Lincoln Writes Grace Bedell about his Beard. Click photo to enlarge.

5. Lincoln’s famous beard is said to have been inspired by this person:
A. His son Tad
B. A schoolgirl from New York
C. His wife Mary
D. His friend Joshua Speed

B. A SCHOOLGIRL FROM NEW YORK. Shortly after Lincoln’s nomination for president in 1860, he received this letter from Grace Bedell, an 11-year-old girl from Westfield, N.Y.

Hon A B Lincoln…

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 11 years old, but want you should be President of the United States very much so I hope you wont 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 any way and if you 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 to but I will try to get every one 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 Chatauque County New York
I must not write any more answer this letter right off Good bye
Grace Bedell

His reply, one of the most famous pieces of Lincoln memorabilia, read:

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

Despite the implications in the letter, one month later Lincoln had grown a beard. Lincoln met Grace Bedell in Westfield on his way to his 1861 inauguration.