Mary Lincoln to Benjamin B. French

Mary Lincoln to Benjamin B. French

Mary Lincoln appeals to B.B. French for a salary increase on behalf of a young man (Dunn) who is employed at the White House as a doorman. She states that he is unable to continue at his present salary. The following year Dunn gave a piece of the broadcloth coat worn by Lincoln on the night of the assassination to the Rev. Gurley. That artifact was also part of the Taper Collection.

Lincoln, Mary Todd

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

1864-01-16

pdf

en

300082

T1864.01.16

Library of Congress, Papers of B.B. French

Executive Mansion, Washington, Jany 16th, 1864

Major French

My Dear Sir-

I write you in behalf, of a most worthy young man. The one in the place of Burns named Dunn. He makes more outside & there is every probability we will lose him, if his salary is not a little increased, as he finds it

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to live, at the present rate impossible. Can you not by adding $15 a month to it, which will then be $75? We would dislike very much to lose, so efficient a person at the door, on account of so small an amount & we can readily imagine that $75 a month, would require

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great economy. Just now, that we feel so perfectly satisfied, about our door men, it would be very unpleasant to change them. And I am sure, you will oblige me, about Dunn's wages.

I am very respectfully

Mary Lincoln

Complete

100

20

paper and ink

3 p

21 x 13 cm