Mr. Lincoln as He Appeared in the House of Representatives, on the Republican Side

Nast stayed at the Willard Hotel, then Washington’s residence of choice, along with the Lincolns and a host of other celebrities. He drew a couple of humorous sketches showing the tight sleeping arrangements, as well as the never-ending action in the lobby.

On February 25, two days after he arrived in Washington, Lincoln was introduced by his electoral runner-up, William Seward, a long time Senator and soon to become Secretary of State — to the members of the Senate and the House. This was Nast’s first look at his future figurative Congressional playground and a number of its inhabitants.