Who wrote this?

[RJNorton]

Edwin Stanton?

[David Lockmiller]

(05-06-2025 07:09 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  Edwin Stanton?

Not Stanton, Roger.

[David Lockmiller]

Hint #1: The actual words were written in French and much later translated into English.

[AussieMick]

Karl Marx?

[David Lockmiller]

(05-06-2025 01:55 PM)AussieMick Wrote:  Karl Marx?

No.

[Anita]

Based on Hint # 1 the person is Voltaire?

[David Lockmiller]

(05-06-2025 04:18 PM)Anita Wrote:  Based on Hint # 1 the person is Voltaire?

Not Voltaire.

---

IMPRESSIONS OF LINCOLN AND THE CIVIL WAR - A FOREIGNER'S ACCOUNT
By the Marquis Adolphe de Chambrun

Translated From the French By
General Aldebert de Chambrun

Random House, New York
First Printing
Copyright, 1952

The following is how a portion of Lincoln history and an astute character observation regarding Lincoln was almost lost. General Aldebert de Chambrun, the author's son wrote in the Preface to the book:

"It was not until my sister Therese died in Algiers only two years ago, after instituting me her Executor, I found among a heap of old magazines, maps and newspapers, a large dilapidated book. On opening it, my attention was at once arrested by these startling lines set down in my mother's familiar handwriting: ADOLPHE'S LETTERS TO ME FROM December 20, 1864 to June 13, 1865

Laying aside other occupations, I plunged into this record of far-off days, fascinated by the penetrating character study of President Lincoln, whose rare personality my father seems to have divined at their first meeting.

[David Lockmiller]

Marquis Adolphe de Chambrun letter to his wife dated February 27, 1865:

The happenings on Saturday were far more sensational. I went to see a certain Mr. Kennedy, director of the Census. . . . He told me that Mrs. Lincoln was receiving and that, if I wished, we might go together. . . . In brief, I accepted, dressed and started out for the White House. That was Saturday, February 25th, at three o'clock.

The reception was almost over. Many guests had already left. In we went. Upon entering the first parlor, I at once perceived a tall man standing near the door, surrounded by an atmosphere of great respect. No mistake was possible; it was Mr. Lincoln himself! Apparently, when there are so many visitors in Washington, as is now the case on account of the Union victories, the President is apt to come to his wife's receptions. What an anxious moment! Here I was alone, without anyone to help, obliged to say a polite word in English to each of them. No possibility of retreat, though. I had time, while waiting my turn, to observe Mr. Lincoln closely. He is exceedingly thin, not so very tall. His face denotes an immense force of resistance and extreme melancholy.

It is plain that this man has suffered deeply. His eyes are superb, large and with a very profound expression when he fixes them on you. It cannot be said that he is awkward; his simplicity is too great for that. He has no pretense to having worldly ways and is unused to society, but there is nothing shocking in this, quite the contrary. The elevation of his mind is too evident; his heroic sentiments are so apparent that one thinks of nothing else. Nobody could be less of a parvenu. As President of a mighty nation, he remains just the same as he must have appeared while felling trees in Illinois. But I must add that he dominates everyone present and maintains his exalted position without the slightest effort.

I waited fifteen minutes before Mr. Kennedy could bring me up to him and then managed to say that my whole heart was engaged on the side of his political ideals; that I participated enthusiastically in his present success and that of his armies, feeling, as I did, that Union victory was the victory of all mankind. This seemed to please him, for he took my hand in both of his as he said how glad he was to find his policies so well understood.

[book pages 20-22.]