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What Was Abe Lincoln Thinking? Examining the Odd Two to One Ratio of His 1865 Inauguration Ball Invitation

Explore the mystery behind Abe Lincoln's 1865 Inauguration Ball invitation, which stipulated a two to one ratio of ladies to gentlemen. Was he trying to tip the scales in favor of his male advisors?
Aerial view from the Washington Monument showing the "Tempos" or temporary buildings before their demolition. They were located on the site of the future National Museum of History and Technology (NMHT), now the National Museum of American History (NMAH)
August 28, 1922. A horse at the Animal Rescue League in Washington, D.C. 5x7 glass negative, National Photo Company Collection.
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What’s up with this invite? Is Abe trying to tip the balance in the favor of his male advisors? Bizarre … two to one ratio?

Inauguration ball, Monday evening, March 6, 1865. Admit one gentleman and two ladies.
Inauguration ball, Monday evening, March 6, 1865. Admit one gentleman and two ladies.
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