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The Dark Days of Abraham Lincoln's Widow As Revealed By Her Own Letters

Colin Foster

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A Collection Of Letters Written By Mary Todd Lincoln, Widow Of Abraham Lincoln. The Letters Reveal Her Struggles With Grief, Financial Difficulties, And Mental Health Issues. The Dark Days Of Abraham Lincoln S Widow As Revealed By Her Own Letters

Mary Todd Lincoln, the widow of President Abraham Lincoln, is often remembered as a tragic figure. After her husband's assassination in 1865, she struggled with grief, financial difficulties, and mental health issues. Her story is a reminder of the challenges faced by widows in the 19th century, and the importance of mental health care.

The Dark Days of Abraham Lincoln’s Widow, as Revealed by Her Own Letters

by Myra Helmer Pritchard

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2541 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages

Early Life and Marriage

Mary Todd was born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1818. She was the daughter of a wealthy planter, and she received a good education. In 1842, she married Abraham Lincoln, a rising politician from Illinois. The couple had four children, but only one of them survived to adulthood.

The White House Years

When Abraham Lincoln was elected president in 1861, Mary Todd moved into the White House with her husband. She was a controversial figure, and she was often criticized for her spending habits and her outspoken nature. However, she was also a devoted wife and mother, and she supported her husband throughout his presidency.

The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

On April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at Ford's Theatre. Mary Todd was devastated by her husband's death. She went into mourning, and she refused to leave the White House for several weeks.

Later Years

After Lincoln's death, Mary Todd moved to Chicago with her son, Robert. She struggled with financial difficulties and mental health issues. She was eventually diagnosed with a depressive disorder, and she was hospitalized for several years.

Death and Legacy

Mary Todd Lincoln died in 1882 at the age of 63. She was buried next to her husband in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. Her story is a reminder of the challenges faced by widows in the 19th century, and the importance of mental health care.

Letters of Mary Todd Lincoln

Mary Todd Lincoln wrote hundreds of letters throughout her life. These letters provide a valuable glimpse into her thoughts and feelings. In one letter, she wrote: