Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 4 [Mar. 5, 1860-Oct. 24, 1861].

To James F. Babcock1Jump to section

Hon James F. Babcock Springfield, Ills.
My dear Sir: Sep. 13. 1860

Your two letters of the 8th., with newspaper slips, containing the proceedings of the Conn. Republican State Convention, and a consideration of our prospects in New-York, are received.

The original of the picture you inclose,2Jump to section and which I return, was taken from life, and is, I think, a very true one; though my wife, and many others, do not. My impression is that their objection arises from the disordered condition of the hair. My judgment is worth nothing in these matters. If your friend could procure one of the ``heads'' ``busts'' or whatever you call it, by Volk3Jump to section at Chicago, I should think it the think it the thing for him. Yours truly

A. LINCOLN.

Annotation

[1]   ALS, DLC.

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[2]   The photograph preserved with the letter is one made by Alexander Hesler in Chicago, February, 1857 (Meserve No. 6).

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[3]   Leonard W. Volk, a young sculptor at Chicago for whom Lincoln sat in his spare time while attending court at Chicago in March, 1860.

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