Imagine yourself in the 1861 or 1862 social season in Washington DC.
Blue Union Army uniforms would abound at every evening gathering. The ladies would wear their finest. And as women have from the dawn of time — create their own social scene and information network.
I think fine carriages and strong horses carrying the important ladies of the time through muddy streets and past the newest army encampments. They called on each other. It almost became a ritual. Included in this group of elegant ladies was the wife of an army general.
Mary Ellen McClellan (wife of Gen. George B. McClellan) socialized with the wives and hostesses of the cabinet officers.
Can you imagine greeting your guests in this fine gown?
Gown re-created from a photograph is on display at Lincoln Museum, Springfield, IL