Letters from Mrs. Lincoln to Mrs. Keckley

"CHICAGO, Sunday Morning, Oct. 6.

"CHICAGO, Sunday morning, October 6.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE:—I am writing this morning with a broken heart after a sleepless night of great mental suffering. R. came up last evening like a maniac, and almost threatening his life, looking like death, because the letters of the World were published in yesterday's paper. I could not refrain from weeping when I saw him so miserable. But yet, my dear good Lizzie, was it not to protect myself and help others—and was not my motive and action of the purest kind? Pray for me that this cup of affliction may pass from me, or be sanctified to me. I weep whilst I am writing. * * * * I pray for death this morning. Only my darling Taddie prevents my taking my life. I shall have to endure a round of newspaper abuse from the Republicans because I dared venture to relieve a few of my wants. Tell Mr. Brady and Keyes not to have a line of mine once more in print. I am nearly losing my reason.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE: I am writing this morning with a broken heart after a sleepless night of deep distress. R. came up last evening like a madman, looking like death and almost threatening to take his own life. The letters from the World had been published in yesterday's paper. I could not help crying when I saw how miserable he was. But, my dear good Lizzie, wasn't I trying to protect myself and help others? Weren't my motives and actions of the purest kind? Pray that this cup of suffering may pass from me, or be made a blessing to me. I am crying as I write. * * * * I pray for death this morning. Only my darling Taddie keeps me from taking my own life. I will have to endure a round of newspaper attacks from the Republicans. All because I dared to try to meet a few of my needs. Tell Mr. Brady and Keyes not to publish another line of mine. I am nearly losing my mind.

"CHICAGO, Oct. 8.

"CHICAGO, October 8.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE:—Bowed down with suffering and anguish, again I write you. As we might have expected, the Republicans are falsifying me, and doing just as they did when they prevented the Congressional appropriation. Mrs. —— knows something about these same people. As her husband is living they dare not utter all they would desire to speak. You know yourself how innocently I have acted, and from the best and purest motives. They will howl on to prevent my disposing of my things. What a vile, vile set they are! The Tribune here, Mr. White's paper, wrote a very beautiful editorial yesterday in my behalf; yet knowing that I have been deprived of my rights by the party, I suppose I would be mobbed if I ventured out. What a world of anguish this is—and how I have been made to suffer! * * * You would not recognize me now. The glass shows me a pale, wretched, haggard face, and my dresses are like bags on me. And all because I was doing what I felt to be my duty. Our minister, Mr. Swazey, called on me yesterday and said I had done perfectly right. Mrs. F— says every one speaks in the same way. The politicians, knowing they have deprived me of my just rights, would prefer to see me starve, rather than dispose of my things. They will prevent the sale of anything, so I have telegraphed for them. I hope you have received from B. the letters I have consigned to his care. See to this. Show none of them. Write me every day.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE: Overwhelmed by suffering and anguish, I write to you again. As we might have expected, the Republicans are spreading lies about me. They are doing just what they did when they blocked the Congressional appropriation. Mrs. —— knows something about these same people. Because her husband is alive, they dare not say everything they would like to say. You know how innocently I have acted, and that my motives were the best and purest. They will keep howling to stop me from selling my things. What a vile, vile group they are! The Tribune here, Mr. White's paper, published a very beautiful editorial in my support yesterday. Yet I know that the party has denied me my rights. I suppose I would be mobbed if I ventured out. What a world of anguish this is, and how I have been made to suffer! * * * You would not recognize me now. In the mirror, I see a pale, miserable, haggard face, and my dresses hang on me like bags. And all because I was doing what I felt was my duty. Our minister, Mr. Swazey, visited me yesterday and said I had done exactly right. Mrs. F— says everyone says the same thing. The politicians know they have denied me my rightful due. They would rather see me starve than let me sell my things. They will prevent the sale of anything, so I have telegraphed for my things. I hope you have received the letters I entrusted to B. Please see to this. Show none of them. Write to me every day.

"CHICAGO, Wednesday, October 9th.

"CHICAGO, Wednesday, October 9.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE:—It appears as if the fiends had let loose, for the Republican papers are tearing me to pieces in this border ruffian West. If I had committed murder in every city in this blessed Union, I could not be more traduced. And you know how innocent I have been of the intention of doing wrong. A piece in the morning Tribune, signed 'B,' pretending to be a lady, says there is no doubt Mrs. L.—is deranged—has been for years past, and will end her life in a lunatic asylum. They would doubtless like me to begin it now. Mr. S., a very kind, sympathizing minister, has been with me this morning, and has now gone to see Mr. Medill, of the Tribune, to know if he sanctioned his paper publishing such an article. * * * Pray for me, dear Lizzie, for I am very miserable and broken-hearted. Since writing this, I have just received a letter from Mr. Keyes, begging and pleading with me to allow them to use my name for donations. I think I will consent. * *

"MY DEAR LIZZIE: It seems as if the fiends have been let loose. The Republican papers are tearing me to pieces here in the border ruffian West. If I had committed murder in every city in this blessed Union, they could not slander me more. And you know I never intended to do wrong. An article in the morning Tribune, signed 'B' by someone pretending to be a lady, says there is no doubt Mrs. L. is mentally ill. It says she has been for years and will end her life in a mental asylum. They would no doubt like me to begin it now. Mr. S., a very kind and sympathetic minister, was with me this morning. He has now gone to ask Mr. Medill of the Tribune whether he approved the publication of such an article. * * * Pray for me, dear Lizzie, for I am very miserable and broken-hearted. Since writing this, I have received a letter from Mr. Keyes. He begs and pleads with me to let them use my name to ask for donations. I think I will consent. * *

"CHICAGO, Sunday, Oct. 13.

"CHICAGO, Sunday, Oct. 13.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE:—I am greatly disappointed, having only received one letter from you since we parted, which was dated the day after. Day after day I sent to Mrs. F. for letters. After your promise of writing to me every other day, I can scarcely understand it. I hope to-morrow will bring me a letter from you. How much I miss you cannot be expressed. I hope you have arrived safely in Washington, and will tell me everything. * * * Was there ever such cruel newspaper abuse lavished upon an unoffending woman as has been showered upon my devoted head? The people of this ungrateful country are like the 'dogs in the manger;' will neither do anything themselves, nor allow me to improve my own condition. What a Government we have! All their abuse lavished upon me only lowers themselves in the estimation of all true-hearted people. The Springfield Journal had an editorial a few days since, with the important information that Mrs. Lincoln had been known to be deranged for years, and should be pitied for all her strange acts. I should have been all right if I had allowed them to take possession of the White House. In the comfortable stealings by contracts from the Government, these low creatures are allowed to hurl their malicious wrath at me, with no one to defend me or protect me, if I should starve. These people injure themselves far more than they could do me, by their lies and villany. Their aim is to prevent my goods being sold, or anything being done for me. In this, I very much fear, they have succeeded.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE: I am very disappointed. Since we parted, I have received only one letter from you, dated the following day. Day after day, I sent to Mrs. F. for letters. You promised to write every other day, so I can hardly understand it. I hope a letter from you will arrive tomorrow. I cannot express how much I miss you. I hope you have arrived safely in Washington and will tell me everything. * * * Has any innocent woman ever suffered such cruel newspaper attacks as have been heaped on my devoted head? The people of this ungrateful country are like the 'dogs in the manger.' They will neither do anything themselves nor allow me to improve my own situation. What a Government we have! All their attacks on me only lower them in the eyes of all true-hearted people. A few days ago, the Springfield Journal published an editorial with some important news. It said Mrs. Lincoln had been known to be deranged for years. It also said she should be pitied for all her strange acts. I would have been all right if I had let them take possession of the White House. These low creatures live comfortably on what they steal through Government contracts. Yet they are allowed to direct their malicious anger at me. No one would defend or protect me, even if I were starving. Their lies and villainy hurt them far more than they could hurt me. Their aim is to prevent my goods from being sold or anything from being done for me. In this, I fear very much, they have succeeded.

