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 Pennocks picture. Some time ago I said that I would not notice passing events connected with the War, on account of the unreliable nature of our newspapers. I will give a case in point. A week ago, the country was made [touring?] with the news of what was called the greatest battle ever fought on this continent and the greatest victory ever won. The battle took place at Pittsburg landing, in the State of Tennessee. According to the reports, the retreat of the enemy became a perfect rout, the men entirely demoralized, our Cavalry following them for many miles & taking possession of Corinth. The killed on our side from 10 to 20 thousands on the rebel side from 35 to 45 thousand. Now that the smoke of battle has passed away our own papers find it hard to make out a victory. The rebels claim it as well as we. Our papers now admit a loss of eight thousand killed and wounded and a loss of four thousand in prisoners but insist that the rebels have lost ten thousand. The rebels claim that they have taken eight thousand prisoners.
While our papers are conducted in a spirit of blind rage, it is impossible to get the truth and therefore worse than folly to notice each event of the War as it takes place.
Citation: John Henry Brown, autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 573/14.1