MRS KECKLY SENDS HER REGARDS:

Elizabeth Keckly was one of the more remarkable Americans of the 19th Century. Born as a slave, gifted as a dressmaker and entrepreneur, she purchased her freedom as the Civil War was about to begin. Moving to Washington, she became one of the city's pre-eminent dressmakers. When Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln settled in the White House in 1861, Mary Todd chose Mrs Keckly as her primary dressmaker. Elizabeth soon became a dear friend of both Lincolns. Mrs Keckly Sends Her Regards is a story of the 40 days preceding President Lincoln's assassination and of the days following, when friendship and faith and secrets were tested by events. It is a story of the profound love Elizabeth Keckly had for both Lincolns, a love that sought to hear and heal the hurts of each as two wars - in the nation and in the White House - drew to an end.