[LINCOLN, Mary Todd (1818-1882)]. Partially engraved invitation to a White House dinner, Washington, D.C., 17 October 1861. 

One oblong sheet; 4 x 5 1/2 in. (101 x 140 mm). Accomplished in manuscript. Light wear; small residue bottom left recto and verso from old mounting.

Engraved invitation from "The President & Mrs. Lincoln" requesting the presence of "Hon. B.B. French" at dinner on Thursday, October 17th, at 5 o'clock. Printers Philip & Solomons identified at bottom left. On the verso French has listed the guests who attended, including: "Gen. Anderson / Mr. Holt / Secy. C.B. Smith / Mr. Clay (eldest son of Henry) / Gov. Sprague / Mr. Shaw of Ky / Mr. Speed [of Ky] / with myself & the Prest & / Mrs. L made the party."

The dinner hosted on October 17th included several prominent Kentuckians, as well as several men who were likely in Washington, D.C. due to their scheduled participation in a ceremonial flag presentation. The 19 October 1861 issue of the National Republican recorded details of the presentation of flags from California to the 2nd Rhode Island regiment, during which dinner guests Rhode Island Governor William Sprague and "the hero" General Robert Anderson reviewed the Rhode Island troops alongside the President and Mrs. Lincoln.

During her time as First Lady Mary Lincoln played a significant role in White House social life, assisting in the planning of large receptions and more intimate dinners such as the one identified here.

Provenance:

Louise Taper, Beverly Hills, California

Exhibition:

The Last Best Hope of Earth: Abraham Lincoln and the Promise of America, at the Huntington Library, October 1993-August 1994

Property from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Foundation

This lot is located in Chicago.