_Dear Mr. McClure_: I am in receipt of your picture of Lincoln. Having seen Mr. Lincoln in the war time, I have not been so dependent upon photographs and engravings as have most of the men of my generation for an impression of Mr. Lincoln's personality. I can, however, say that the present picture has distinctly helped me to understand the relation between Mr. Lincoln's face and his mind and character, as shown in his life's work. It is, far away, the most interesting presentation of the man I have ever seen. To my eye it _explains_ Mr. Lincoln far more than the most elaborate line-engraving which has been produced. Very truly yours, FRANCIS A. WALKER. * * * * * FROM CHARLES DUDLEY WARNER. HARTFORD, _October 24, 1895._ _My Dear Mr. McClure_: The engraving you sent me of an authentic picture of Abraham Lincoln is of very great interest and value. I wish the date could be ascertained. The change from the Lincoln of this portrait to the Lincoln of history is very marked, and shows a remarkable development of character and expression. It must be very early. The deep-set eyes and mouth belong to the historical Lincoln, and are recognizable as his features when we know that this is a portrait of him. But I confess that I should not have recognized the likeness. I was familiar with his face as long ago as 1857, '58, '59. I used often to see him in the United States Court room in Chicago, and hear him, sitting with other lawyers, talk and tell stories. He looked then essentially as he looked when I heard him open in Chicago the great debate with Douglas, and when he was nominated. But the change from the Lincoln of this picture to the Lincoln of national fame is almost radical in character, and decidedly radical in expression. For the study of the man's development, I think this new old portrait has a peculiar value. Yours sincerely, CHAS. DUDLEY WARNER. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of McClure's Magazine December, 1895 Edited by Ida M. Tarbell