February 4, 1870

Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Orne

Writes that she has been suffering from an illness this winter which her doctor believes is an inflammation of the spine brought on by great mental stress. He has advised her to go south, but she admits candidly that she does not have to money to do so. Describes the pain she is experiencing and her fear that she will lose the ability to walk. Comments shamefully that with her small means, she can only stay in second class boarding houses. Observes that the doctor told her that all of Germany would like to see the wife of such a great man put in a more comfortable position; bitterly remarks…

GLC03651

December 31, 1860

Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Fanny Barrow

Thanks Barrow for the box of books she sent for her sons and states it arrived the day after her son William's birthday. She then writes of the impending Civil War, "Trusting that the gloomy cloud which hangs over our beloved country may soon be dispelled and that peace and harmony may be restored." Addressed to Barrow in New York City. Year inferred from envelope.

GLC04030

1860

Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882

Autograph letter

Title: to Abram Wakeman

Marked private. Requests that he call on Abraham Lincoln, her husband, today. Discusses someone referred to only as "E." Remarks "The game of espionage has been going on to a greater extent, than we have imagined - If the Heavens fall E shall never be restored - Nicoli - himself says that E's mind is positively deranged." States that, "I believe, if possible I shall love & venerate my blessed Husband more than ever." Tells Wakeman to burn this note and to report back to her after he sees "this person," possibly again referring to "E." Document is not dated but previous cataloging…

GLC04420

27 March 1866

Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Foot

Expresses deep sympathy for the illness of her husband, Senator Solomon Foot, and refers to her own trials, "I pray that our Heavenly Father may be merciful to you . . .and spare you the cup of affliction, which I have been called upon, so freely to drink. I have passed through such a baptism of sorrow as but few have known." Laments that it would have been better if Abraham Lincoln had passed away after an illness so that she would have been able to say goodbye to her husband. Written on mourning stationery.

GLC04923

24 November 1864

Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Judge White

Discusses some confusion over Nathaniel Banks getting a cabinet post. States that President Lincoln said William Seward and Thurlow Weed never mentioned the subject. She remarks, "This all appears, as a strange dream, and if the information did not come from so eminently truthful a source, it could not be credited." Reports that Banks is to return immediately to the Department of the Gulf in New Orleans and that there is no chance of him getting a cabinet post. Remarks that they could have saved themselves much anxiety had they known this a few days ago. Written on mourning stationery for…

GLC06681

15 December 1861

Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Sykes

Recommends Peter Vermin, a former servant. Year inferred from content.

GLC06722

March 7, 1868

Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to A. D. Worthington

Mary Todd Lincoln refuses a request to help with a biography of her husband, Abraham Lincoln, citing poor health and the many false accounts already written about him. "So many pretentious persons, who were quite strangers to my husband & our household ... all claiming such intimate knowledge of the lamented President that I have been frequently startled with their varied & inaccurate accounts." She goes on to express that, "It will be impossible for me ... to subject myself to the annoyance of public clamor." She asks that their correspondence be kept private. Letter marked private…

GLC00782.15

circa 1864

Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882

Autograph note signed

Title: to Thomas W. Sweeny

Mary Todd Lincoln writes that she and Taddie (Thomas Lincoln) are going to carry some flowers to the sick soldiers and asks that if he is free, will he accompany them. She remarks that Taddie is appropriating Colonel Sweeny for a horseback ride to the navy yard this afternoon. "It is sometimes unfortunate, to be a favorite, with so exacting a young man." Letter written on mourning stationery, possibly for her son William, who died in 1862. Written from the Executive Mansion.

GLC01056

27 July 1871

Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Slataper

To friend Eliza Slataper regarding the recent death of Tad Lincoln. "In my great, great agony of mind, I write you. I pray you, by all that is merciful to come to this place - if but for a few days. I feel that I must see you. Can you not come next Monday - each day we could be together."

GLC09393

29 November 1869

Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sally Orne

To Sally Orne regarding her pension fight with Congress, friendship with Senator Charles Sumner, and Lincoln: "My bright little comforter Taddie, is of course with me today… The darkness is very great - we can only pray - that the dawn is at hand…If we fail, I fear, I shall sink under the blow. I have grown so nervous."4 p. With additional 4 pages, headed "Private & Burn." Though Turner calls this a separate incomplete letter, which he dates to 12-12-1869, it may be a lengthy postscript to the first letter: "My husband was so richly blessed with all these noble attributes that each day…

GLC09395

[1866]/12/14

Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. James White

Dreams as omens, her husband

GLC07750

[1867]/01/12

Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Swett re: opposing re-election of [Lyman] Trumbull

"[K]nowing all [Trumbull's] cold selfish treachery towards [Lincoln], can you not write today, to influential parties in S. and tell them the whole truth." Mrs. Lincoln also denies Mrs. McGuinness the gift of Lincoln's cane, calling her a "low Copperhead." Written on mourning stationery.

GLC07619

1869/12/30

Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882

Autograph letter

Title: To: Unknown recipient.

Her health, President Grant.

GLC07944