Lincoln Family Album

[Gene C]

Written by Mark Neely Jr. and Harold Holzer.
An interesting selection of photographs, from the Lincoln family's personal collection. I was surprised to find that they had a photo of Robert E Lee and one of John Wilkes Booth in the album. Over the years a photo or two of Tad has had doubts regarding whether it is Tad or someone else.

There are two editions, one from 1990 and the other 2006. Mine was a gift, a soft cover 2006. There are a few good used hardcover copies for less than $1.
A new hardcover is a bit expensive. A nice addition, though not essential, for your library.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385263724/sr=...=8-1-spell

[RJNorton]

Very good analysis, Gene. I have the 1990 edition, and the photos of a "thin Tad" on pp. 124-125 are misidentified in the book. It has been discovered that those photos are not Tad Lincoln; rather they are of William Aaron Harlan, son of Iowa Senator James Harlan. I also question the writing on p. 93. Tad Lincoln gave a picture to Robert Lincoln. The picture is of Tad on his pony, and there is an inscription on the back. The book seems to imply that Tad wrote the inscription, but I disagree. I think an adult wrote the inscription for Tad. IMO, Tad's writing skills were not that advanced.

The inscription reads, "'Presented to Robert T. Lincoln by his affectionate brother-Thomas Lincoln. A carte-de-viste of himself and new South American pony, as taken, Nov 16th 1863. Washington, D.C."

[Eva Elisabeth]

I have the 2006 edition, and p.124/25 show the "Lincoln grandchildren". Which photo of Tad are you talking about? (Gene...?)

As for the CDV - the book doesn't seem to imply but to me very clearly and directly claims that Tad wrote this, which I, too, doubt. I am clueless what makes Mr. Holzer think so - I've always found him a very reliable writer.

I have and recommend the soft-cover version. If you are as prone as I am to drop a book of this size on your toes with the edge ahead you will appreciate.

[Gene C]

I have the 2006 edition, and p.124/25 show the "Lincoln grandchildren". Which photo of Tad are you talking about? (Gene...?)

the one on page 112, and possibly 111.
I found it interesting that the photograph of "Tad" on p111, is done by Julius Ulke, who also took the photograph of the bed (with the blood stained pillow) and room where Lincoln died

[RJNorton]

Here is the handwriting that the book says was an inscription on the back of the photo Tad gave to Robert in 1863: (and supposedly written by Tad himself)

[Eva Elisabeth]

Despite this handwriting looks too neat and tidy and like one of an adult who had practiced for many years I don't see Tad writing in 3rd person of himself (like Cesar) - not to his brother.

---

I have the 2006 edition, and p.124/25 show the "Lincoln grandchildren". Which photo of Tad are you talking about? (Gene...?)

the one on page 112, and possibly 111.
I found it interesting that the photograph of "Tad" on p111, is done by Julius Ulke, who also took the photograph of the bed (with the blood stained pillow) and room where Lincoln died

Thanks, Gene - will check out when at home!

[STS Lincolnite]

Despite this handwriting looks too neat and tidy and like one of an adult who had practiced for many years

I agree Eva. I would say Abraham wrote this. Check out the way the capital A is written in the word "A" and the first letter in the word "American". To my eye, that looks exactly the same (sizing, letter angle, implement pathway, etc.) as how Abraham wrote the "A" when signing his name "A. Lincoln".

[RJNorton]

As I mentioned in a post in another thread, I question Tad's writing ability even after his reported progress in Chicago and Europe (just my opinion). I do not recall ever seeing a legitimate example of Tad's handwriting. Can anyone post an example? Many thanks.

[Dennis Urban]

Despite this handwriting looks too neat and tidy and like one of an adult who had practiced for many years

I agree Eva. I would say Abraham wrote this. Check out the way the capital A is written in the word "A" and the first letter in the word "American". To my eye, that looks exactly the same (sizing, letter angle, implement pathway, etc.) as how Abraham wrote the "A" when signing his name "A. Lincoln".

Lots of folks wrote the capital "A" in that manner during those times. What does not compute with Abe's penmanship is the surname. Abe clearly did not write that. The writing appears to be that of an adult but not Abraham Lincoln.

[J. Beckert]

Looks like Mary's writing to me.    

[Eva Elisabeth]

I'd think someone along the way to collection wrote it.

[RJNorton]

Looks like Mary's writing to me.

I agree with Joe. I am no handwriting expert, and it may not be an exact match, but I think the same person (most likely Mary Lincoln) wrote both. Keep in mind that these were written nearly 20 years apart.

I tried to find a letter in which Mary wrote the words "Robert T. Lincoln." And I found an example in a letter she wrote to Rev. Noyes W. Miner in 1882.

The top image is the handwriting on the back of the photo; the bottom image is the handwriting from her letter to Miner.