22 November 1885
Herndon, William H., 1818-1891
Autograph letter signed
Title: to Mr. Kirk
Gives a friend his perceptions of Abraham Lincoln as a thinker, man, and statesman. He writes in part that Lincoln was "in the best sense of the word..., a deep, thorough and persistent thinker and a great reader of the political history of his country ... he was honest - prudent - far seeing - sagacious - he was cautious - conservative ... " He goes on to say that Lincoln had not reached his full mental maturity as he was assassinated at only 56 years old. Mentions that Lincoln also had negatives as he was not a perfect man, but does not list them.
GLC06648.01