February 6, 1861 (Wednesday)

Farewell Reception

Hat tip to The Lincoln Log: 

"Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln (assisted by four of her sisters) held a farewell reception at home, prior to their departure to Washington D.C.  A newspaper reports, 'The levee lasted from seven to twelve o'clock in the evening, and the house thronged by thousands up to a late hour.  Mr. Lincoln received the guests as they entered and were made known.  They then passed on, and were introduced to Mrs. Lincoln, she stood near the center of the parlors, and who...acquitted herself most gracefully and admirably.'  Another reporter writes, 'Behind [Lincoln] on the sofa were his two little boys, about eight and four years of age respectively, the youngest of whom was as noisy as a cub wolf.  After a considerable time, the noise of the little urchin attracted the father's attention.  Thereupon, turning about, and stooping down. . . he had some of the pleasantest words for the little fellow, that can be imagined.  Thereafter there was no noise while I remained.  Mrs. Lincoln, who is squatty, pleasant little woman, receives her visitors with an easy gracefulness that makes all feel comfortable.' "

From the Civil War Daily Gazette:

"Abraham and Mary Lincoln had cordially invited their 'friends in this city' of Springfield to attend their 'farwell soiree.'  Hundreds of friends and well-wishers gathered in and around the Lincoln house to say good-bye to the soon-to-be first couple.

Mr. Lincoln welcomed the guests as they entered the front door.  Mary, in turn, received them in the parlor.  Soon, every room on both floors of the house was 'densely packed with a fashionable multitude.'  Mary was decked out in white moire antique silk with a French lace collar.  She had recently returned from a shopping spree in New York City. 

The mood was festive and jovial.  At one point, the oldest Lincoln son, 18 year old Robert, crashed the receiving line to jokingly shake the hands with his father.  "Good evening, Mr. Lincoln!" cracked Robert.  To this, Lincoln gave the boy a gentle slap on the face.

The ball lasted well past midnight with the Lincoln's shaking the hands of nearly everybody in town."