American Quaker poet and abolitionist (1807–1892) best known for such works as “Barbara Frietchie” and “Maud Muller,” which includes the immortal line, “For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’” Dignified 4.25 x 6.5 cabinet photo, a head-and-shoulders portrait of a determined-looking Whittier, signed in ink on the mount, “John G. Whittier, 1888.” In very good condition, with signature rather light (yet fully legible) and mild toning and faint soiling to mount. R&R COA.