Mary Lincoln to Sallie R. Alexander

Mary Lincoln to Sallie R. Alexander

Mary consoles her friend from Kentucky on her bereavement which reminds her of her own loss (Willie). She writes: "earth can afford no balm for such bereavements My precious Willie, was another of the pure ones, too good for earth " She regrets that Mrs. Alexander will not be in Washington for the next summer and recalls their kindness to "us" and adds, "the loss of my noble beautiful boy is as keen a pang to me now, as it was at first" In a postscript she sends love from "Taddie." With this letter are two envelopes addressed by Mary Lincoln to Mrs. Colonel Alexander in Louisville, Kentucky. One of these has the free-frank signature of A. Lincoln. The letter was folded and put into a small envelope with the "L" monogram. This in turn was inserted into a second, larger envelope bearing the president's free frank signature and circular postmark.

Lincoln, Mary

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

1864-03-13 and 1864-03-14

pdf

eng

300067

T1864.03.13

285114

L

March 13th 64

My Dear Mrs Alexander:

Ever since your departure to Kentucky, I have frequently determined to write to you for knowing full well, the trials you had to pass through this past winter my sincerest sympathies, were with you. Yet now, in your hour of heart rending bereavement how much I have grieved with you, tongue, cannot tell, your sorrows, have only opened my own bleeding wounds afresh earth, can afford, no balm, for

[written vertically across this page] Dear little Taddie sends his love to you the boys not forgetting little "Junebug"

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such bereavements, as we have been called upon to pass through. Your lovely family, of little boys, were very dear to me your darling little Carroll, was my especial favorite. My precious Willie, was another of the pure ones, too good for earth, hence early transplanted to a more congenial soil. They are so happy & rejoicing, whilst we are bowed down, for their loss & yet our grief, how natural it is!

Words cannot express, how much, I shall miss your presence at the Soldiers' Home, the coming summer, it was a most unexpected and

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inexplicable affair, both to Mr L. & myself, we were really so sincerely attached to your noble Husband & yourself, your kindness to us, was so great, at all times, that we shall always feel under obligations & in coming years, I trust we may meet, my acquaintance, with you, has been, in such a time of deep sorrow, that I have always felt, in my nervous, miserable state, I was not able to do myself justice. I am indebted to you, whilst, in such moods, for many genial, pleasant hours, and if I were, now, with you we could freely weep together. The loss of my noble beautiful boy, is as keen a pang

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to me, now, as it was at first, indeed, I realise it more, only the grave, can close upon, such afflictions. I have taken the great liberty of sending you a little package, it was a small part of a supply, I brought from home, three years since, not knowing whether, we had not to supply the table, in the W. H. I am sure, as a housekeeper, you will excuse, my sending such a poor offering. I trust, when your cares & feelings will permit, you will write to me, with love to your children & friends, I remain ever truly

Mary Lincoln

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[inner envelope front] Mrs. Col Alexander Mrs. Lincoln

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[inner envelope back] L

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[outer envelope front]

A Lincoln

Mrs. Col Alexander Care of Lt Col Alexander Louisville Kentucky

[postmark] WASHINGTON D. C. FREE

MAR [illegible]

Complete

100

20

paper and ink

7 p

19 x 12 cm