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.
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