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Mary Lincoln
5 Have you received the letter I wrote you the first of the week? So our good friend Genl Schenck has left Paris – en route home. He is a most agreeable, warmhearted man & I have always liked him. I do not wonder that he could not exactly comprehend, the depth and extent of my sadness and desolation. None but my Heavenly father, can do that. Gen S. remembers me as a gay, cheerful woman, well dressed & surrounded by many persons. What a contrast, this presents dark picture.
6 His interest in my affairs – soon to be canvassed in Con carries much weight with it – not so great however in my estimation as the Phil members – all of them together will be formidable. If your own kind husband, would pardon my suggesting that if in the first commencement of the session – he would go to Wash & use his influence, it would be very greatly to my advantage. He would make friends for the measure & soften those, who might naturally oppose it – among the latter such men as Brooks, of N.Y. F Woods & others, whom your husband’s social position-would cause them to yield. And with these men - social recognition is a great deal if they are rich.
7 Sumner- I think was not in Wash, to judge by the papers, even the earliest part of this month, so my dear friend, he has not yet had time to reply to yours but never judge him, by his silence. how you would admire that man, if you knew him as I do. For the last eight years, he has been as a brother to me. I have had so many beautiful letters from him, but since he had such trouble about his wife - I fancy he writes to no one. Although I have seen him since. He has heart as soft as a woman towards those he likes & I happen to be one of the cherished few.
During the rebellion when the fearful war was raging, we were drawn all of us very closely together. We met quite as frequently, with pale faces and cheeks, hot with tears & since my darling husband passed away Mr. S. has wept as bitterly, whilst sitting by my side, over my terrible bereavement and what he considered his own great loss as few men could do. He is just as warmly interested as you are in my cause & in both cases - I am aware – it is a great deal. Thank Heaven for raising me up such friends in this the time of darkness. I will say no more – you will understand me.
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Mr S– will most eagerly seek to cultivate your acquaintance – for he is very appreciative.
Your present noble conduct regarding the pending measure will so exalt you in Mr. Sumner’s estimation as well as your being a sister of Mr. Charles O’Neil of whom I have heard Mr. S speak so highly that if you are ever near him you will have a realizing sense of Mr S’s nobleness of soul – and general agreeability. You will observe that I am quite grateful.