"Write me, my dear friend, your candid opinion about everything. I wished to be made better off, quite as much to improve your condition as well as for myself. * * * Two weeks ago, dear Lizzie, we were in that den of discomfort and dirt. Now we are far asunder. Every other day, for the past week, I have had a chill, brought on by excitement and suffering of mind. In the midst of it I have moved into my winter quarters, and am now very comfortably situated. My parlor and bedroom are very sweetly furnished. I am lodged in a handsome house, a very kind, good, quiet family, and their meals are excellent. I consider myself fortunate in all this. I feel assured that the Republicans, who, to cover up their own perfidy and neglect, have used every villanous falsehood in their power to injure me—I fear they have more than succeeded, but if their day of reckoning does not come in this world, it will surely in the next. * * * *

"Write to me, my dear friend, and give me your honest opinion about everything. I wanted to be better off, as much to improve your situation as my own. * * * Two weeks ago, dear Lizzie, we were in that den of discomfort and dirt. Now we are far apart. For the past week, I have had a chill every other day, brought on by excitement and mental suffering. In the midst of it all, I moved into my winter quarters. I am now very comfortable. My parlor and bedroom are very nicely furnished. I am staying in a handsome house with a very kind, good, quiet family. Their meals are excellent. I consider myself fortunate in all this. I feel certain that the Republicans have used every wicked lie they could to hurt me. They did this to cover up their own betrayal and neglect. I fear they have more than succeeded. But if their day of reckoning does not come in this world, it surely will in the next. * * * *

"Saturday.—I have determined to shed no more tears over all their cruel falsehoods, yet, just now, I feel almost forsaken by God and man—except by the latter to be vilified. Write me all that Keyes and Brady think of the result. For myself, after such abuse, I expect nothing. Oh! that I could see you. Write me, dear Lizzie, if only a line; I cannot understand your silence. Hereafter direct your letters to Mrs. A. Lincoln, 460 West Washington street, Chicago, Ill., care of D. Cole. Remember 460. I am always so anxious to hear from you, I am feeling so friendless in the world. I remain always your affectionate friend.

Saturday. I have decided not to shed any more tears over all their cruel lies. Yet right now, I feel almost abandoned by God and man, except that man is still there to speak cruelly of me. Write and tell me everything Keyes and Brady think of the result. After such abuse, I expect nothing for myself. Oh, how I wish I could see you. Please write, dear Lizzie, even if it is only a line. I cannot understand why you have been silent. From now on, address your letters to Mrs. A. Lincoln, 460 West Washington street, Chicago, Ill., care of D. Cole. Remember 460. I am always so anxious to hear from you. I feel so friendless in the world. I am always your affectionate friend.

POSTSCRIPT TO LETTER OF OCT. 24.

POSTSCRIPT TO THE LETTER OF OCTOBER 24.

"I cannot send this letter off without writing you two little incidents that have occurred within the past week. We may call it justice rendered for evil words, to say the least. There is a paper published in Chicago called the Republican, owned and published by Springfield men. Each morning since my return it has been thrown at my door, filled with abuse of myself. Four days ago a piece appeared in it, asking 'What right had Mrs. L. to diamonds and laces?' Yesterday morning an article appeared in the same paper, announcing that the day previous, at the house of Mr. Bunn (the owner of the paper), in Springfield, Illinois—the house had been entered at 11 in the morning, by burglars, and had been robbed of five diamond rings, and a quantity of fine laces. This morning's paper announces the recovery of these articles. Mr. Bunn, who made his hundreds of thousands off our government, is running this paper, and denouncing the wife of the man from whom he obtained his means. I enclose you the article about the recovery of the goods. A few years ago he had a small grocery in S——. These facts can be authenticated. Another case in point: The evening I left my house to come here, the young daughter of one of my neighbors in the same block, was in a house not a square off, and in a childish manner was regretting that I could not retain my house. The man in the house said: 'Why waste your tears and regrets on Mrs. Lincoln?' An hour afterward the husband and wife went out to make a call, doubtless to gossip about me; on their return they found their young boy had almost blinded himself with gunpowder. Who will say that the cry of the 'widow and fatherless' is disregarded in His sight! If man is not merciful, God will be in his own time.

"I cannot send this letter without telling you about two little incidents from the past week. We may call it justice for evil words, to say the least. A Chicago paper called the Republican is owned and published by men from Springfield. Every morning since my return, it has been thrown at my door, full of abuse directed at me. Four days ago, an article asked, 'What right did Mrs. L. have to diamonds and lace?' Yesterday morning, the same paper reported a robbery at the Springfield, Illinois, home of Mr. Bunn, the paper's owner. The day before, burglars had entered his house at 11 in the morning. They stole five diamond rings and a quantity of fine lace. This morning's paper announces that these articles have been recovered. Mr. Bunn made hundreds of thousands off our government. Now he runs this paper and denounces the wife of the man from whom he obtained his means. I enclose the article about the recovery of the goods. A few years ago, he had a small grocery in S——. These facts can be verified. Another case in point: On the evening I left my house to come here, a neighbor's young daughter was visiting a house less than a block away. Her family lived in the same block as I did. In a childish way, she was expressing regret that I could not keep my house. The man of the house said, 'Why waste your tears and regrets on Mrs. Lincoln?' An hour later, the man and his wife went out to make a call, doubtless to gossip about me. When they returned, they found that their young boy had almost blinded himself with gunpowder. Who will say that the cry of the 'widow and fatherless' is disregarded in his sight! If man is not merciful, God will be in his own time.

"CHICAGO, October 29.

