Samuel F. Du Pont (1803-1865) When the Civil War broke out, Samuel F. Du Pont took the initiative to protect Washington by sending naval vessels in Chesapeake Bay. During the summer and early fall of 1861, Du Pont cemented a close relationship with… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

Military Visitors Soldiers were particularly welcome at the White House. “Lincoln’s reception of the soldiers who were among the crowd could not have been more impressive. Small wonder the army adored him,” recalled Grant aide John Eaton… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

Robert K. Stone (1822-1872) According to Dr. Milton Shutes, Dr. Stone “was selected (though politically unsympathetic) as the family physician and became a more or less frequent caller on the President and his family. Mrs. Lincoln suffered much from attacks of severe…” Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

John Covode (1808-1871) Covode was aggressive in personal relations and in his defense of the Union. He visited President-elect Lincoln in Springfield and urged that Simon Cameron not be appointed to the Cabinet – even signing a petition to… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

Reverdy Johnson (1796-1876) Reverdy Johnson was a Senator from Maryland (Whig, Democrat, 1845-49, 1863-68), Attorney General (1849-50) under President Zachary Taylor and Minister to Great Britain (1868-1869). A key supporter of Stephen Douglas in 1860, Johnson became a… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) Harriet Beecher Stowe was an anti-slavery activist and the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, a novel that did much to radicalize northerners against slavery. Harriet was the daughter, wife and sister of famous preachers… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

William D. Kelley (1814-1890) “Pig Iron.” William Kelley served as a Philadelphia congressman from 1861-1890. Loyal Lincoln ally and frequent White House visitor, Kelley was a fervent critic of General George B. McClellan. His 1864 renomination became a major political quarrel in which… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

Cordelia A. P. Harvey (1824-1898) Cordelia A. P. Harvey was a one-time school teacher and the widow of Wisconsin Governor Louis P. Harvey. He died in 1862 – two months into his gubernatorial term when he slipped when crossing between two boats and drowned in the… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

John P. Hale (1806-1873) Hale was a born critic and a natural pain to any Administration in power. Biographer Richard H. Sewell wrote: “For sixteen years a leading defender of a minority faith, a political guerrillist to whom party loyalty meant little, Hale never… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

James B. Fry (1827-1894) James B. Fry was a West Point graduate and artillery specialist who was served briefly in the Mexican-American War. He came to Washington in the winter of 1861 to help protect the government during President Lincoln’s inauguration. He served as… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >