A fire this week destroyed the White House stables. What was particularly troubling was the loss of six horse who died in the blaze, including a pony belonging to Willie that had been passed down to Tad when Willie died. The pony had been a gift to Willie and with his death, had been the only reminder that had remained in the White House. Several days later, Patterson McGee, a disgruntled former stable employee was arrested by the Metropolitan Police for deliberately setting the stable fire.
Congress appropriated $12,000 for the stables to be rebuilt. The president appointed Benjamin French to be in charge of the construction.
Mr. Lincoln again met with artist Francis Carpenter. They took young Tad along and walked together to Matthew Brady's Washington studio where several photographs were taken to help Mr. Carpenter with his portrait. It was on that occasion that the president was also photographed alongside of Tad.
Mary and Abraham Lincoln attended another play the evening of February 19. The play was Shakespeare's "Richard III" which they attended at Grover's Theater. The starring role was played by Edwin Booth, son of the famous Shakespearean actor Junius Brutus Booth.
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