The 1860 U.S. Presidential Election not only set the stage for a monumental period in American history but also gave rise to a charming legend involving Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. This story revolves around a simple letter from an 11-year-old girl and a small yet significant change in Lincoln's appearance that may have influenced his presidential campaign.
In October 1860, a young girl named Grace Bedell from Westfield, New York, wrote to Abraham Lincoln, then a presidential candidate. Grace had seen a campaign portrait of Lincoln and felt compelled to offer a piece of advice. She suggested that Lincoln would look better and have a better chance of winning the election if he grew a beard. "You would look a great deal better for your face is so thin," she wrote. Grace also mentioned that all the ladies liked whiskers and would persuade their husbands to vote for Lincoln.
Lincoln, amused and touched by the letter, wrote back to Grace, expressing his skepticism but also his consideration of her suggestion. In the weeks that followed, Lincoln decided to let his whiskers grow, a decision that marked his appearance for the rest of his life.
When Lincoln's inaugural train stopped in Westfield, New York, in February 1861, he requested to meet Grace Bedell. The meeting between the President-elect and the young girl was a touching moment; Lincoln showed off his new beard and thanked Grace for her advice, acknowledging its impact on his image and, potentially, his electoral success.
The story of Lincoln's beard is a delightful legend that highlights the human side of historical figures and the unexpected ways in which public image can be shaped. It suggests that even small, personal interactions can have lasting effects on public perception and history itself.