Fanny’s description of inauguration day eerily foreshadows the coming Civil War and Lincoln’s assassination. It would be very stressful as a 17 year old to constantly be worrying about your father’s safety. The Battle of Fort Sumter occurs only one month later, where a major shift in tone can be observed in Fanny’s writings. To the left is a signed card of Abraham Lincoln.
“Mr. Lincoln was inaugurated & no serious disturbance occurred--What an inappreciable relief--For months I have felt constant anxiety for Father’s safety & of course joined in the fears so often expressed that Lincoln would never see the 5th of March--Hurrah-Hurrah” Mar 4, 1861