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:
Sunday, At Church.
I went down to 3d st in the afternoon to hear the news. The report of the surrender of Fort Sumpter confirmed. A large crowd in 3d st & considerable excitement. The President has issued a Proclamation calling out seventy five thousand troops and convening Congress on the 4th of July next.
Citation: John Henry Brown (1818-1891), autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 574/14.1
April 14, 1861–At the formal surrender the Confederates allowed Maj. Anderson to fire a 100 gun salute to the flag. As they did so a gun burst and two men were killed and several wounded. Maj. Anderson keeps the garrison flag and will live to raise it over Ft. Sumter at the war’s end. As the defeated Federals leave the Fort for the journey north the Confederates take possession of the Fort.
Congress approves President Lincoln’s call for 75,000 militia. Unfortunately the militia will be called up for only 3 months. This will force the United States to use them prematurely, before they are properly trained.
Sen. Stephen A. Douglas called on President Lincoln and offered his support.
There is wild rejoicing throughout the South.