We can not hide Abraham Lincoln’s name from history. However, one little girl behind him showed the path to his success.
You can see this beautiful statue in Chautauqua County, New York.
Have you ever heard about this little girl? I think surely you do. Her name is Grace Bedell. So let’s look at Abraham Lincon’s and our little Grace Bedell’s exciting story.
Lincoln did not have a beard before Grace’s historical letter. Instead, he had a thin and wrinkled face.
On Oct 15, 1860, 11 years old Grace Bedell wrote a letter to Lincoln.
Grace Bedell’s letter
Dear Sir,
My father has just home from the fair and brought home your picture and Mr. Hamlin’s. I am a little girl only eleven years old but want you should be President of the United States very much, so I hope you won’t think me very bold to write to such a great man as you are. Have you any little girls about as large as I am if so give them my love and tell her to write to me if you cannot answer this letter. I have got 4 brother’s and part of them will vote for you anyway and if you will let your whiskers grow I will try and get the rest of them to vote for you you would look a great deal better for your face is so thin. All the ladies like whiskers and they would tease their husband’s to vote for you and then you would be President. My father is going to vote for you and if I was a man I would vote for you too but I will try and get everyone to vote for you that I can I think that rail fence around your picture makes it look very pretty I have got a little baby sister she is nine weeks old and is just as cunning as can be. When you direct your letter direct to Grace Bedell Westfield Chautauqua County New York
I must not write any more answer this letter right off
Good bye
Grace Bedell
After reading this letter Lincoln personally send a response letter to her on October 19, 1860.
Lincoln’s reply letter
My dear little Miss,
Your very agreeable letter of the 15th. is received.
I regret the necessity of saying I have no daughters. I have three sons-one seventeen, one nine, and one seven, years of age. They, with their mother, constitute my whole family.
As to the whiskers, having never worn any, do you not think people would call it a piece of silly affection if I were to begin it now? Your very sincere, well-wisher
A. LINCOLN.
Lincoln accepted her advice and grew his whiskers.
Lincoln meet Grace Bedells
Finally, Lincoln won the election and on the way to his inauguration, he stopped in Westfield, New York to show his new beard to Grace.
“You see? I let these whiskers grow for you.” Abraham Lincoln shook her hand and said.
