Focus on First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation of President Lincoln and analyze the Purchase and donation to Congress.
Carpenter campaigned for Congress to purchase the painting, enlisting the help of fellow Homer native William O. Stoddard, Lincoln's private secretary.  Congress did not appropriate the money.  The painting remained in Carpenter's possession until 1877, when he arranged for Elizabeth Thompson to purchase it for $25,000 and donate it to Congress.  A joint session of Congress was held in 1878, on Lincoln's birthday, to serve as a reception for the painting.  The artist was present at this event.
William O. Stoddard painting