Abraham Lincoln

Stefani · Post by **Stefani** » Sat May 16, 2009 10:12 pm

Sit back. In amazement.

http://www.shorpy.com/node/5562?size=_original

I couldn't stop staring. Unbelievable. Truly.

doug65oh · Post by **doug65oh** » Sat May 16, 2009 10:42 pm

Yes indeed. It's difficult to look at that photograph without calling to mind Navy Secretary Welles recollections of an evening some 9 weeks after it was made:

“His features were calm and striking. I had never seen them appear to better advantage than for the first hour, perhaps, that I was there. After that, his right eye began to swell and that part of his face became discolored. Senator Sumner was there, I think, when I entered. If not he came in soon after, as did Speaker Colfax, Mr. Secretary McCulloch, and the other members of the Cabinet, with the exception of Mr. Seward. A double guard was stationed at the door and on the sidewalk, to repress the crowd, which was of course highly excited and anxious. The room was small and overcrowded. The surgeons and members of the Cabinet were as many as should have been in the room, but there were many more, and the hall and other rooms in the front or main house were full. One of these rooms was occupied by Mrs. Lincoln and her attendants, with Miss Harris. Mrs. Dixon and Mrs. Kinney came to her about twelve o'clock. About once an hour Mrs. Lincoln would repair to the bedside of her dying husband and with lamentation and tears remain until overcome by emotion.”

-The Diary of Gideon Welles, v. 2, pg. 287

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Sun May 17, 2009 7:42 am

Wow, incredibly clear. Thanks Stef!

Stefani · Post by **Stefani** » Sun May 17, 2009 10:37 am

I knew you would like it Harry.

twinsrwe · Post by **twinsrwe** » Mon May 18, 2009 10:08 pm

What an awesome photo! Thanks Stefani.

Tina-Kate · Post by **Tina-Kate** » Tue May 19, 2009 10:51 am

I wonder what he had in his hands looks like a pencil for one & that he may have been fidgeting.

What character in his face!!

Stefani · Post by **Stefani** » Tue May 19, 2009 1:34 pm

It is his glasses.

augusta · Post by **augusta** » Tue May 26, 2009 11:57 am

Does no one else see that it looks like he is playing with himself?

That don't look like any pair of eyeglasses I've ever seen. I cannot believe that is what he is doing. If that's what it is supposed to be, I'd think someone doctored that photo.

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Tue May 26, 2009 12:44 pm

Good lord, woman!

augusta · Post by **augusta** » Tue May 26, 2009 4:07 pm

I am probably mistaken. I hold great respect for Lincoln, and I thought it was a doctored photo done in very bad taste.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 12:27 am

I did not know he had blue eyes.

Here they are: If I had not seen the picture, I would have to guess who these belong to!