"CHICAGO, October 29.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE:—I received a very pleasant note from Mr. F. Douglass on yesterday. I will reply to it this morning, and enclose it to you to hand or send him immediately. In this morning's Tribune there was a little article evidently designed to make capital against me just now—that three of my brothers were in the Southern army during the war. If they had been friendly with me they might have said they were half brothers of Mrs. L., whom she had not known since they were infants; and as she left Kentucky at an early age her sympathies were entirely Republican—that her feelings were entirely with the North during the war, and always. I never failed to urge my husband to be an extreme Republican, and now, in the day of my trouble, you see how this very party is trying to work against me. Tell Mr. Douglass, and every one, how deeply my feelings were enlisted in the cause of freedom. Why harp upon these half brothers, whom I never knew since they were infants, and scarcely then, for my early home was truly at a boarding school. Write to him all this, and talk it to every one else. If we succeed I will soon send you enough for a very large supply of trimming material for the winter.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE: I received a very pleasant note from Mr. F. Douglass yesterday. I will reply this morning and enclose my reply for you to give or send him immediately. In this morning's Tribune, there was a short article clearly intended to use something against me at this moment. It said that three of my brothers were in the Southern army during the war. If the writers had been friendly toward me, they might have said these were Mrs. L.'s half brothers. She had not known them since they were infants. They might also have said that she left Kentucky at an early age and her sympathies were entirely Republican. Her feelings were entirely with the North during the war, and always. I never failed to urge my husband to be an extreme Republican. Now, in my time of trouble, you see how this very party is trying to work against me. Tell Mr. Douglass and everyone else how deeply I cared about the cause of freedom. Why keep harping on these half brothers? I never knew them after they were infants, and hardly even then. For I spent my early years at a boarding school. Write all this to him, and tell everyone else about it. If we succeed, I will soon send you enough for a very large supply of trimming material for the winter.

"CHICAGO, Nov. 2nd.

"CHICAGO, Nov. 2.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE:—Your letter of last Wednesday is received, and I cannot refrain from expressing my surprise that before now K. and B. did not go out in search of names, and have sent forth all those circulars. Their conduct is becoming mysterious. We have heard enough of their talk—it is time now they should be acting. Their delay, I fear, has ruined the business. The circulars should all have been out before the election. I cannot understand their slowness. As Mr. Greeley's home is in New York, he could certainly have been found had he been sought; and there are plenty of other good men in New York, as well as himself. I venture to say, that before the election not a circular will be sent out. I begin to think they are making a political business of my clothes, and not for my benefit either. Their delay in acting is becoming very suspicious. Their slow, bad management is ruining every prospect of success. I fear you are only losing your time in New York, and that I shall be left in debt for what I am owing the firm. I have written to K. and B., and they do nothing that I request. I want neither Mr. Douglass nor Garnet to lecture in my behalf. The conduct in New York is disgusting me with the whole business. I cannot understand what they have been about. Their delay has only given the enemies time to gather strength; what does it all mean? Of course give the lady at 609 permission to sell the dresses cheaper. * * * I am feeling wretchedly over the slowness and do-nothing style of B. & K. I believe in my heart I am being used as a tool for party purposes; and they do not design sending out a circular. * * *

"MY DEAR LIZZIE: I received your letter from last Wednesday. I am surprised that K. and B. have not yet gone out to search for names and sent out all those circulars. Their behavior is becoming mysterious. We have heard enough of their talk. It is time for them to act. I fear their delay has ruined the business. All the circulars should have gone out before the election. I cannot understand why they are so slow. Since Mr. Greeley's home is in New York, they could certainly have found him if they had looked. There are plenty of other good men in New York besides him. I venture to say that not one circular will be sent out before the election. I am beginning to think they are using my clothes for political purposes, and not for my benefit. Their delay in acting is becoming very suspicious. Their slow, poor management is ruining every prospect of success. I fear you are only wasting your time in New York. I also fear I will be left in debt for what I owe the firm. I have written to K. and B., but they do nothing I ask. I do not want either Mr. Douglass or Garnet to lecture on my behalf. The conduct in New York is making me disgusted with the whole business. I cannot understand what they have been doing. Their delay has only given the enemies time to gather strength. What does it all mean? Of course, give the lady at 609 permission to sell the dresses for less. * * * I feel wretched about B. & K.'s slowness and do-nothing approach. I believe in my heart that I am being used as a tool for party purposes. I believe they do not intend to send out a circular. * * *

"CHICAGO, Nov. 9, 1867.

"CHICAGO, November 9, 1867.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE:—* * * Did you receive a letter a few days since, with one enclosed for F. Douglass? also a printed letter of mine, which I wished him to read? Do write me every other day at least, I am so nervous and miserable. And Lizzie, dear, I fear we have not the least chance of success. Do remain in New York a little longer, and occupy yourself with the sewing of your friends. Then I shall be able to learn _some_thing about my business. In your heart you know there will be no success. Why do you not candidly express yourself to me? Write me, if only a few lines, and that very frequently. R. called up on yesterday, with Judge Davis. * * * R. goes with Judge D. on Tuesday, to settle the estate, which will give us each about $25,000, with the income I told you of, $1,700 a year for each of us. You made a mistake about my house costing $2,700—it was $1,700. The $22,000 Congress gave me I spent for house and furniture, which, owing to the smallness of my income, I was obliged to leave. I mention about the division of the estate to you, dear Lizzie, because when it is done the papers will harp upon it. You can explain everything in New York; please do so to every one. Please see H. G., if it should come out in the papers. I had hoped, if something was gained, to have immediately placed you in more pleasant circumstances. Do urge F. D. to add his name to the circular; also get them to have Beecher's. There must not be an hour's delay in this. R. is very spiteful at present, and I think hurries up the division to cross my purposes. He mentioned yesterday that he was going to the Rocky Mountains so soon as Edgar Welles joined him. He is very deep. * * * Write me, do, when you receive this. Your silence pains me.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE: * * * Did you receive a letter a few days ago with one enclosed for F. Douglass? Did you also receive a printed letter of mine that I wanted him to read? Please write to me at least every other day. I am so nervous and miserable. And Lizzie, dear, I fear we have not the least chance of success. Please stay in New York a little longer and do sewing for your friends. Then I shall be able to learn _some_thing about my business. In your heart you know there will be no success. Why don't you tell me so honestly? Write to me very often, even if only a few lines. R. called yesterday with Judge Davis. * * * R. is going with Judge D. on Tuesday to settle the estate. That will give us each about $25,000, along with the income I told you about, $1,700 a year each. You were mistaken about my house costing $2,700. It cost $1,700. I spent the $22,000 Congress gave me on the house and furniture. My income was so small that I had to leave them. I mention the division of the estate, dear Lizzie, because the papers will harp on it once it is done. You can explain everything in New York. Please do so to everyone. Please see H. G. if it comes out in the papers. I had hoped that if something was gained, I could immediately place you in more pleasant circumstances. Please urge F. D. to add his name to the circular. Also get them to add Beecher's name. There must not be an hour's delay in this. R. is very spiteful at present. I think he is rushing the division to thwart my plans. He mentioned yesterday that he was going to the Rocky Mountains as soon as Edgar Welles joined him. He is very sly. * * * Please do write when you receive this. Your silence pains me.

"CHICAGO, NOV. 9.

