Fascinating History

[RJNorton]

Dave, many thanks for clearing up the 1862/1865 confusion.

When I first saw the date (February 8, 1862) for the Mt. Vernon visit I was curious why Robert was in Washington and not at Harvard. I checked Jason Emerson's biography of Robert and found his winter vacation began on January 18, 1862. And it appears Robert remained at the White House for the rest of January and much of February. This may have been due to the fact that his younger brothers were both ill during this time period. Robert remained at the White House at least through February 24, the date of Willie's funeral. Thus, Jason Emerson's book offers further support for the date in Bill's post...Robert was indeed in Washington, and not at Harvard, on February 8.