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 Irwins picture. Waiting with breathless anxiety for further news from Charleston.
Citation: John Henry Brown (1818-1891), autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 574/14.1
April 12, 1861–Confederate batteries open fire at 4:30 am. Ft. Sumter’s guns reply at 7:00 am. The normal garrison of the Ft. was approximately 650 men. Maj. Anderson only has about 85 plus some 43 workmen. The Ft. catches fire 3 times and the last fire cannot be put out. The bombardment goes on all day.
Ft. Pickens is reinforced.