"CHICAGO, NOVEMBER 9.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE:—I closed and sent off my letter before I had finished all I had to say. Do not hint to K. or B., or any one else, my doubts of them, only watch them. As to S. so many falsehoods are told in the papers that all the stuff about his wife and himself may be untrue. I hope it may prove so. I received a letter from Keyes this morning. I believe I wrote you that I had. How hard it is that I cannot see and talk with you in this time of great, great trouble. I feel as if I had not a friend in the world save yourself. * * I sometimes wish myself out of this world of sorrow and care. I fear my fine articles at B.'s are getting pulled to pieces and soiled. I do not wish you to leave N.Y. without having the finest articles packed up and returned to me. The single white camel's hair shawl and the two Paisleys I wish returned to me, if none of them are sold. Do you think there is the least chance of their being sold? I will give you a list of the articles I wish returned to me from Mr. Brady's before you leave New York for Washington.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE: I finished and sent my letter before I had said everything I wanted to say. Do not hint to K., B., or anyone else that I have doubts about K. and B. Just watch them. As for S., the papers print so many falsehoods that everything about him and his wife may be untrue. I hope it is. I received a letter from Keyes this morning. I believe I already wrote to tell you that. How hard it is that I cannot see and talk with you in this time of great, great trouble. I feel as if I have no friend in the world except you. * * I sometimes wish I were out of this world of sorrow and worry. I fear my fine things at B.'s are being pulled to pieces and getting dirty. Before you leave N.Y., please have the finest things packed up and returned to me. I want the single white camel's hair shawl and the two Paisleys returned to me, if none have sold. Do you think there is the slightest chance of their being sold? I will give you a list of the things I want returned from Mr. Brady's before you leave New York for Washington.

- "1 Camel's hair shawl, double black centre. - 1 Camel's hair shawl, double white centre. - 1 Single white camel's hair shawl. - 2 Paisley shawls--white. - 1 Pair bracelets and diamond ring. - 1 Fine lace handkerchief. - 3 Black lace shawls. - 2 Black lama shawls. - 1 Dress, silk unmade, white and black. - 1 White boa. - 1 Russian sable boa. - 1 Russian sable cape. - 1 A. sable cape, cuffs and muff. - 1 Chinchilla set.

- "1 Double camel hair shawl with a black center. - 1 Double camel hair shawl with a white center. - 1 Single white camel hair shawl. - 2 White Paisley shawls. - 1 Pair of bracelets and a diamond ring. - 1 Fine lace handkerchief. - 3 Black lace shawls. - 2 Black lama shawls. - 1 Unmade white and black silk dress. - 1 White boa. - 1 Russian sable boa. - 1 Russian sable cape. - 1 A. sable cape, cuffs, and muff. - 1 Chinchilla set.

"The lace dress, flounce, and shawl, if there is no possibility of their being sold. Also all other fine articles return me, save the dresses which, with prices lowered, may be sold. * *

"Return the lace dress, flounce, and shawl to me if there is no chance of selling them. Also return all the other fine articles, except the dresses that may sell at lower prices. * *

"CHICAGO, Nov. 15, '67.

"Chicago, November 15, 1867.

"MY DEAR KECKLEY;—Your last letter has been received, and believe me, I duly appreciate your great interest in my affairs. I hope the day may arrive when I can return your kindness in more than words. As you are aware of my beloved husband's great indulgence to me in pecuniary matters, thereby allowing me to indulge in bestowing favors on those whom I considered worthy of it, it is in this respect I feel chiefly the humiliation of my small circumscribed income. If Congress, or the Nation, had given me the four years' salary, I should have been able to live as the widow of the great President Lincoln should, with sufficient means to give liberally to all benevolent objects, and at my death should have left at least half of it to the freedmen, for the liberty of whom his precious sacred life was sacrificed. The men who prevented this being done by their villanous unscrupulous falsehoods, are no friends of the colored race, and, as you well know, have led Johnson on in his wicked course.

"MY DEAR KECKLEY, I received your last letter. Please believe that I deeply appreciate your great interest in my affairs. I hope the day may come when I can repay your kindness with more than words. As you know, my beloved husband was very generous with me in financial matters. This allowed me to give favors to those I thought worthy of them. It is chiefly because I can no longer do this that I feel humiliated by my small, limited income. If Congress or the Nation had given me the four years' salary, I could have lived as the widow of the great President Lincoln should. I would have had enough to give generously to all charitable causes. At my death, I would have left at least half of it to the freedmen. His precious, sacred life was sacrificed for their freedom. The men who prevented this from being done through their villainous, unscrupulous lies are no friends of the colored race. And, as you well know, they have led Johnson on in his wicked course.

"'God is just,' and the day of retribution will come to all such, if not in this world, in the great hereafter, to which those hoary-headed sinners are so rapidly hastening, with an innocent conscience. I did not feel it necessary to raise my weak woman's voice against the persecutions that have assailed me emanating from the tongues of such men as Weed & Co. I have felt that their infamous false lives was a sufficient vindication of my character. They have never forgiven me for standing between my pure and noble husband and themselves, when, for their own vile purposes, they would have led him into error. All this the country knows, and why should I dwell longer on it? In the blissful home where my worshipped husband dwells God is ever merciful, and it is the consolation of my broken heart that my darling husband is ever retaining the devoted love which he always so abundantly manifested for his wife and children in this life. I feel assured his watchful, loving eyes are always watching over us, and he is fully aware of the wrong and injustice permitted his family by a country he lost his life in protecting. I write earnestly, because I feel very deeply. It appears to me a very remarkable coincidence, that most of the good feeling regarding my straitened circumstances proceeds from the colored people, in whose cause my noble husband was so largely interested. Whether we are successful or not, Mr. F. Douglass and Mr. Garnet will always have my most grateful thanks. They are very noble men. If any favorable results should crown their efforts, you may well believe at my death, whatever sum it may be, will be bequeathed to the colored people, who are very near my heart. In yesterday's paper it was announced that Gov. Andrew's family were having $100,000 contributed to them. Gov. A. was a good man, but what did he do compared to President Lincoln? Right and left the latter gave, when he had but little to bestow, and in consequence his family are now feeling it; yet for my life I would not recall a dollar he ever gave. Yet his favorite expression, when I have playfully alluded to the 'rainy day' that might be in store for himself and his own on several occasions, he has looked at me so earnestly and replied, 'Cast your bread upon the waters.' Although the petty sum of $22,000 was an insufficient return for Congress to make me, and allowanced to its meagreness by men who traduced and vilified the loved wife of the great man who made them, and from whom they amassed great fortunes—for Weed, and Seward, and R. did this last. And yet, all this was permitted by an American people, who owed their remaining a nation to my husband! I have dwelt too long on this painful subject, but when I have been compelled from a pitiful income to make a boarding-house of my home, as I now am doing, think you that it does not rankle in my heart?

