toned collar, and a felt hat cocked to an outrageous angle. This picture was originally a daguerreotype taken in July of the previous year by Gabriel Harrison, a friend of Whitman's. Whitman placed the order for the engraving with Macrae in NY, but Macrae didn't have the knowledge or resources for a stipple print, so the order was given to Hollyer, a stipple expert. Years later, Hollyer sent a publisher, Herbert Small, a letter in which Hollyer described a chance meeting with Whitman soon after the engraving was finished. Hollyer met up with Whitman at a restaurant and talked to him about the portrait, asking him what he thought. Whitman said he liked it but would like to have some alterations made. The next morning, Whitman brought the plate in to Hollyer and told him what he wanted. Hollyer made the alterations quickly, with professional attention. A couple day
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