LiveAuctionTalk.com Highlights Lincoln Inaugural Ball Invitation in its Weekly Free Article

Abraham Lincoln’s second Inaugural ball was about to begin. Tension over the Civil War loosened its grip over people that spring evening in 1865.

The ball was a way to honor the President’s victory, a night to stop, reflect, and affirm the freedom Union soldiers fought so hard to preserve. A sense of optimism filled the gala.

"The great, warm heart of the nation has little sympathy with that neuralgic nerve which forbids the expression of exuberant feeling at this most auspicious moment," an observer said.

Guests climbed the curved double granite stairways from the south portico entrance, past the gas lamps lighting their way and into the newly completed grand exhibition hall. A brass band performed light music in the foyer. A string ensemble, located in the main room played for 500 dancers.

The guest of honor, Pres. Abraham Lincoln and his wife Mary arrived around 10:30 P.M., and stayed until after 1:00 in the morning.

Lincoln dressed in a plain black suit. Mary, his wife, wore white satin and pearls. Tickets cost $10 and all the proceeds went to the soldiers in the field. Over 4,000 people were there.

The eating and dancing lasted until dawn. Who could have guessed that a little more than a month later, the war would be over and Lincoln would be dead.

All that remained of the evening for most attendees were memories and a 10 1/2 inch by 7 1/2 inch invitation to the gala.

Those invitations have become an important piece of Presidential history. How many actually survive is impossible to say. They weren’t intended to survive 141 years. Some did and today they show up occasionally at auction.

That’s what happened on April 22. Early American History Auctions, in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., held a mail bid and internet auction. They featured autographs, coins, currency and Americana in the sale.

Among the lots, in excellent condition, was an invitation to Lincoln’s Inaugural ball. It sold for $1,699.

Visit www.LiveAuctionTalk.com and read the full article.