"'God is just,' and the day of reckoning will come for all such people. If not in this world, it will come in the great hereafter. Those gray-haired sinners are rushing toward it with a clear conscience. I did not feel it necessary to raise my weak woman's voice against the attacks made by men like Weed & Co. I felt that their shameful, deceitful lives were enough to clear my name. They have never forgiven me for standing between them and my pure and noble husband. For their own vile purposes, they would have led him into error. The country knows all this, so why should I dwell on it any longer? God is always merciful in the blissful home where my worshipped husband lives. My broken heart is comforted by knowing that my darling husband still has the devoted love he always showed his wife and children so abundantly in this life. I feel sure his watchful, loving eyes are always on us. He knows fully the wrong and injustice that a country he died protecting has allowed his family to suffer. I write earnestly because I feel deeply. It seems a remarkable coincidence that most of the sympathy for my financial difficulties comes from the colored people. My noble husband cared so deeply about their cause. Whether we succeed or not, Mr. F. Douglass and Mr. Garnet will always have my deepest thanks. They are very noble men. If their efforts produce any favorable results, you may be sure of this. Whatever the sum, I will leave it at my death to the colored people, who are very close to my heart. Yesterday's paper announced that $100,000 was being raised for Gov. Andrew's family. Gov. A. was a good man, but what did he do compared to President Lincoln? President Lincoln gave freely, even when he had little to give. As a result, his family now feels the loss. Yet for all the world, I would not take back a dollar he ever gave. Several times, I playfully mentioned the 'rainy day' that might be in store for himself and his own. He would look at me so earnestly and reply with his favorite expression: 'Cast your bread upon the waters.' The small sum of $22,000 was not enough for Congress to give me. Men who slandered and vilified the beloved wife of the great man who made them kept the sum so small. They also made great fortunes from him. Weed, and Seward, and R. did that. Yet the American people allowed all this, though they owed it to my husband that they remained a nation! I have dwelt too long on this painful subject. But my income is so meager that I have been forced to turn my home into a boarding-house, as I am now doing. Do you think that does not rankle in my heart?

"Fortunately, with my husband's great, great love for me—the knowledge of this future for his petted and idolized wife was spared him, and yet I feel in my heart he knows it all. Mr. Sumner, the intimate friend of better days, called to see me two or three weeks since—he who had been an habitué of the White House—both the rooms of the President and my own reception-room, in either place he was always sure of a heartfelt welcome; my present situation must have struck a painful chord in his noble, sympathizing heart. And yet, when I endeavored to ameliorate my condition, the cry has been so fearful against me as to cause me to forget my own identity, and suppose I had plundered the nation, indeed, and committed murder. This, certainly, cannot be America, 'the land of the free,' the 'home of the brave.' The evening before Mr. Sumner's last call I had received Mr. Douglass's letter; I mentioned the circumstance to Mr. Sumner, who replied: 'Mr. Frederick Douglass is a very noble, talented man, and I know of no one who writes a more beautiful letter.' I am sending you a long letter, Lizzie, but I rely a great deal on your indulgence. My fear is that you will not be able to decipher the scrawl written so hastily.

"Fortunately, my husband was spared the knowledge of this future for his beloved and adored wife. His love for me was so very great. And yet I feel in my heart that he knows it all. Mr. Sumner, a close friend from better days, came to see me two or three weeks ago. He had been a frequent visitor at the White House. He was always sure of a heartfelt welcome, both in the President's rooms and in my own reception room. My present situation must have struck a painful chord in his noble, sympathetic heart. And yet, when I tried to improve my situation, the outcry against me was so fierce that I almost forgot who I was. I felt as if I had indeed robbed the nation and committed murder. Surely this cannot be America, 'the land of the free,' the 'home of the brave.' The evening before Mr. Sumner's last visit, I had received Mr. Douglass's letter. I mentioned this to Mr. Sumner, who replied: 'Mr. Frederick Douglass is a very noble, talented man, and I know of no one who writes a more beautiful letter.' I am sending you a long letter, Lizzie, but I am counting on your patience. I fear you will not be able to read my hurried scrawl.

"CHICAGO, Nov. 17.

"CHICAGO, Nov. 17.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE:—By the time you receive this note, you will doubtless find the papers raving over the large income which we are each said to have. Knowing exactly the amount we each will have, which I have already informed you, I was going to say, I have been shocked at the fabulous sum set down to each, but I have learned not to be surprised at anything. Of course it is gotten up to defeat success. You will now see the necessity for those circulars being issued weeks since. I enclose you a scrap from yesterday's Times of C., marked No. 1; also No. 2, to-day's Times. The sum of $11,000 has been subtracted in twenty-four hours from the same paper. If it continues for a few days longer, it will soon be right. It is a secesh paper—says Congress gave me $25,000 as a present, besides $20,000 of remaining salary. The $25,000 you know to be utterly false. You can show this note to B. & K., also the scraps sent. Let no one see them but themselves, and then burn them. It is all just as I expected—that when the division took place, a 'mountain would be made of a mole-hill.' And I fear it will succeed in injuring the premeditated plans. If the war rages, the Evening News might simply say that the sum assigned each was false, that $75,000 was the sum the administrator, Judge Davis, filed his bonds for. But by all means my authority must not be given. And then the Evening News can descant on the $25,000 each, with income of $1,700 each, and Mrs. Lincoln's share, she not being able to touch any of her sons' portion. My word or testimony must not appear in the article; only the paper must speak decidedly. It must be managed very judiciously, and without a day's delay.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE: By the time you receive this note, you will no doubt find the papers raving about the large income we are each said to have. I know exactly how much we will each have, and I have already told you. I was going to say that I was shocked by the fabulous sum assigned to each of us. But I have learned not to be surprised by anything. Of course, this story was concocted to prevent success. You will now see why those circulars needed to be issued weeks ago. I enclose a clipping from yesterday's Times of C., marked No. 1, and another from today's Times, marked No. 2. The same paper has reduced the sum by $11,000 in twenty-four hours. If this continues for a few more days, it will soon have the figure right. It is a secesh paper. It says Congress gave me $25,000 as a present, besides $20,000 in remaining salary. You know the claim about the $25,000 is utterly false. You may show this note and the clippings to B. & K. Let no one else see them, and then burn them. It is all just as I expected. When the division took place, a 'mountain would be made of a mole-hill.' And I fear this will succeed in damaging the plans already made. If the war rages, the Evening News might simply say that the sum assigned to each person was false. It might say that $75,000 was the sum for which the administrator, Judge Davis, filed his bonds. But by all means, my authority must not be given. Then the Evening News can discuss the $25,000 each received, with an income of $1,700 each, and Mrs. Lincoln's share. She cannot touch any part of her sons' portions. My word or testimony must not appear in the article. The paper alone must speak decidedly. This must be handled very judiciously, without a day's delay.

"Nov 17—(Private for yourself).

"Nov 17. (Private, for you alone).

