August 5, 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:

Still too warm for painting.

The President has called for three hundred thousand more soldiers by draft. It has created great excitement. I confess it gives me some uneasiness. I believe that a days march, under such a Sun as we now have, would kill me, besides I have no heart for this War, nor money to get a substitute. Things look worse for the Union now, than at any time during the War.

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