Mary Lincoln to Sally Orne

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Title

Mary Lincoln to Sally Orne

Description

While in Frankfurt, Germany, and still waiting for Congress to deal with her presidential pension, Mary Lincoln writes to her friend, Sally Orme: "What changes -- time, brings to us all -- I sometimes feel as if I have lived a century. 'My life, is not dated by years.' Taddie, as usual is hurrying me so I will close -- with ever so much love to your daughters and yourself. I shall feel anxious until I learn, whether you have received Sumner's letter -- you are a wicked woman to be carrying on so many flirtations. You must remember that you have a very handsome & agreeable husband in America ..."

Creator

Lincoln, Mary Todd

Publisher

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Date

1869-12-05

Format

pdf

Language

en

Identifier

300110
T1869.12.05

Has Version

Turner, p. 530

Transcription

Sunday evening

Dec 5th 69

My dear Mrs Orne:

Three evenings since, "Taddie Lincoln Lincoln" mailed a letter to you, with Mr Sumner's, enclosed within it. I do so hope, you received the latter. Senator Fenton, is by this time, doubtless on the stormy deep. Knowing what a power he will be in the Senate, I wish very much, he has been present the first day of the session. He cannot certainly arrive in Wash---until the first


of the 2nd week---and are you aware that Congress---will only most probably remain in session about two weeks, ere they adjourn for the Christmas Holidays. So even if I had hope---that charming, but deceitful syren on my side---I could scarcely suppose any good, would be effected in my cause by the time, when happier people are rejoicing over their comforts---alas, alas, what can I again expect, but to be left out in the cold. For it has become very much so here---how is it with you?


Oh that we could be together this wintry night---for how very much, we would have to say to each other. I can readily imagine, that your good, kind husband is even now, in Wash and that his voice & influence will be excited to the utmost. I must acknowledge---a great weakness about wishing to see what our friend, Col Forney, will have to say, [dinna?] forget me, should you receive any of his papers. I am very glad---that the time has come---for Congress to meet so that for weal or woe---I shall not be long kept in ignorance perhaps it may be bliss.


I hope you have entirely recovered from your cold. Poor Gen Sickles I suppose, he, too, is watching & waiting. It cannot be---that he will not be confirmed. Is Laura going to school in Spain? What changes---time, brings to us all. I sometimes feel as if I had lived a century. "My life, is not dated by years." Taddie, as usual is hurrying me so I will close---with ever so much love to your daughters & yourself. I shall feel anxious until I learn, whether you have received Sumner's letter. You are a wicked woman to be carrying on so many flirtations---you must remember that you have


[written vertically across page 1] a very handsome & agreeable husband in America.

In great haste hoping very soon to hear from you---I remain always your affectionate friend

Mary Lincoln

Status

Complete

Percent Completed

100

Weight

20

Original Format

paper and ink
4 p
21 x 14 cm

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