"LIZZIE:—Show the note enclosed with this to B. & K.; do not let them retain it an instant after reading, nor the printed articles. I knew these falsehoods would be circulated when the estate was divided. What has been the cause of the delay about the circulars? I fear, between ourselves, we have reason to distrust those men,——. Whatever is raised by the colored people, I solemnly give my word, at my death it shall all, every cent, be returned to them. And out of the sum, if it is $50,000, you shall have $5,000 at my death; and I cannot live long, suffering as I am now doing. If $25,000 is raised by your people, you shall have the sum at my death; and in either event, the $25,000 raised, or $50,000, I will give you $300 a year, and the promised sum at my death. It will make your life easier. I have more faith in F.D.'s and G.'s efforts, than in B. & K., I assure you. This division has been trumped up just now through spite. * * I have written to Judge Davis for an exact statement, which I will send to you when received. Write if any thing is doing. * * *

"LIZZIE: Show B. & K. the note enclosed with this letter. Do not let them keep it or the printed articles for an instant after reading them. I knew these falsehoods would be spread when the estate was divided. What has caused the delay with the circulars? Between ourselves, I fear we have reason to distrust those men, ——. Whatever the colored people raise, I solemnly promise that, at my death, all of it, every cent, will be returned to them. If the sum is $50,000, you shall receive $5,000 of it at my death. I cannot live long, suffering as I am now. If your people raise $25,000, you shall receive that sum at my death. And whether $25,000 or $50,000 is raised, I will give you $300 a year and the promised sum at my death. It will make your life easier. I assure you, I have more faith in F.D.'s and G.'s efforts than in B. & K. This division has been brought up now out of spite. * * I have written to Judge Davis for an exact statement. I will send it to you when I receive it. Write if anything is happening. * * *

"CHICAGO, November 21.

"CHICAGO, November 21.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE:—Your letter of Tuesday is just received. I have just written B. a note of thanks for his kindness; also requesting the articles of which I gave you a list. Do see Keyes about it; K. will have it done. And will you see that they are forwarded to me before you leave New York? K. sent me a telegram on yesterday that eight names were on the circulars, and that they would be sent out immediately. What success do you think they will have? By all means assure K. & B. I have great confidence in them. These circulars must bring some money. Your letter made me quite sad. Talk to K. & B. of the grateful feelings I express towards them. Do pet up B., and see my things returned to me. Can you not, dear Lizzie, be employed in sewing for some of your lady friends in New York until December 1st? If I ever get any money you will be well remembered, be assured. R. and a party of young men leave for the Rocky Mountains next Monday, to be absent three weeks. If the circulars are sent out, of course the blasts will be blown over again. So R. is out of the way at the time, and money comes in, I will not care. Write the hour you receive this. I hope they will send out 150,000 circulars. Urge K. & B. to do this.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE: I just received your letter from Tuesday. I have written B. a note thanking him for his kindness. I also asked for the articles I listed for you. Please see Keyes about them. K. will have it done. And will you make sure they are sent to me before you leave New York? K. sent me a telegram yesterday saying eight names were on the circulars. He said they would be sent out immediately. How successful do you think they will be? By all means, assure K. & B. that I have great confidence in them. These circulars must bring in some money. Your letter made me quite sad. Tell K. & B. about the gratitude I feel toward them. Please be especially kind to B., and make sure my things are returned to me. Dear Lizzie, could you do sewing for some of your lady friends in New York until December 1st? If I ever get any money, you can be sure I will remember you generously. R. and a group of young men leave for the Rocky Mountains next Monday. They will be gone for three weeks. If the circulars are sent out, of course the attacks will begin again. As long as R. is away at the time and money comes in, I will not care. Write as soon as you receive this. I hope they will send out 150,000 circulars. Urge K. & B. to do this.

"Saturday Morning, November 23d.

"Saturday Morning, November 23.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE:—Although I am suffering with a fearful headache to-day, yet, as your note of Wednesday is received, I must write. I am grieved to find that you are so wretchedly low-spirited. * * * On Wednesday, the 20th of November, K. sent me the telegram I send you. If he is not in earnest, what does it mean? What is the rate of expenses that B. has gone to in my business, that he dares to withhold my immense amount of goods? Do you believe they intend sending out those circulars? Of course you will be well rewarded if we have any success, but as to $500 'now,' I have it not for myself, or any one else. Pray, what does B. propose to charge for his expenses? I pray God there will be some success, although, dear Lizzie, entirely between ourselves, I fear I am in villanous hands. As to money, I haven't it for myself just now, even if nothing comes in. When I get my things back, if ever, from——, I will send you some of those dresses to dispose of at Washington for your own benefit. If we get something, you will find that promises and performance for this life will be forth-coming. * * * * It is mysterious why B. NEVER writes, and K. once, perhaps, in three weeks. All this is very strange. * *

"MY DEAR LIZZIE: Although I have a terrible headache today, I must write now that I have received your Wednesday note. I am sorry to hear that you are so terribly low-spirited. * * * On Wednesday, November 20, K. sent me the telegram I am sending you. If he is not serious, what does it mean? How much has B. spent on my business that he dares to hold back so many of my goods? Do you believe they intend to send out those circulars? Of course, you will be well rewarded if we have any success. But as for $500 'now,' I do not have it for myself or anyone else. Please tell me, what does B. propose to charge for his expenses? I pray God that we have some success. But, dear Lizzie, strictly between ourselves, I fear I am in the hands of villains. As for money, I do not have any for myself right now, even if nothing comes in. If I ever get my things back from . . . , I will send you some dresses to sell in Washington for your own benefit. If we get something, you will find that promises and their fulfillment will be forthcoming in this life. * * * * It is mysterious why B. NEVER writes, and K. writes once, perhaps, in three weeks. All this is very strange. * *

"CHICAGO, Sunday, Nov. 24th.

"CHICAGO, Sunday, November 24.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE:—I wrote you on yesterday and am aware it was not a pleasant letter, although I wrote what I fear will turn out to be truths. It will be two weeks to-morrow since the legally attested consent from me was received by B. and K., and yet names have not been obtained for it, when last heard from. * * However, we will soon see for ourselves. If you and I are honest in our motives and intentions, it is no reason all the world is so. * * * If I should gain nothing pecuniarily by the loud cry that has been made over my affairs, it has been a losing game indeed. * * * * And the laugh of the world will be against me if it turns out as I now think; there is no doubt it will be all failure. If they had issued those circulars when they should have done, before the election, then it would have been all right. Alas! alas! what a mistake it has all been! I have thought seriously over the whole business, and know what I am about. I am grateful for the sympathy of Mr. F. Douglass and Mr. Garnet. I see that F. D. is advertised to lecture in Chicago some time this winter. Tell him, for me, he must call and see me; give him my number. If I had been able to retain a house, I should have offered him apartments when he came to C.; as it is, I have to content myself with lodgings. An ungrateful country this! I very much fear the malignity of Seward, Weed, and R. will operate in Congress the coming winter, and that I will be denounced there, with their infamous and villanous falsehoods. The father of wickedness and lies will get those men when they 'pass away;' and such fiends as they are, always linger in this mortal sphere. The agitation of mind has very much impaired my health. * * * * Why, why was not I taken when my darling husband was called from my side? I have been allowed no rest by those who, in my desolation, should have protected me. * * * * How dearly I should love to see you this very sad day. Never, dear Lizzie, think of my great nervousness the night before we parted; I had been so harassed with my fears. * * * *

