Lincoln here replies to an 11-year-old girl who suggested that he grow out his beard to improve his chances of being elected President. That young girl, Grace Bedell, wrote Lincoln just before the 1860 election. Though Lincoln’s reply makes no promises to follow her advice, he did end up growing the beard. On his way to Washington, D.C. after being elected President, Lincoln stopped in Westfield, New York, Grace’s hometown. He was sure to visit and show her his beard.