Description:

Abraham Lincoln
Washington, DC, March 3, 1865
Lincoln Grants Admission to Gallery in Congress for Mrs. Lincoln's Friends
ANS

On March 3, 1865, the last day of the 38th Congress and the day before his second inauguration as President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln spent much of his day in a room in the Capitol where he could sign bills that Congress passed in the closing hours of its session.

Mary Lincoln planned to attend the final day of the session with some of her friends, including Professor Joseph Henry (1797-1878), the first secretary of the Smithsonian Institution since 1846. When she was delayed, Henry went to Lincoln to get this pass to allow him and Mary Lincoln's other guests to access the Diplomatic Gallery of the House of Representatives. A reporter for The New York Herald noted Mrs. Lincoln's presence in the Diplomatic Gallery at 9 p.m. that evening. The 38th Congress remained in session until 8:00 a.m. on March 4.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN, Autograph Note Signed, to George B. Wooldridge, March 3, 1865, Washington, D.C. 3 pp., 5" x 8". Expected folds; scattered staining; some soiling on edges.

Complete Transcript
This is Mrs Lincoln's party
A. Lincoln
March 3, 1865

[Explanation on verso:]
March 3d 1865
The Enclosed Signature was written with the letter at Washington this day by the President while waiting in the Presidents Room at the Senate Chamber in the Capitol to be on hand to sighn the several Bills as they passed both houses. The way I came to receive it was that I am Doorkeeper in Charge of the Diplomatic Gallery attached to the House of Representatives. I had reserved a front seat for the occasion by the Special Command of Mrs Lincoln as she & Friends contemplate visiting the House on its last day of the 38th Congress. She did not come as early as intending so sent Professor Henry of the Smithsonian Institute with her Lady friends. He fearing he would not obtain the place I had kept for Mrs Lincoln called upon the President and obtained this which is an order. I obeyed.
Mrs Lincoln came at a later hour with her son
G B Wooldridge

George B. Wooldridge (1842-1906) was born in New York and moved to Washington, D.C., around 1860. In 1862, he married Julia Ann Harbaugh (1840-1924), and they had at least seven children. He served as a messenger in the federal government from at least 1863 to 1867 and a clerk in 1868. In the 1870s, he became a druggist. He was a member of the Oldest Inhabitants' Association and was an expert marksman. He also treated dogs and other pets brought to him without charge, earning him the title of "the friend of the dogs."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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