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Frankfurt A Maine Feb 2nd 1870
Hon James H Orne:
My dear Sir:
When I explain my reason for writing this note upon your kind notice, with my impression of your great nobleness of heart, I feel assured, you will excuse the liberty I am taking.
Mrs Orne has frequently written to me, during the winter and has invariably assured me of
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of the interest you are taking regarding Congressional action in my behalf. As you are doubtless aware, she is now in Italy & I have not heard from her since her arrival there. The details of my situation regarding pecuniary matters, would be too painful for me to write to you, from dear Mrs Orne, who in her kindness & sympathy, has proved an angel of light to me,I dare say, you have
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heard exactly, in what manner I am compelled to live---both at home & abroad. Between my great sorrow, & humiliating surroundings, separated from a devoted husband; who always provided so comfortably & even luxuriously for me, you can imagine that the great change, is crushing me to the earth. The anxiety too, regarding what Congress will do for me---where it is so much required---has completely undermined my health, so much so---that the physician who has been attending upon me,
has urged me to go South. Alas, alas, it would be a sad story to reveal to him, that the wife of the man, whose life was so sacrificed in his country's service, has not the means to leave the place, where she now is. Dear Mr Orne, will you, in your great goodness, ascertain as you have the means of doing, whether the service of my great & good husband, will be recognised by his country. The silence so far, regarding, some relief for me in Congress - is
[written vertically across page 1] very painful to me. Will you forgive the liberty I have taken & inform me, when you receive this, candidly what expectations I may have. Words cannot express, my fearfully trying position, at [present?]
I remain, most respectfully,
Mrs A Lincoln