American Quaker poet and abolitionist (1807–1892) best known for such works as ‘Barbara Frietchie’ and ‘Maud Muller,’ which includes the immortal line, ‘For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: It might have been!’ Original 4.25 x 6.5 cabinet photo by Warren’s Portraits of Boston, signed in the lower border in black ink, “John G. Whittier.” On the reverse, Whittier adds an AQS from The Bridal of Pennacook: “Still, to earnest soul, the sun; Rests on towered Gibeon, And the moon of Ajalon, Lights the battle-grounds of life. John G. Whittier.” Some light rubbing and spotting to image, trivial surface loss to bottom border, and some scattered light soiling and surface loss to reverse, otherwise fine condition. RR Auction COA.