"MY DEAR LIZZIE: I wrote to you yesterday. I know it was not a pleasant letter, although I wrote what I fear will prove to be truths. Tomorrow it will be two weeks since B. and K. received my legally attested consent. Yet, when I last heard, they had not obtained names for it. * * However, we will soon see for ourselves. Even if you and I are honest in our motives and intentions, that does not mean all the world is. * * * If I gain nothing financially from all the loud outcry over my affairs, it will indeed have been a losing game. * * * * And the world will laugh at me if things turn out as I now think they will. There is no doubt it will all fail. If they had issued those circulars when they should have, before the election, everything would have been all right. Alas! Alas! What a mistake it has all been! I have thought seriously about the whole business, and I know what I am doing. I am grateful for the sympathy of Mr. F. Douglass and Mr. Garnet. I see that F. D. is advertised to lecture in Chicago sometime this winter. Tell him, for me, that he must come and see me. Give him my number. If I had been able to keep a house, I would have offered him rooms when he came to C. As it is, I have to content myself with lodgings. What an ungrateful country this is! I very much fear that the malice of Seward, Weed, and R. will have its effect in Congress this coming winter. I fear that I will be denounced there with their infamous and villainous lies. The father of wickedness and lies will get those men when they 'pass away.' And such fiends as they are always linger in this mortal world. The strain on my mind has greatly damaged my health. * * * * Why, why was I not taken when my darling husband was called from my side? Those who should have protected me in my desolation have given me no rest. * * * * How dearly I would love to see you this very sad day. Dear Lizzie, never dwell on how nervous I was the night before we parted. I had been so tormented by my fears. * * * *"

"December 26.

"December 26.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE:—Your letters just received. I have just written to K. to withdraw the C. Go to him yourself the moment you receive this. The idea of Congress doing anything is ridiculous. How much —— could effect if he chose, through others. Go to B. & K. the moment you receive this.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE: I have just received your letters. I have just written to K. to withdraw the C. Go to him yourself as soon as you receive this. The idea that Congress will do anything is ridiculous. How much the unnamed person could accomplish through others if he chose! Go to B. and K. as soon as you receive this.

"CHICAGO, December 27.

"CHICAGO, December 27.

"DEAR LIZZIE:—I wrote you a few lines on yesterday. I have twice written to Mr. K. to have the C. stopped. Go and see him on the subject. I believe any more newspaper attacks would lay me low * * * As influence has passed away from me with my husband, my slightest act is misinterpreted. 'Time makes all things right.' I am positively suffering for a decent dress. I see Mr. A. and some recent visitors eyeing my clothing askance. * * Do send my black merino dress to me very soon; I must dress better in the future. I tremble at the bill that B. & K. may send me, I am so illy prepared to meet any expense. All my articles not sold must be sent to me. I leave this place early in the spring; had you better not go with me and share my fortunes, for a year or more? * * Write.

"DEAR LIZZIE: I wrote you a few lines yesterday. I have written to Mr. K. twice to ask him to stop the C. Go and speak to him about it. I believe any more newspaper attacks would lay me low * * * My influence passed away with my husband, so my slightest act is misinterpreted. 'Time makes all things right.' I am really suffering for lack of a decent dress. I see Mr. A. and some recent visitors looking at my clothing disapprovingly. * * Please send me my black merino dress very soon. I must dress better in the future. I tremble at the bill B. & K. may send me. I am so poorly prepared to meet any expense. All my articles that have not been sold must be sent to me. I am leaving this place early in the spring. Wouldn't it be better for you to go with me and share my fortunes for a year or more? * * Write.

"CLIFTON HOUSE, January 12.

"CLIFTON HOUSE, January 12.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE:—Your last letter was received a day or two since. I have moved my quarters to this house, so please direct all your letters here. Why did you not urge them not to take my goods to Providence? For heaven's sake see K. & B. when you receive this, and have them immediately returned to me, with their bill. I am so miserable I feel like taking my own life. My darling boy, my Taddie alone, I fully believe, prevents the deed. Your letter announcing that my clothes^C were to be paraded in Europe—those I gave you—has almost turned me wild. R. would go raving distracted if such a thing was done. If you have the least regard for our reason, pray write to the bishop that it must not be done. How little did I suppose you would do such a thing; you cannot imagine how much my overwhelming sorrows would be increased. May kind Heaven turn your heart, and have you write that this exhibition must not be attempted. R. would blast us all if you were to have this project carried out. Do remember us in our unmitigated anguish, and have those clothes, worn on those fearful occasions, recalled. * * I am positively dying with a broken heart, and the probability is that I shall be living but a very short time. May we all meet in a better world, where such grief is unknown. Write me all about yourself. I should like you to have about four black widow's caps, just such as I had made in the fall in New York, sent to me. * * * Of course you would not suppose, if I had you come out here and work for me six weeks, I would not pay your expenses and pay you as you made each dress. The probability is that I shall need few more clothes; my rest, I am inclined to believe, is near at hand. Go to B. & K., and have my clothes sent me without further publicity. * * * I am feeling too weak to write more to-day. Why are you so silent? For the sake of humanity, if not me and my children, do not have those black clothes displayed in Europe. The thought has almost whitened every hair of my head. Write when you receive this.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE: I received your last letter a day or two ago. I have moved to this house, so please send all your letters here. Why did you not urge them not to take my goods to Providence? For heaven's sake, see K. & B. when you receive this. Have them return my goods immediately, with their bill. I am so miserable that I feel like taking my own life. I fully believe my darling boy, my Taddie alone, keeps me from doing it. Your letter said that my clothes^C, the ones I gave you, were to be displayed in Europe. The news has almost driven me wild. R. would go raving mad if that happened. If you have the least concern for our sanity, please write to the bishop. Tell him the exhibition must not happen. I never imagined you would do such a thing. You cannot imagine how much it would add to my overwhelming sorrow. May kind Heaven change your heart and make you write that this exhibition must not be attempted. R. would condemn us all if you carried out this plan. Please remember us in our unrelieved anguish. Have those clothes recalled, the ones worn on those terrible occasions. * * I am truly dying of a broken heart. I will probably live only a very short time. May we all meet in a better world, where such grief is unknown. Write and tell me all about yourself. I would like you to send me about four black widow's caps, just like the ones I had made in New York last fall. * * * Of course, you would not think that I would ask you to come here and work for me for six weeks without paying your expenses. I would also pay you as you made each dress. I will probably need few more clothes. I believe my rest is near at hand. Go to B. & K. and have my clothes sent to me without any more publicity. * * * I feel too weak to write more today. Why are you so silent? For the sake of humanity, if not me and my children, do not have those black clothes displayed in Europe. The thought has turned almost every hair on my head white. Write when you receive this.

