Today I received and responded to a letter by an adorable little eleven year old girl from Westfield, New York named Grace Bedell. What she wrote to me was kind and thoughtful, and I couldn't help but send something back in return. I regret to say that I have no daughters, and have always wanted one. There is something about this girl's words that were so genuine, and struck my heart. She did though, make me question my appearance once again, just as the "True Republicans" did in a letter seven days ago. Both suggested that I grow some whiskers. What effect would this really have? As I told Grace, people would surely call it a piece of silly affection. Although, now that I think about it, is there anything wrong with gimmicks if they work? If I were to grow whiskers, would there be any better time than now? After all, this campaign needs to be represented with boldness and change. Perhaps whiskers would indeed add some wisdom and fatherly appeal to my face. I may have to consider this idea a little further after all.
A. Lincoln
This entry is based off of a letter Abraham Lincoln wrote to Grace Bedell on October 19, 1860. Additional information and interpretation come from David H. Donald's Lincoln (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1995), 258-259. Further reading can be found at the Lincoln's Writing website (http://housedivided.dickinson.edu/sites/lincoln/letter-to-grace-bedell-october-19-1860/)
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