Grant and Lincoln's invitation

[Linda Anderson]

(10-22-2014 05:13 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  I don't know, Linda, (it sure appears he wouldn't, though, if Mary's note is accurate) but this brought another question into my mind. Is there any record of the conversation between Mary and Grant as they rode together in the carriage on the night of the 13th (for the grand illumination)? Did Mary talk to Grant about going to the theater the next night? If she did then Ulysses and Julia might have talked about it when they met back in their room at the Willard later that night. Is it possible the Grants were working on "excuses" as early as the night of April 13th?

I haven't seen any record of the conversation between Mary and Grant but you bring up a good point about when it was decided that they go to the theater Friday night, Roger. Mary wrote it was arranged that Grant & staff would occupy the box that evening. Since she mentions that Lincoln didn't know that Colfax was already invited, perhaps it was Lincoln who issued the invitation to Grant when he saw him Thursday night.

Here's a letter that Mary wrote to Grant on April 13.

"General Grant -
"Mr. Lincoln is indisposed with quite a severe headache, yet would be very much pleased to see you at the house, this evening about 8 o'clock & I want you to drive around with us to see the illumination!"