Dear Mother,
Today we closed down another klan group here in Georgia. It was a tough fight. Like several other recent encounters, they were armed. It took us three hours to get them to surrender. We lost Sergeant Harcourt in the standoff. They lost many of their members in the encounter, while the Sergeant and three others were our only losses. I can't say this hasn't taken a toll on me and the others. We have been at this for three weeks, and while the work needs doing, I cannot say it has been tiring. I hope this letter find you well.
Pvt. Matthew Walker
With the Inauguration day attack, the inaugural ball was postponed till February. First Lady Thomas was more heavily involved in the planning, with the President mainly only contributing his basic thoughts on what should be planned for the dinner. The final menu created by the First Lady was as follows:
Woodcock and Snipe on Toast
Soft Crabs on Toast
Chicken Croquettes with Fresh Peas
Aspic of Beef Tongue
Lamb Cutlets
Broiled Spring Chicken
Strawberries with Cream
Wedding Cake iced with Doves, Roses, and Wedding Bells
Ice Creams and Ices
Fancy Cakes
Punch Coffee Chocolate
Often uncomfortable in large social gatherings, and pressed with matters of state, the President did not have much in the way of planning the affair. However, he managed to get into the spirit for the night, according to one obsever, Thomas Kentman. He wrote that,
The President appeared at the top of the stairs, with Mrs. Thomas by his side. The band struck up "Hail to the Chief, as the two proceeded down the stairs. Upon reaching the bottom, and after the song had finished, the crowd gave a polite applause and waited for him to speak. Among those in attendance were the Vice-President, Generals Grant and Meade, along with the Secretary of War Longstreet, and on special invitation, even old Bobby Lee. The President made some polite words, and then asked we adjoin to the dining room, where the food was delightful and good. Afterwards, there was polite conversation, and then the Inaugural Ball, which lead to much dancing and enjoyment, till the night was done.
-Presidential Inaugural Balls, by Arthur Z. Richards Catskill Books, 1980