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.
Transcription:
At Master Lees picture.
Political affairs still gloomy, though there are some slight indications, that the Republicans may yield.
Citation: John Henry Brown (1818-1891), autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 574/14.1
Southern states are continuing to seize Federal property, including forts. Most are garrisoned by one or two soldiers and offer no resistance. Among the forts seized are:
Ft. Pulaski, Georgia–January 3
US Arsenal at Mt. Vernon–January 4
Ft. Morgan and Fr. Gaines in Mobile, Alabama–January 5
Washington DC is being fortified to defend against Southern attack.
The Star of the West with supplies and 250 men is being sent to reinforce Fr. Sumter.
Southern Senators from Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Florida urge their states to secede and form a Southern Confederacy.