Was Lincoln’s coffin opened in February 1866 ?

[STS Lincolnite]

Kees,

I really think you are on to something here!

To me the article describing the wedding of Princess Helena as an event that is to occur (not has occurred) is critical.

I would also note that Richard J. Oglesby served 3 different times as Governor of Illinois. The first was from 16 January 1865 to 11 January 1869. One time for about 10 days in 1873 and the last time from 1885-1889. He was not Governor in 1871 or 1872. As they referred to Hatch as "ex Sec. of State Hatch", I would think they would have referred to Oglesby in much the same was as "former Governor" or "Ex-Governor" if this was written in 1872 (referring to the 1871 opening). But they did not, he was referred to as Governor Oglesby. To me, this indicates he was the current Governor, which he would have been in 1866.

I suppose it is possible that this article was referring to the December 1865 viewing. The "a few days ago" line is the one that makes this difficult to pin down. You ask correctly, what exactly does "a few days ago" mean? Is it 30 days or 10 days or 5 days, etc.?

I did find it interesting that they described the President's features being "scarcely discernible". Reports of the last viewing stated that Lincoln was perfectly recognizable.