Raynors HCA 2018-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2018
A very good Union soldier letter, written by “Hen(ry) J. Johnson”, 4pp., datelined Opposite Fredericksburg, Va., May 24, 1862, VG. In part, Johnson advises in large part, that “They were reviewed by President Lincoln, and Major Gen’l McDowell and Secretaries Stanton and Welles. I saw all four of these worthies while they were reviewing a Brigade just rear of our camp. President Lincoln rode at the head of of the cavalcade. He is readily recognizable by all who saw him. He was dressed in plain black clothes, with high crowned hat. The pictures you see of him resemble him very much. He wears a short beard, and has a troubled careworn look on his face. He not half as ugly as some people try to make him out, and would , I believe, were it not for the load of anxiety with which he is burdened, be as handsome as the ordinary run of men. ... Gen’l McDowell is a thick, heavy set, puffed up man, with a bloated appearance. he looks as though he might be a good Gen’l but we cannot trust to appearances, especially as we have not forgotten Bull Run. ... Next comes Secretary Stanton ... He makes quite a fine appearance, dresses gay .... By his side is ‘Grandmother Welles’. I did not recognize the ‘old man of the sea’ as he now wears his beard shoet ... such a miserable old dotard as he is, ought to be retired to some hill in New England, instead of riding around among good men. the troops all cheered the President and party. ...”
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