December 15, 1860: John Henry Brown’s Journal

John Henry Brown was a miniature painter, living and working in Philadelphia. Politically he was a Democrat, but he had met Lincoln in August of 1860 when he was commissioned to paint a portrait of Lincoln for a supporter.

1860-12-15

Transcription:

At Miss Rogers picture. Mr. Cass has resigned his place in Mr. Buchanan’s Cabinet because the President would not send and additional force to the forts at Charleston, S. C. Thus, two members of the Cabinet have resigned, for reasons almost opposite. The President has appointed the fourth day of January next, as a day of humiliation, fasting & prayer in consequence of the threatening state of affairs.


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

December 13, 1860: 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.

1860-12-13Transcription:

At Miss Rogers picture. Mr. Cobb, Secty of the Treasury, has resigned his place in Mr. Buchanan’s cabinet, because the President will not admit the right of a state to secede from the Union.

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

December 11, 1860: Photograph of 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_1 Ellsworth photograph (Large)

Citation:  Matthew Brady, carte de visite photograph of Col. Elmer Ellsworth. 1860. AMs 811/2.1

December 8, 1860: John Henry Brown’s Journal

John Henry Brown was a miniature painter, living and working in Philadelphia. Politically he was a Democrat, but he had met Lincoln in August of 1860 when he was commissioned to paint a portrait of Lincoln for a supporter.

1860-12-08

Transcription:

At Miss Rogers picture.

The news from Washington is gloomy.

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

December 5, 1860: Letter from H. S. Lansing 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 811-2-5 p1 HS Lansing to Ellsworth (Large)

AMs 811-2-5 p2 HS Lansing to Ellsworth (Large)

AMs 811-2-5 p3 HS Lansing to Ellsworth (Large)

Transcription:

New York, 5 Dec 1860

Col Ellsworth

Dear Col

Knowing you are looked upon as the head & front of the Zuave [sic] movement, and have been addressed by every corps forming in the United States, I take the liberty of our slight acquaintance, to ask you to give me the list & commanders of such corps, as may have come under your notice & for the following names- I have made arrangements with the “Tailor of the Garde Imperial of France” to make up uniforms for me of the reserve material, and exactly like the “Garde” which I can deliver in New York as follows- a full privates uniform for $40- consisting of the following pieces-

Cloak & Hood – Pantaloon

Jacket & Vest- Leggings & Garters

Cap & Tassel – Turban

Sash – Pin

Coarse shirt – Knapsack & straps

Sword[?] belt & plate – Cartridge box –

Strap for gun –

Officers uniform consisting of

Full dress coat

do pants

Undress do

Embroidered coat

Cloak & [illeg.]

For Captain $125

Lieutenant $115

2nd do $110

Sword & scabbard like yours $14

Scabbard alone $5

Bayonette & Telescopic scabbard $5.70

Bayonette scabbard alone $3.20

As this is perhaps cheaper than most of them got this uniform for, & from head quarters I may get some orders-

Begging pardon for the trouble & with assurances of regard am

Truly Yours

H. S. Lansing

 

Citation: H.S Lansing, autograph letter signed to Elmer Ellsworth. New York, 5 December 1860. AMs 811/2.5

December 3, 1860: 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.

1860-12-03

Transcription:

Had a Daguerre taken of Miss Rogers.

The Congress of the United States convened today.

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