Lincoln's embalmment

[J. Beckert]

I remember reading the blood was drained through his neck and the embalming fluid was pumped into him through a vein in his leg by Dr. Brown. I don't think that's much different than how it's done today. Embalming was relatively new at the time, I believe and I don't remember the family having any input. I think it was a matter that had to be done with the many funerals and public displays that were being planned. Stanton actually supervised the clothing of his body with a suit Mrs. Lincoln provided. It's the same suit he was photographed in delivering his second inaugural speech.