New conclusion on a possible Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg photo

[RJNorton]

For those folks with younger eyes than me - article and photos here.

Click on "Richter's Lincoln" and "Oakley's Lincoln."

[Rob Wick]

I'm still not convinced. How many men were wearing stovepipe hats and had beards that day? I can imagine several, given the formal nature of the program (at least where the hats are concerned).

Best
Rob

[Eva Elisabeth]

Click on "Richter's Lincoln" and "Oakley's Lincoln."

??? Do you mean in the picture? Should something happen then?

[RJNorton]

Hi Eva. Here is the way it's working on my computer. On that web page I posted if you click on where it says "Richter's Lincoln" you get to see an enlarged image of the man John Richter identified as Lincoln. And if you click on "Oakley's Lincoln" you get to see an enlarged image of the man Christopher Oakley says is actually Lincoln. Richter's Lincoln is on horseback; Oakley's is not. Both images are so blurry to my eyes I cannot tell. Yesterday, when I posted this, I was leaning to Oakley being correct, but this morning I am not so sure.

[L Verge]

Someone was discussing this on the morning news yesterday as I was getting ready to come to work, and it seemed to me that the epaulets on the shoulder of the gentleman on horseback would be a defining clue. Lincoln was a civilian. Even if he wore an officer's coat, he would have also worn an officer's hat -- not his famous stovepipe one.

I also remember years ago, when Mr. Richter made his discovery, wondering whether or not Mr. Lincoln even rode a horse at Gettysburg. It would seem to me that he would have been driven to the cemetery in a carriage, perhaps with Seward by his side and one or two other dignitaries.

[RJNorton]

I also remember years ago, when Mr. Richter made his discovery, wondering whether or not Mr. Lincoln even rode a horse at Gettysburg.

Laurie, actually he did ride a horse. Carl Sandburg writes, "They were scheduled to start at ten o’clock and at that hour of the clock Lincoln in a black suit, high silk hat, and white gloves came out of the Wills residence, mounted a horse, and held a reception on horseback. At eleven the parade began to move. The President's horse seemed small for him, as some looked at it. Clark E. Carr, just behind the President, believed he noticed that the President sat erect and looked majestic to begin with and then got to thinking so that his body leaned forward, his arms hung limp, his head bent far down.

[Gene C]

It's either incredibly good eyesight or wishful thinking.
(personally I think the guy standing in front of the tent - or maybe he's on horseback - has as much of a chance of being Lincoln as the other enlargements.)

[L Verge]

I also remember years ago, when Mr. Richter made his discovery, wondering whether or not Mr. Lincoln even rode a horse at Gettysburg.

Laurie, actually he did ride a horse. Carl Sandburg writes, "They were scheduled to start at ten o’clock and at that hour of the clock Lincoln in a black suit, high silk hat, and white gloves came out of the Wills residence, mounted a horse, and held a reception on horseback. At eleven the parade began to move. The President's horse seemed small for him, as some looked at it. Clark E. Carr, just behind the President, believed he noticed that the President sat erect and looked majestic to begin with and then got to thinking so that his body leaned forward, his arms hung limp, his head bent far down.

Thanks for getting me up to speed, Roger. I warned you in the beginning that I am very weak on general Lincoln history.

[Hess1865]

Are there any known instances where Lincoln was seen wearing a military-type outfit while President??
I find it hard to believe he ever did.