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MARY LINCOLN
A LETTER TO HER COUSIN
Elizabeth Todd Grimsl^
SEPTEMBER 29, 1861
Privately Printed, 1917
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2010 with funding from
State of Indiana through the Indiana State Library
http://www.archive.org/details/lettertohercousiOOIinc
September 29th, '61
Executive Mansion
My Dear Lizzie :
I have been intending writing
you for some days. I have been quite
sick with chills for some days, this is
my day of rest so I am sitting up. I am
beginning to feel very weak* If they
cannot be broken in a few days, Mr. Lin-
coln wants me to go North and remain
until cold weather. Where so much is
demanded of me I cannot afford to be
delicate, if a different climate will
restore my health. If at the close of
this week I am still sick, I expect I
will go up to Boston, take quarters at
the Revere House for two or three weeks
and return here in November. I trust
however, I may not be under the necessity,
yet I am feeling very far from well. Sep-
tember & early in October are always con-
sidered unhealthy months here, my racked
frame certainly bears evidence to the
fact. Have just received a note from
Willis, with all his weaknesses he is
kind hearted. Gov. Newell & Halstead are
frequently here as who is not? I presume
you are aware your brother is elected to
Congress. I received a letter from
Elizabeth E. the other day. Very kind &
aff • yet very characteristic* Said if
rents and means permitted, she would like
to make us a visit, I believe for a sea-
son. I am weary of intrigue, when she is
by herself she can be very agreeable,
especially when her mind is not dwelling
on the merits of fair daughters and a
talented son-in-law» Such personages
always speak for themselves. I often re-
gret E.P.E» little weaknesses, after all,
since my the election she is the only one
of my sisters who has appeared to be
pleased with our advancement you know
this to be so. Notwithstanding Dr»
Wallace has received his portion in life
from the Administration, yet Frances
always remains quiet. E» in her letter
said Frances often spoke of Mr. L's kind-
ness in giving him his place. She little
knows what a hard battle I had for it, and
how near he came getting nothing.
Poor unfortnnate Ann, inasmuch as she
possesees such a miserable disposition
and so false a tongue. How far dear
Lizzie are we removed from such a person.
Even if Smith succeeds in being a rich
man, what advantage will it be to him,
who has gained it in some cases most
unjustly, and with such a woman, whom no
one respects, whose tongue for so many
years, has been considered "no slander"
and as a child and young girl could not
be outdone in falsehood, "Truly the
Leopard cannot change his spots". She is
so seldom in my thoughts® I rave so much
more, that is attractive, both in bodily
presence, and my minds eye, to interesc
me. I grieve for those who have to come
in contact with her malice, yet even that
is so well understood, the object of her
wrath, generally rises, with good people,
in proportion to her vindictiveness.
What will you name the hill on which I
must be placed. Her, putting it on that
ground with Mrs. Brown, was only to hide
her envious feeling toward you» Tell Ann
for me, to quote her own expression. She
is becoming still further removed from
"Queen Victoria's Court"
How foolish between us to be discussing,
such a person. Yet really it is amusing,
in how many forms, human nature can ap-
pear before us» Nicolay told me, that
Caleb Smith, said to him, a few days since
that he had just received a letter from
Kellogg, of Cin. that he did not know why
he had not received his appointment as
Consul. Is not the idea preposterous?
Did I tell you that **Hollis»* has been
here, came to see me frequently, and
always enquired with much interest, after
you. The **Cap** also dined here a few
days since, still as refined and elegant
as ever. I have so much to. tell you, I
do not know, what first to write about.
Wykoff, the '* Chevalier, * * enlightened me
about Baker's and Julia's proceedings in
New York in Feb. Looked a little
quizzical, about her not remaining in W.
as she expected a long stay and much
gayety. Did you say, she only numbered _5
months. I thought she had gently insin-
uated, when she was here. Hill Lamon, I
believe is now in 111. mustering recruits.
I know you will be sorry to hear, that
our colored Mantuamaker, Elizabeth, lost
her only son and child in the battle of
Lex», Mo» She is heart broken. She is a
very remarkable woman herself. The
weather is so beautiful, why is it, that
we cannot feel well. The air feels very
much like the early days when I used to
have chills in Ill», those days have
passed, and I know I have no cause to
grieve over my lot. If the country was
only peaceful, all would be well. If I
thought, sending your Father, a pass,
would bring him here, I would do so with
pleasure. Give my best love to them both.
Mrs. Don Piatt, calls here in an hour's
time. I must mount my white Cachemere
and receive her. We now occupy the
stately guest room. She spoke last winter
of the miserably furnished rooms. I think
she will be astonished at the change. I
am not well enough to go down. Write
very soon and very often to,
your attached Cousin,
Mary Lincoln
P. S. William has given me |3.00 to hand
you. I will have it in bill shape, to
send you in a few days, when I write next.
Strange he called upon you.
y/.;ioo3. 08 V. 03803