American painter (1830–1900) who resided with Lincoln at the White House for six months and is best known for his 1864 painting, ‘First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation of President Lincoln.’ ALS signed “F. B. Carpenter,” one page, lightly-lined both sides, 5 x 8, October 18, 1865. Letter to Henry C. Deming. In part: “I have lately received a copy of your Address before the General Assembly of Connecticut upon the death of Mr. Lincoln,—or rather, your ‘Eulogy,’ of Mr. Lincoln…I have seen no finer analysis of his character, than this,—My special object in writing to you now, is to ask if you are willing I should embody the two or three personal incidents, mentioned in the address, in a future number of my papers in the ‘Independent,' entittled [sic], ‘Personal Impressions and recollections of Mr. Lincoln.’ What you state of his conversation about creeds is especially interesting, and should have the widest circulation.” Light scattered creases, some slight brushes to the text and signature, and show-through from writing on opposing sides, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by an unsigned original carte-de-visite portrait of Carpenter. RRAuction COA.
