Was Lincoln’s coffin opened in February 1866 ?

[loetar44]

You are right Roger. J. Carroll Power writes in his "History of an attempt to steal the body of Abraham Lincoln" p75, 76 : “In process of transferring the remains, the box containing the coffin was opened, in order that the features of the deceased might be seen and identified; and six of his personal acquantainces – R.J. Oglesby, O.H. Miner, Jesse K. Dubois, Newton Bateman, O.M Hatch and D.L. Phillips- filed a written statement with the Secretary of the Association that it was the body of Abraham Lincoln”.

Scott, good thinking! I too remember someting about a glass "window", hope you are able to find some reference(s)! It will also declare why in most accounts NO PLUMBERS are mentioned during the first two viewings. Only something like this: "Undertaker Thomas C. Smith opened the coffin and the six personal friends of Lincoln identified the remains". Leon Hopkins is in some sources mentioned but he was in 1865 still a boy of 14.... (see the thread "Who were the plumbers")

The Dec 21, 1865 viewing is described by Lloyd Lewis, on p 265 of his "Myth after Lincoln": “Seven months later this new resting place was ready and,on December 21, 1865, the casket was borne to the door. Six of Lincoln's old friends wanted to see that the body was safe,and a plumber's assistant, Leon P. Hopkins, made an opening in the lead box. (Leon P. Hopkins. Remember him! He is to enter again—and again—into the history of this leaden coffin.) The six friends looked in, nodded their heads, and the casket was closed and entombed.” Nothing about a glass "window" and it describes (according to me) a complete other story. The 1866 article says that the coffin was opened (in the vault ?), not that it was brought into the vault. explicitly stating that the mortal remains of the late president were removed (to the vault) A SHORT TIME since.....

At the Dec 21 viewing Robert T. Lincoln was present. Why is he not mentioned in the Feb. 1866 article? Mary was not (she was at that moment in Springfield and inspected the vault, together with Robert) on Dec. 19. She was not present at the viewing, caused by "a sudden indisposition". I'm thinking "out loud" like Scott. Why is not mentioned that the (only surviving) son of Lincoln was present and Lincoln''s wife not. That are (at least for a newspaper reporter) important facts. Because they are not mentioned it might be indicate that this was another viewing than the Dec 21 viewing. What are your thoughts about this?