Lincoln, Mary Todd, First Lady

Estimate

8,000 - 12,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

ink on paper

Autograph letter signed ("Mary Lincoln"), 4 pages (7 1/2 x 4 7/8 in.; 190 x 125 mm) on a bifolium of monogrammed mourning stationery, Chicago, Thursday 19 June [1868], to Jessie K. Dubois; light soiling to final page, some folds reinforced.

Provenance

Sold, Hamilton, 21 January 1982, lot 113

Literature

Turner & Turner, Mary Lincoln: Her Life and Letters, p. 477

Catalogue Note

A distraught Mrs. Lincoln reveals her plans to visit the grave of her martyred husband. "Notwithstanding the warm weather & the remonstrances of my physician, I have concluded to make a visit of a day or two to Springfield—for the sad purpose, which your sympathizing heart, can well imagine. It is necessary for me to remain as quiet as possible whilst in S. seeing as few persons who would agitate me and recall the fearful past. I am so heart broken, over the loss of my beloved husband, that I fear I shall never be calm again.

"However I am very anxious to see yourself & Mrs. Dubois and hope you will call to see me tomorrow afternoon about 3 or 4 o'clock—I desire to have an especial conversation with you on a subject in which you have taken a deep interest—the monument, future action &c. I write in great haste as Taddie & myself, will soon follow this letter."