September 24, 1862: 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.

Transcript:

At Miss Powers picture.

A Proclamation by the President, suspending the writ of habeas Corpus throughout the whole country. In heavens name, what means this. Is it to close the mouths of those who are opposed to making this an Abolition war. This Proclamation & the one declaring the slaves of all rebels free, after the 1^st of Jan. next has terror stricken the people. The air is tremulous with emotion & full of revolution. All our fond hopes of Lincolns conservatism, have melted into heart sickening disappointment. Our earnest prayers for the restoration of the Union as it was and the maintenance of the Constitution as it is, have been disregarded.

Citation: John Henry Brown, autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 573/14.1