Lot 182
(Lincoln, Abraham & Mary). 1862 Presidential Invitation, partly-printed and accomplished in manuscript,2 5/8x5¼". The invitation reads: "The President & Mrs. Lincoln request the honor of Mr. & Mrs. Elderken's company on Wednes evening Feb 5 at 9 O'clock. Fine; toned line around the outer edge from an earlier framing and two tape remnants on the verso. Lincoln Day-by Day records that on February 5, 1862, "Mrs. Lincoln gives White House ball, feature heretofore untried in social customs of First Lady. Issues invitations to 600-700 people. 'A very respectable if not a brilliant success. The East Room was filled with well dressed guests looking very beautiful and the[midnight] supper was magnificant'….Nicolay to Bates….'Most superb affair of its kind ever seen here.' Washington Star."
The menu included oysters, pâté de fois gras, and duck. A replica of Fort Pickens was made of sugared cake and filled with candied quail. Mrs. Lincoln was criticized by the press for her extravagance while sick soldiers were in need of food and attention. Meanwhile, all during the evening, the President and Mrs. Lincoln kept sneaking upstairs to check on Willie, who was running a high fever. Poor Willie died 15 days later on February 20th, probably of typhoid.
Estimated Value $500 - 1,000.
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| Realized $1,380 |
