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 Mrs. Conovers picture.
The Convention of the seceded states, in session at Montgomery, Alabama, have adopted as the fundamental law of the Confederate States, the Constitution of the United States, with a few slight alterations. They elected as temporary or Provisional President Jefferson Davis of Miss: late U. States Senator. for Vice president, Alexander H. Stevens of Georgia.
Citation: John Henry Brown (1818-1891), autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 574/14.1
February 11–President Elect Abraham Lincoln leaves Springfield, Ill. for Washington Dc and his inauguration as President of the United States of America. Lincoln says:
My friends, no one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.
President Elect Jefferson Davis also leaves Brierfield Plantation, Mississippi for his inauguration as President of the Confederate States of America. In a stop at Vicksberg Davis remarks that the “separation may be peaceful”.
However both sides are in deadly earnest.