Mary Todd Lincoln to Hannah Shearer

http://www.alplm-cdi.com/chroniclingillinois/files/uploads/300073.pdf

Title

Mary Todd Lincoln to Hannah Shearer

Description

Mary Lincoln writes to Hannah Shearer describing a picnic at Colonel McClernand's farm, the warm weather, Robert's impending departure, and a local drowning. She notes missing "our cozy meetings of the olden time." The letter is accompanied by its envelope addressed by Mary Lincoln.

Creator

Lincoln, Mary Todd

Publisher

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Date

1859-07-10

Format

pdf

Language

en

Identifier

300073
T1859.07.10

Transcription

Springfield July 10th

My Dear Mrs Shearer

For some days past, particularly since the fourth, I have anticipated writing you a letter and give you an account of some of us on [May?] day. We had a children's and grown people's picnic on that day, out at Col McClernand's farm, for the first time since you left, had the pleasure of meeting your good sister. You can perhaps imagine how much you were missed & how frequently your name was mentioned on that day. Pray how were you passing the time?


We are having very warm weather. I trust among the hills, you are not passing through the same fiery ordeal we are. Our summer thus far, has been rather pleasant than otherwise between strawberry & raspberry parties & latterly some select tea drinkings, our warm weather is almost half gone. Yet withall, I am generally very lonely. Miss Corcoram made a little stay of two months, with us, as she was not particularly pleased with her boarding house and as she contemplated a visit during her vacation to Wheeling I thought it would lessen her expenses, and render any eve-


nings less lonely. If I still have Mary, the same girl I have had for some time, and I see no reason to expect a change, I shall be willing to shelter her in the winter more especially as Robert leaves the first of September, & I fear I shall grow cowardly again. I have attended a very sad funeral today. Mrs Walters only promising son, was drowned two days since, in the Illinois river. the family is heart broken. There is so much to sadden us in life, and so little to make us wish to cling to it as we do. I have not yet learned, dear friend, to look over the way with a calm heart, I truly believe I shall never cease to miss you.


Mrs McClernands health has improved a good deal. She had some idea of going to some springs in Virginia, I am almost disposed to think she will not go. You speak of visiting New York In September, you will doubtless have a pleasant time. I should like to fly away and be at rest, this summer, yet I remember that I have taken mine ease so extensively. I miss our cosy meetings of the olden time & when I think you will never return here I am sad indeed. We have at least the opportunity of frequent interchange of letters I hope you will frequently remember me in that way. Remember me kindly to the Dr & boys. Hoping soon to hear from you. I remain yours truly, M. Lincoln


[envelope postmarked] Springfield Ill July 13 1859

Mrs. H. S. Shearer Wellsboro Tioga Co Penn

Care of Dr Shearer

Status

Complete

Percent Completed

100

Weight

20

Original Format

paper and ink
5 p
18 x 11 cm

Document Viewer