and worsened in turn over the following years, but she never fully recovered. She eventually traveled to Washington, D.C. in 1960 with her sons, staying until the American Civil War began the following year. During the war, Johnson became an advocate for Unionists that lived in the Confederate States of America. She was forced to move after the Confederate States Army occupied the region. She was allowed to stay in East Tennessee due to her illness, but she was forced to vacate the Johnson home when it was captured by Confederate forces, and she was allowed to travel north in 1862. She passed through Confederate lines without escort to visit her children in Ohio and Indiana. Johnson returned to Nashville in May 1863. The Johnsons' eldest son, Charles, was killed later that year after being thrown from his horse. Johnson's husband was sworn in as the Vice President of the United States in March 1865. First Lady of the United States Johnson traveled to Washington with her surviving children, her son-in-law David T. Patterson, and her grandchildren. They arrived on August 6, 1865. After arriving, she chose a room on the second floor directly opposite the president's office. Johnson was not able to serve effectively as first lady due to her poor health, and she remained confined to her bedroom, leaving the social chores to her daughter Martha. While living in the White House, Johnson spent her time sewing, knitting, and reading. She appeared publicly as first lady on only two occasions: a celebration for Queen Emma of Hawaii in 1866 and a children's ball for the president's sixtieth birthday in 1868. In both instances, she remained seated while receiving guests. Johnson assisted the president with his speeches as she did in his previous political positions, and she worked to prevent the outbursts caused by his temper. She did not have an active role in the politics of her husband's administration, though she gave him full support during his presidency, including during his impeachment. She took an interest in the proceedings, following newspaper coverage of the matter, and the president would visit her each morning for her advice. Johnson feared for her husband's safety during his presidency, as the assassination of Abraham Lincoln had just occurred. Despite her illness, she would still tend to her husband in certain areas, selecting his wardrobe for him and ensuring he was satisfied with