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:
The Convention of Mississippi passed the ordinance of Secession yesterday.
Mr. Thompson, of Miss, resigned from Mr. Buchanans Cabinet a few days ago, this makes the fourth who has left. Cass, Cobb, Floyd & Thompson.
Citation: John Henry Brown (1818-1891), autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 574/14.1
Januray 9, 1861:
Mississippi secedes from the Union.
South Carolina turns back the Star of the West from Ft. Sumter. The Southerners open fire on the ship without doing damage and the ship retires unharmed. Maj. Anderson in Ft. Sumter does not open fire to protect the ship. Ft. Sumter’s overall situation is unchanged, but tensions are heightened.
January 10, 1861
Florida secedes from the Union. The Federal garrison in Pensacola abandons Ft. Barrancas for the more defensible Ft. Pickens which is on Santa Rosa Island in the harbor.