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:
At Miss Irwin’s picture.
The excitement in the City indescribably unparalleled in this history of the city since the fearful riot of 1844. The popular heart has been fired with indignation by the fall of Sumpter. A determined devotion to the Union has shown itself by all without reference to past party distinctions. A large body of men & boys have been parading the City all day, visiting the dwellings & places of business of persons suspected of sympathy with the south and compelling them to display from their windows, the flag of our country. I myself saw this done at the residence of Gen: Patterson. He was visited again in the evening by the mob, who threw some stones at his windows & created a great disturbance, which might have been serious but for the presence of a large police force in the Generals house. This looks like the Commencement of a Reign of Terror. My heart is heavy & sad. I am opposed to War with our southern brethren, believing that it will result in the destruction of all the means of a reconstruction of our once happy & glorious union.
Citation: John Henry Brown (1818-1891), autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 574/14.1