Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Goodwin, Sadie, fl. 1861 to Susie B. Goodwin

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02695 Author/Creator: Goodwin, Sadie, fl. 1861 Place Written: Springfield, Illinois Type: Autograph letter signed Date: February 12, 1861 Pagination: 10 p. : envelope Height: 22 cm, Width: 14 cm Order a Copy

Writes to her sister about family news and the weather. Describes a visit made to her home by the Lincoln family. Speaks critically of Mrs. Lincoln's ability to control her son and remarks on the poor behavior of Tad, "Sonny" whom she feels is spoiled and uncontrolled. States that when the Lincoln family departed, Mr. Lincoln went to Washington while Mrs. Lincoln went to St. Louis to visit her sister. States that a crowd formed at the depot to see him off and that Lincoln made a brief speech. Informs that the Lincolns will meet up again in Indianapolis. Comments that an acquaintance has told her stories about the Lincoln's courtship and mentions that Mrs. Lincoln's aristocratic family was opposed to the match. Discusses mutual acquaintances, future plans, and visitors. Addressed to Susie in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Goodwin, Sadie, fl. 1861
Goodwin, Susie, fl. 1861
Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865
Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources