to volunteer, and in case they do so I would like to join your staff if it could be arranged, say as paymaster. What do you say could anything of this kind be effected; and would such an arrangement, be acceptable and pleasant to you? Please write in relation to this matter, per return mail, and you will much oblige

Your Friend

C. C. Farnham

 

Citation: C.C. Farnham, autograph letter signed to Elmer Ellsworth. Chicgao, 12 January 1861. AMs 811/2.6

January 11, 1861: John Henry Brown’s Journal

John Henry Brown was a painter of portrait miniatures, living and working in Philadelphia. He had met Lincoln in August of 1860 when he was commissioned to paint Lincoln’s portrait for a supporter, but although Brown liked Lincoln personally, he did not agree with Republican policies.

1861-01-111861-01-11(2)

Transcript:

Had a Daguerre taken of Mrs. Gibson, an aged lady.

The Convention of Alabama, passed an Ordinance of Secession yesterday, at 2:30 today. The Convention of Florida, passed an ordinance of Secession, yesterday at 12.20 P.M. thus making four states, as follows, South Carolina Dec: 20. Mississippi Jan: 9. Florida Jan 10. Alabama Jan: 11.

Mr. Thomas, of Maryland, who was appointed to fill the vacancy in the cabinet, caused by Mr Cobb’s resignation, has also resigned.


Citation: John Henry Brown (1818-1891), autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 574/14.1

January 10, 1861: John Henry Brown’s Journal

John Henry Brown was a painter of portrait miniatures, living and working in Philadelphia. He had met Lincoln in August of 1860 when he was commissioned to paint Lincoln’s portrait for a supporter, but although Brown liked Lincoln personally, he did not agree with Republican policies.

1861-01-10

Transcript:

The Convention of Mississippi passed the ordinance of Secession yesterday.

Mr. Thompson, of Miss, resigned from Mr. Buchanans Cabinet a few days ago, this makes the fourth who has left. Cass, Cobb, Floyd & Thompson.


Citation: John Henry Brown (1818-1891), autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 574/14.1

January 8, 1861: John Henry Brown’s Journal

John Henry Brown was a painter of portrait miniatures, living and working in Philadelphia. He had met Lincoln in August of 1860 when he was commissioned to paint Lincoln’s portrait for a supporter, but although Brown liked Lincoln personally, he did not agree with Republican policies.

1861-01-08Transcript:

Out door business.

Senator Crittendens proposition, to restore the Missouri Compromise line, by an amendment to the Constitution, meets with general favour, without distinction of party. I fear however, that it cannot pass the Senate.


Citation: John Henry Brown (1818-1891), autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 574/14.1

January 7, 1861: John Henry Brown’s Journal

John Henry Brown was a painter of portrait miniatures, living and working in Philadelphia. He had met Lincoln in August of 1860 when he was commissioned to paint Lincoln’s portrait for a supporter, but although Brown liked Lincoln personally, he did not agree with Republican policies.

1861-01-07

Transcript:

Finished Master Lees picture.

The Conventions of Alabama & Mississippi meet today.


Citation: John Henry Brown (1818-1891), autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 574/14.1

January 5, 1861: John Henry Brown’s Journal

John Henry Brown was a painter of portrait miniatures, living and working in Philadelphia. He had met Lincoln in August of 1860 when he was commissioned to paint Lincoln’s portrait for a supporter, but although Brown liked Lincoln personally, he did not agree with Republican policies.

1861-01-05

Transcription:

At Master Lees picture.

Political affairs still gloomy, though there are some slight indications, that the Republicans may yield.


Citation: John Henry Brown (1818-1891), autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 574/14.1