As Mr. Lincoln continued to convalesce from his ailment following his return from the event in Gettysburg (where he spoke on November 19 at the dedication of the National Cemetery) he worked on the speech he was to deliver on December 8th -- his annual address to Congress on the state of the country.
His son Tad, who had been diagnosed with scarlet fever the day Mr. Lincoln left for his trip to Gettysburg, (November 18) was beginning to feel slightly better.
Mr. Lincoln's appointments for the week were mostly cancelled or postponed. The usual line of people wanting to speak to him at the White House was curtailed.
Mr. Lincoln also presented to me a fine gold watch in recognition for what he called "my kindness and care" for the president as his unofficial personal bodyguard. I was certainly humbled by the unexpected gift.
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