GLC02319
Mary Y. Prentiss to Abba
Washington, D.C., 8 March 1865.
Autograph letter signed, 4 pages.
Washington, D.C. March 8
th
1865
Dear Abba
I am haveing a perfectly splendid time here. The ferry between here and
Baltimore is frozen up so one can not get away from here just yet ... Oh Abba I have been
haveing such fun! And am haveing still! Saturday we went to the inauguration. Of course you
have heard of the shocking condition that the vice president was in when he took the oath. He
was too drunk to preside in the Senate Monday or Tuesday. A gentleman that came to the
inauguration in the car with Mr. Johnson said that Mr. J kept his flask in his jacket and drank
often. All the senators are more anxious to have Mr. Lincon live than they ever were before.
People say they wanted Licon & Hamlin, but not Mrs. Lincon, and Johnson. Saturday night we
dressed and went over to the presidents reception, but it was such a dread full jamb that we did
not try to get in and see the president, so we drove home again. ... Mr. L asked Emily to go to
the inauguration ball with him, and Col. Smith asked me. We went and had a splendid time, did
not get home till five in the morning ...There is a home for colored women and children that
Miss Searle is very much interested in, they are in need of friends to keep it along ...
M. Y. Prentiss
