Springfield, Feb. 13, 1929

It is impossible for me to express to you, the great pleasure your letter of the 9th of April, afforded me in this land so far removed from you, my heart and my thoughts revert continually to your little circle. I send you belated birthday wishes. (As you know, April 9th is also the anniversary of the signing of the articles of surrender at Appomattox.) How much I regret to say to you that I am suffering for the last two days with a severe headache, which the doctor tells me may settle in my head if I do not remain very quiet.

The plot is thickening quickly, and now, involves an unknowing participant. It appears as if the fiends have let loose. In yesterday's New York Times, their villanous aspersions, were unleashed. I send the vile falsehoods herewith. As you will see, this article became a mutating journalistic meme through time.

I remain very truly

ML

Editors' Note:

The information for the above article is based on Lew Bloom's affidavit information. Our father stapled the below 1965 letter to this one. We could find no reply to the above.

Springfield, May 20th, 1965

National Geographic
May 1965

I tremble when my name is coupled with persons--whom I have never seen or never expect to do so--may not entirely ruin my prospects of any future comfort--for believe me--at present--I am in the most trying & humiliating position--which you will eventually fully know.

In grief, words are a poor consolation--silence and agonizing tears are all, that is left the sufferer. I could not be more traduced. Time brings to me, as yet, no healing on its wing and I shall be only too glad, when my mission which I know is completed. When you receive this letter, I hope you will at once write me. (28)

Mrs. A. Lincoln

Editors' Note:

There are two errors in the 1965 Chicago Tribune article. The image was not "published here for the first time." It was first published in the 1929 New York Times article. Secondly, Jacob G. Neafie did not die in 1884; he died in 1898. As recorded in The Affidavit, it was the "Late Mrs. Jacob G. Neafie" who died in 1884.

11/16/77

Chicago, Illinois

Dear Mrs. Lincoln,

These "participants," as you call them, are all publishing the same wonderful portrait of you. And the fact that you wanted to make it a gift to the President is even more commendable.

Something occurred yesterday that I ordinarily would not have given a second thought to, but, under the circumstances, I find the coincidence to be suspicious. My boss is currently working on a portrait for the Illinois State Historical Library: the painting is a portrait of you. It is similarly signed, "F. B. Carpenter 1864." While the composition matches the image you sent me, the face and most of the details are different. Is there something you would like to tell me?

With best regards,

Barry Bauman

Editors' Note:

Attached at a later date to this 1977 letter was the below book cover and caption.

Editors' Note:

The cover's caption has two errors. The portrait is dated 1864, not 1865. Lincoln was assassinated in April of 1865; therefore, the painting was completed before Lincoln's assassination, not after. The above image of Mary Lincoln was also reproduced in Gerry Van der Heuvel's Crowns of Thorns and Glory, E. P. Dutton Press, 1988.

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Notes:

25. It is impossible...circle. Turner. p. 682. Letter to Edward Lewis Baker, Jr. 6/22/1879. How much I regret...very quiet. Pritchard. p. 26. Letter to Myra Bradwell. 1/26/1873. It appears...let loose. Turner. p. 441. Letter to Elizabeth Keckley. 10/9/1867. In yesterday's...aspersions. Turner. p. 180. Letter to Abram Wakeman. 9/23/1864. Was there ever...my head? Turner. p. 442. Letter to Elizabeth Keckley. 10/13/1867. The conduct...whole business. Turner. p. 442. Letter to Elizabeth Keckley. 10/13/1867.

26. I am writing...mental suffering. Turner. p. 440. Letter to Elizabeth Keckley. 10/6/1867. The same evil spirit...public journals. Turner. p. 535. Letter to Sally Orne. 12/16/1869. From today's...in this manner. Turner. p. 448. Letter to Elizabeth Keckley. 11/2/1867.

27. What freedom...best for me. Turner. p. 551. Letter to Sally Orne. 2/18/1870. When will...cease. Turner. p. 181. Letter to Abram Wakeman. 9/23/1864. I am sufficiently...against me. Turner. p. 537. Letter to Sally Orne. 12/21/1869.

28. I tremble...humiliating position. Turner. p. 535. Letter to Sally Orne. 12/16/1869. In grief...the sufferer. Turner. p. 626. Letter to Elizabeth Todd Edwards. 3/19/1877. I could not be more traduced. Turner. p. 441. Letter to Elizabeth Keckley. 10/9/1867. Time brings...is completed. Turner. p. 502. Letter to Eliza Slataper. 2/17/1869. When you receive...write me. Turner. p. 691. Letter to Edward Lewis Baker, Jr. 10/4/1879.