The Collected Library, Including Americana and Early Photography

(Washington, D.C.): Engraved by Dempsey & O'Toole, after a design by Joseph Goldsborough Bruff, 1865. Engraved invitation with jugate portraits of Lincoln and Andrew Johnson at top, 10 7/16 x 7 1/2 in. (265 x 190 mm). Creased, some loss and chips to margins; scattered stains; tear reparied on verso with cello tape; ink squiggle at bottom margin.

An original engraved invitation for President Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural ball. Although dated March 4, 1865, due to inclement weather the ball was rescheduled to March 6. Taking place during the final stages of the Civil War, the ball was a revelatory event attended by over 4,000 guests, and was held in the Patent Office Building (now the Smithsonian American Art Museum), the first inaugural ball to take place in a government building.