"NEW YORK CITY, Jan. 1st, 1868.

"NEW YORK CITY, January 1, 1868.

"BISHOP PAYNE, D.D.—DEAR SIR:—Allow me to donate certain valuable relics, to be exhibited for the benefit of Wilberforce University, where my son was educated, and whose life was sacrificed for liberty. These sacred relics were presented to me by Mrs. Lincoln, after the assassination of our beloved President. Learning that you were struggling to get means to complete the college that was burned on the day our great emancipator was assassinated, prompted me to donate, in trust to J. P. Ball (agent for Wilberforce College), the identical cloak and bonnet worn by Mrs. Lincoln on that eventful night. On the cloak can be seen the life-blood of Abraham Lincoln. This cloak could not be purchased from me, though many have been the offers for it. I deemed it too sacred to sell, but donate it for the cause of educating the four millions of slaves liberated by our President, whose private character I revere. You well know that I had every chance to learn the true man, being constantly in the White House during his whole administration. I also donate the glove^D worn on his precious hand at the last inaugural reception. This glove bears the marks of thousands who shook his hand on that last and great occasion. This, and many other relics, I hope you will receive in the name of the Lincoln fund. I also donate the dress worn by Mrs. Lincoln at the last inaugural address of President Lincoln. Please receive these from—

"BISHOP PAYNE, D.D., DEAR SIR: Please allow me to donate some valuable relics to be exhibited for the benefit of Wilberforce University. My son was educated there, and his life was sacrificed for liberty. Mrs. Lincoln gave me these sacred relics after the assassination of our beloved President. I learned that you were struggling to raise money to complete the college. It had burned on the day our great emancipator was assassinated. This prompted me to donate the very cloak and bonnet Mrs. Lincoln wore on that eventful night. I entrust them to J. P. Ball (agent for Wilberforce College). Abraham Lincoln's lifeblood can be seen on the cloak. Many people have offered to buy it, but I would not sell it. I considered it too sacred to sell. Instead, I donate it to help educate the four million slaves freed by our President, whose private character I revere. As you well know, I had every chance to learn who he truly was. I was constantly in the White House throughout his administration. I also donate the glove^D worn on his precious hand at the last inaugural reception. The glove bears the marks of the thousands who shook his hand on that last and great occasion. I hope you will accept the glove and many other relics in the name of the Lincoln fund. I also donate the dress Mrs. Lincoln wore at President Lincoln's last inaugural address. Please accept these from:

"CLIFTON HOUSE, Jan. 15, 1868.

"CLIFTON HOUSE, January 15, 1868.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE:—You will think I am sending you a deluge of letters. I am so very sad today, that I feel that I must write you. I went out last evening with Tad, on a little business, in a street car, heavily veiled, very imprudently having my month's living in my pocket-book—and, on return, found it gone. The loss I deserve for being so careless, but it comes very hard on poor me. Troubles and misfortunes are fast overwhelming me; may the end soon come. I lost $82, and quite a new pocket-book. I am very, very anxious about that bill B. & K. may bring in. Do go, dear Lizzie, and implore them to be moderate, for I am in a very narrow place. Tell them, I pray you, of this last loss. As they have not been successful (BETWEEN OURSELVES), and only given me great sorrow and trouble, I think their demand should be very small. (Do not mention this to them.) Do, dear Lizzie, go to 609, and talk to them on this subject. Let my things be sent to me immediately, and do see to it, that nothing is left behind. I can afford to lose nothing they have had placed in their hands. I am literally suffering for my black dress. Will you send it to me when you receive this? I am looking very shabby. I hope you have entirely recovered. Write when you receive this.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE: You will think I am flooding you with letters. I am so sad today that I feel I must write to you. Last evening, I went out with Tad on a streetcar to take care of a little business. I wore a heavy veil and, very foolishly, had my month's living expenses in my purse. When I returned, I found it was gone. I deserve the loss for being so careless, but it is very hard on poor me. Troubles and misfortunes are quickly overwhelming me. May the end come soon. I lost $82 and an almost new purse. I am very, very anxious about the bill B. & K. may send. Please go to them, dear Lizzie, and beg them to charge a reasonable amount. I am in a very tight spot. Please tell them about this latest loss. BETWEEN OURSELVES, they have not been successful and have only caused me great sorrow and trouble. So I think they should charge me very little. (Do not mention this to them.) Please, dear Lizzie, go to 609 and talk to them about their bill. Please have my things sent to me immediately, and do make sure nothing is left behind. I cannot afford to lose anything that was placed in their hands. I am literally suffering for lack of my black dress. Will you send it to me when you receive this letter? I am looking very shabby. I hope you have completely recovered. Write when you receive this letter.

"CHICAGO, Feb. 7.

"CHICAGO, February 7.

"MR. BRADY:—I hereby authorize Mrs. Keckley to request my bill from you; also my goods. An exact account must be given of everything, and all goods unsold returned to me. Pray hand Mrs. Keckley my bill, without fail, immediately.

"MR. BRADY: I authorize Mrs. Keckley to request my bill and my goods from you. You must give an exact account of everything and return all unsold goods to me. Please give Mrs. Keckley my bill immediately, without fail.

"SATURDAY, Feb. 29.

"Saturday, February 29.

"DEAR LIZZIE:—I am only able to sit up long enough to write you a line and enclose this check to Mr. K. Give it to him when he gives you up my goods, and require from him an exact inventory of them. I will write you to-morrow. The hour you receive this go to him, get my goods, and do not give him the check until you get the goods, and be sure you get a receipt for the check from him. * * In his account given ten days since, he said we had borrowed $807; now he writes for $820. Ask him what this means, and get him to deduct the $13. I cannot understand it. A letter received from K. this morning says if the check is not received the first of the week, my goods will be sold so do delay not an hour to see him. * * My diamond ring he writes has been sold; the goods sold have amounted to $824, and they appropriate all this for their expenses. A precious set, truly. My diamond ring itself cost more than that sum, and I charged them not to sell it under $700. Do get my things safely returned to me. * * *

"DEAR LIZZIE: I can only sit up long enough to write you a short note and enclose this check for Mr. K. Give it to him when he gives you my goods, and demand an exact inventory from him. I will write to you tomorrow. As soon as you receive this letter, go to him and get my goods. Do not give him the check until you get the goods. Be sure to get a receipt from him for the check. * * In the account he gave ten days ago, he said we had borrowed $807. Now he writes asking for $820. Ask him what this means and get him to deduct the $13. I cannot understand it. A letter from K. this morning says that if he does not receive the check early this week, my goods will be sold. So do not delay an hour in going to see him. * * He writes that my diamond ring has been sold. The goods sold brought in $824, and they are taking all of it for their expenses. A precious set, truly. My diamond ring alone cost more than that amount, and I told them not to sell it for less than $700. Please get my things safely returned to me. * * *