Contemporary views of Abraham Lincoln:
“I see very plainly Abraham Lincoln’s dark brown face, with the deep-cut lines, the eyes, always to me with a deep latent sadness in the expression.”
– Walt Whitman, diary entry, Aug. 12, 1863
“I went to the White House shortly after tea where I found ‘the original gorilla,’ about as intelligent as ever. What a specimen to be at the head of our affairs now!”
– Union Gen. George McClellan, letter to his wife, Nov. 17, 1861
“When you reflect, my dear Uncle, how at the time of Lincoln’s election 3 1/2 years ago it was only a matter of making no further concessions to the slave-owners, whereas now the avowed aim, which has in part already been realised, is the abolition of slavery, one has to admit that never has such a gigantic revolution occurred with such rapidity. It will have a highly beneficial influence on the whole world.”
– Karl Marx, letter, Nov. 29, 1864
“He was pre-eminently the white man’s president, entirely devoted to the welfare of white men.”
– Frederick Douglass, speaking at the dedication of Lincoln’s statue in D.C., April 14, 1876
“The death of Lincoln was a disaster for Christendom. There was no man in the United States great enough to wear his boots.”
– Otto von Bismarck, Germany’s “Iron Chancellor,” 1876
“The old man sits here and wields like a backwoods Jupiter the bolts of war and the machinery of government with a hand especially steady and equally firm.”
– John Hay, Lincoln’s secretary, September 1863
“President Lincoln was a man who, though not conspicuous before his election, had since displayed a character of so much integrity, so much sincerity and straightforwardness, and at the same time so much kindness, that if anyone was able to alleviate the pain and animosities which prevailed during the period of civil war, I believe that Abraham Lincoln was that person.”
– British Prime Minister John Russell, May 1, 1865
Lincoln events around the nation’s capital:
National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F streets NW — Through July 5, “One Life: The Mask of Abraham Lincoln” shows the evolving face of Lincoln, focusing on how the image the president presented to the nation changed over the course of his presidency.
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F streets NW — The museum is hosting a small exhibit focusing on Lincoln’s second inaugural ball. The exhibit includes the invitations, menus and other artifacts from the ball, which took place six weeks before Lincoln’s assassination.
Smithsonian Museum of American History, on the National Mall — The ongoing exhibit “Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life” presents a broad variety of historical artifacts from Lincoln’s life, from an iron wedge from his wood-chopping days in Illinois to the top hat he wore the night of his assassination.
Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW — Today, Ford’s Theatre is hosting a daylong program in Lincoln’s honor, a service including a wreath-laying service and performances of his greatest speeches. On Presidents Day there will be another all-day event, including a performance of Richard Hellesen’s play “The Road to Appomattox” and Civil War military bands.
The Lincoln Memorial, 23rd Street and Independence Avenue NW — The memorial throws a birthday party for Abraham Lincoln every year. There will be a reading of the Gettysburg Address today and other speakers on the importance of Lincoln’s legacy.
