The Daily Dispatch: November 9, 1863., [Electronic resource]

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Mrs. Lincoln's Grand Ball.

--The first ball ever given in the White House. Over eight hundred invitations were issued. Mr.Lincoln and Mrs. Lincoln stationed themselves in the centre of the East Room and received the guests. For one hour the throng moved in a current; and when the rooms were full the Marine Band, stationed in their usual position, began playing operatic airs of the finest description at eleven. A large apartment was thrown open about 12 o'clock, with an immense punch bowl in the centre, and sandwiches, &c., around it. The supper was set in the dining-room, and is considered one of the finest displays of gastronomic art ever seen in this country. It cost thousands of dollars. The bill of fare was: [Here upwards of thirty dishes are described.] The tables fairly bent under expensive luxuries heaped one upon another. At twelve the dining room was thrown open for inspection, and guest passed in and viewed it, preparatory to the demolition of the artistic pile. Nearly all the Generals in the army were there. The ladies were dressed in the height of fashionable extravagance.--Wash. Cor. Cincinnati Gazette, (Rep.).