![LINCOLN, Mary Todd (1818-1882). Autograph letter signed ("Mary Lincoln") to Mr. [Alexander] Williamson, White House tutor for her sons Willie and Tad, Chicago, 5 July 1866. 2 full pages, large 4to, on pages 1 and 3 of a four-page sheet, ink pale, small stationer's label .](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2004/NYR/2004_NYR_01450_0430_000(094818).jpg?w=1)
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LINCOLN, Mary Todd (1818-1882). Autograph letter signed ("Mary Lincoln") to Mr. [Alexander] Williamson, White House tutor for her sons Willie and Tad, Chicago, 5 July 1866. 2 full pages, large 4to, on pages 1 and 3 of a four-page sheet, ink pale, small stationer's label .
LINCOLN'S WIDOW PROTESTS AN ORPHAN'S FAIR THAT WILL "EXCLUDE THE FAMILIES OF THE COLORED SOLDIERS" WHO "EQUALLY SHARED THE DANGERS OF THE BATTLE FIELD, AND FOUGHT TO REDEEM OUR COMMON COUNTRY"
A very remarkable letter of Mary Lincoln, evoking her late husband's conviction regarding the rights of African American soldiers. A fundraising fair to benefit war widows and war orphans had been planned for Washington in July. Mrs. Lincoln had agreed to donate certain relics to be sold at the fair (including a cane that belonged to Andrew Jackson), but here she reacts eloquently to the news that the fair will not benefit orphans and widows of African American veterans: "I am surprised and disappointed to learn that an inclination to is displayed in the management of the friends of the Orphan's Fair, at Washington, to exclude the families of the colored soldiers, from any participation...The latter equally shared the dangers of the battle field, and fought to redeem our common country from the hands of the oppressor. Surely all objections will be removed, in regard to their rights and privileges, and the orphans of this oppressed race be fully remembered in the distribution of comforts. I feel assured in thus suggesting my own views to you, on this sacred subject, that I am only reiterating the sentiments that pervaded the life of my deeply lamented husband, and the advice he would give, were he still living. In the cause of humanity his precious life was sacrificed, and we can but pray that his noble example will be remembered and imitated, by all who profess to follow in his footsteps. I should be better satisfied if my few gifts [donated articles], when disposed of, should be shared alike-without distinction of color. In the event that such is not the case, pray say to any party who entertains the same views as myself, in making any arrangements, in the future, for the benefit of the colored people, any mementoes of my beloved husband, in my possession, as far as my feelings will permit, shall be at their service, if they can be disposed of profitably. In so doing I am sure my husband would approve."
"Yesterday [Independence Day] was another of the anniversaries, that brings such sorrow to my deeply bereaved heart. I am pleased when all such days are gone..." Apparently unpublished, not in Turner and Turner, Mary Todd Lincoln: Her Life and Letters (which prints another, shorter, letter of the same date to Williamson).
Provenanve: Purchased by the grandfather of the present owner from Thomas F. Madigan, in 1923.
LINCOLN'S WIDOW PROTESTS AN ORPHAN'S FAIR THAT WILL "EXCLUDE THE FAMILIES OF THE COLORED SOLDIERS" WHO "EQUALLY SHARED THE DANGERS OF THE BATTLE FIELD, AND FOUGHT TO REDEEM OUR COMMON COUNTRY"
A very remarkable letter of Mary Lincoln, evoking her late husband's conviction regarding the rights of African American soldiers. A fundraising fair to benefit war widows and war orphans had been planned for Washington in July. Mrs. Lincoln had agreed to donate certain relics to be sold at the fair (including a cane that belonged to Andrew Jackson), but here she reacts eloquently to the news that the fair will not benefit orphans and widows of African American veterans: "I am surprised and disappointed to learn that an inclination to is displayed in the management of the friends of the Orphan's Fair, at Washington, to exclude the families of the colored soldiers, from any participation...The latter equally shared the dangers of the battle field, and fought to redeem our common country from the hands of the oppressor. Surely all objections will be removed, in regard to their rights and privileges, and the orphans of this oppressed race be fully remembered in the distribution of comforts. I feel assured in thus suggesting my own views to you, on this sacred subject, that I am only reiterating the sentiments that pervaded the life of my deeply lamented husband, and the advice he would give, were he still living. In the cause of humanity his precious life was sacrificed, and we can but pray that his noble example will be remembered and imitated, by all who profess to follow in his footsteps. I should be better satisfied if my few gifts [donated articles], when disposed of, should be shared alike-without distinction of color. In the event that such is not the case, pray say to any party who entertains the same views as myself, in making any arrangements, in the future, for the benefit of the colored people, any mementoes of my beloved husband, in my possession, as far as my feelings will permit, shall be at their service, if they can be disposed of profitably. In so doing I am sure my husband would approve."
"Yesterday [Independence Day] was another of the anniversaries, that brings such sorrow to my deeply bereaved heart. I am pleased when all such days are gone..." Apparently unpublished, not in Turner and Turner, Mary Todd Lincoln: Her Life and Letters (which prints another, shorter, letter of the same date to Williamson).
Provenanve: Purchased by the grandfather of the present owner from Thomas F. Madigan, in 1923.