In Washington, D.C., the New Year commenced with a time-honored ceremony: that of the public shaking the president’s hand. Official dignitaries came first, at 10 A.M., but the doors were opened to all at noon, and Lincoln spent the next two hours shaking hands. He was an accomplished master of the art, sizing up whether the recipient needed a bear shake or a gentle meeting of the fingers. Observers continued to criticize the president’s personal appearance, but they marveled over his skill with the average American.