"Mr. Lincoln gave me this photograph one day in the spring of 1864. The picture, with several others, stood on his desk, in the room at the White House where he received visitors, apparently for the purpose of examination and comparison. During the conversation over our business matters, my eye was resting continually on these pictures, struck with the differences that existed between them. As I was about to retire, I remarked to Mr. Lincoln that of all the portraits of him that I had seen this one gave me the best impression—was the best likeness. Without making any direct reply he handed it to me, saying, 'You are welcome to it.'"
VII. and VIII.—The last two portraits in the series (pages 345 and 346) were made by Brady in Washington, probably in 1864. They are especially interesting as showing that the popular notion of Lincoln's ungainliness is exaggerated. Indeed these two pictures confirm entirely what Mr. T. H. Bartlett, the sculptor, says of Lincoln's person: "Lincoln sat down with great dignity, and sitting down is a very extreme test of the character of physical construction. Lincoln sat well, superbly. … He stood well, and, above all, unassumingly and naturally. In nearly all of his full-length portraits there is seen a physical and mental concentration very rare; that is, his body, hips, and arms kept together. Whenever there is an articulation in action, like the bend of the wrist, ankle, or arm, there is inevitably grace and strength, effects never produced by mean joints or uncouth physical construction. Lincoln's joints were elastic, easy, and strong in make and movements."
REMINISCENCES OF MEN AND EVENTS OF THE CIVIL WAR.
By Charles A. Dana,
Assistant Secretary of War from 1863 to 1865.
ILLUSTRATED WITH PORTRAITS FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT COLLECTION OF CIVIL WAR PHOTOGRAPHS.
IV.
IN COUNCIL AND IN BATTLE WITH ROSECRANS AND THOMAS.—A VISIT TO BURNSIDE AT KNOXVILLE.
FROM Vicksburg I went early in July to Washington to report to the Secretary of War. I was the first man to reach the capital from Vicksburg, and everybody wanted to hear the story and to ask questions. I was anxious to get home and see my family, however, and left for New York as soon as I could get away. A few days after I arrived in New York, I received an invitation to go into business there with Mr. Ketchum, a banker, and with George Opdyke, the merchant. I wrote Mr. Stanton of the opening, but he urged me to remain in the War Department as one of his assistants, which I consented to do.[1]
The first commission with which Mr. Stanton charged me after my appointment as his assistant was one similar to that which I had just finished—to go to Tennessee to observe and report the movements of Rosecrans against Bragg. My orders were to report directly to Rosecrans's headquarters. I carried the following letter of introduction to that general:
Major-General Rosecrans,
General: This will introduce to you Charles A. Dana, Esq., one of my assistants, who visits your command for the purpose of conferring with you upon any subject which you may desire to have brought to the notice of the department. Mr. Dana is a gentleman of distinguished character, patriotism, and ability, and possesses the entire confidence of the department. You will please afford to him the courtesy and
- ↑ Although appointed some months before, Mr. Dana was not nominated in the Senate as Second Assistant Secretary of War until January 20, 1864; the nomination was confirmed January 26th.—Editor.
