5th.  In regard to Lincoln personally, we have shown how thoroughly he educated himself, so that at twenty-six he was able to more than hold his own as a member of the legislature of Illinois.

It does not detract from the great fame of Abraham Lincoln to show that he was a worthy son of a splendid ancestry, for his extraordinary personality would be just as hard to account for had he been a scion of the most notable family in the world.  When a man climbs the Matterhorn it matters little whether he began his journey at Zermatt or a few furlongs farther on.

* * * * *

LINCOLN IN 1860—­J.  HENRY BROWN’S JOURNAL.

As stated in the note to the portrait of Lincoln which makes the frontispiece of this number of the MAGAZINE, the late J. Henry Brown, who went to Springfield, Illinois, in 1860, and painted a miniature of Mr. Lincoln on ivory, left at his death a manuscript journal which contains interesting entries regarding Mr. Brown’s sojourn in Springfield and his acquaintance with Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln.  We print herewith this part of the journal entire: 

1860.  AUGUST, Continued.

Spring- Illinois. 12.  Sunday.  Arrived here at three o’clock
field this morning.  Wrote some letters.
" " 13.  Called at Mr. Lincoln’s house to see him.  As
he was not in, I was directed to the Executive
Chamber, in the State Capitol.  I found him
there.  Handed him my letters from Judge Read. 
He at once consented to sit for his picture. 
We walked together from the Executive Chamber
to a daguerrean establishment.  I had a half
dozen of ambrotypes taken of him before I
could get one to suit me.  I was at once most
favorably impressed with Mr. Lincoln.  In the
afternoon I unpacked my painting materials.
" " 14.  Commenced Mr. Lincoln’s picture; at it all day.
" " 15.  At Mr. Lincoln’s picture.
" " 16.  Mr. Lincoln gave me his first sitting, in the
library room of the State Capitol.  Called
to see Mrs. Lincoln; much pleased with her. 
Wrote five letters.
" " 17, 18.  At Mr. Lincoln’s picture.  Received an
invitation from Mrs. Lincoln to take tea with
them.
" " 19.  Sunday.  Wrote letters.
" " 20.  Mr. Lincoln’s second sitting.  Have arranged to
have his sittings in the Representative
Chamber.
" " 21.  At Mr. Lincoln’s picture.  Heard from home; all
well.
" " 22.  Mr. Lincoln’s third sitting.
" " 23.  At Mr. Lincoln’s picture.
" " 24.  Mr. Lincoln’s fourth sitting.
" " 25.  Mr. Lincoln’s fifth and last sitting.  The
picture gives great satisfaction; Mrs. Lincoln
speaks of it in the most extravagant terms of
approbation.
" " 26.  Sunday.  At church.