What happened during the "Lame Duck" period between Abraham Lincoln's election and inauguration?

four-month lame duck period between the election and inauguration of the president.

Explanation:

"lame duck" session of Congress is one that takes place after the election for the next Congress has been held, but before the current Congress has reached the end of its constitutional term.

Congressional elections were generally held on the same day. The result of these scheduling decisions was that there was a long, four-month lame duck period between the election and inauguration of the president.