Lincoln, Mary Todd. Three autograph letters to Sally Orne, Frankfurt, [Germany], October-November 1869

LINCOLN, MARY TODD

THREE AUTOGRAPH LETTERS, TWO SIGNED ("MARY LINCOLN" AND "M.L."), TO MRS. SALLY ORNE, REGARDING HER EFFORTS TO SECURE HER PENSION FROM CONGRESS, THE BIRTH OF HER GRANDDAUGHTER, AND MORE

2 pages (8 ⅛ x 5 ¼ in.; 205 x 135 mm) on a single leaf of black-bordered mourning stationery, Frankfurt, [Germany], 23 October 1869, signed "M.L.," neatly cross-written over first page; some folds reinforced with accompanying light soiling, one small marginal tear. — 4 pages (8 ⅛ x 5 ¼ in.; 205 x 135 mm) on a bifolium of black-bordered mourning stationery, Frankfurt, [Germany], 28 October 1869, unsigned, neatly cross-written over first page; separated along central vertical fold and rejoined, a few small marginal repairs. — 4 pages (8 ⅛ x 5 ¼ in.; 205 x 135 mm) on a bifolium of black-bordered mourning stationery, Frankfurt, [Germany], 7 November 1869, signed "Mary Lincoln," neatly cross-written over first page; separated along central vertical fold and rejoined with accompanying light soiling, a few closed marginal tears, one just touching text. — [With] an engraved portrait of "Mrs. Abraham Lincoln."

Mary Lincoln writes to one of her staunchest widowhood friends from Frankfurt, where she lived while Tad attended boarding school there. A strain of optimism is present amidst discussions of her ill health, nerves, and depression, all of which are typical of her correspondence at this time. Sally Orne was a friend from her White House days who would prove to be a great comfort and support in the wake of Lincoln's assassination. Throughout the present correspondence, the first lady discusses minor physical maladies, the impending birth of her first grandchild, Mary "Mamie" Lincoln, and above all, the Congressional battle over her annual pension.

Orne was a great supporter of Lincoln's controversial campaign for a widow's pension, and their friendship buoyed the widow's spirits in the face of derision and mockery over her public displays of grief, and flagging efforts to regain control over her finances. Writing to Orne regarding the pension, which had been languishing in the Senate Committee on Pensions since 1868, Mary Lincoln counts her supporters, and entreats her friend to continue in her outreach: "Colonel [Edward] Forney is always a true hearted champion. I have always liked him, because my dear husband entertained so high an opinion of him. Will you not write to Cameron, Gen. Banks?, Sen. Wilson is a very noble man & I hope you will write to him" (October 23).

The Senator from Massachusetts, Charles Sumner, would play a pivotal role in marshaling support for her pension in the Senate, but Mary Lincoln here expresses some reservations regarding his focus in light of his ongoing obligations on the Committee on Foreign Relations: "Sumner has been considered to be a man who entertains but one idea... at a time... I know him to be all that is excellent - yet by this time - my claims may have passed out of his mind & thoughts may be absorbed in Cuba & something else." Her concern over Sumner's focus, and preoccupation with how her petition was being received in the American press aside, she expresses warm gratitude for her friend's support: "I have to accommodate myself to the sad & unpropitious circumstances of the case. If that brighter day should come, ere long, I hope that day of 'thanksgiving & praise' will be passed together. I am well aware I have not a friend in the world who would gladly rejoice with me as yourself over my changed fortunes" (Nov. 7). Her lobbying eventually paid off, and Congress narrowly approved a $3,000 annual pension on 14 July 1870.

Regarding the birth of her granddaughter she writes: "A week ago I received the welcome news from my son that on the 15th of October our dear Mary became a mother of a sweet little daughter ... he wrote after a sleepless night & four hours after the birth of the child therefore no names were mentioned - but as the other Grandmama presided with the Dr. & nurse... she may consider herself to be entitled to the name. Surely - myself - as one Grandmother (how queer that sounds to me) being named Mary, the mother of the child Mary - the child being called so too - could be rather to much" (Nov. 7). The Lincoln granddaughter was indeed to be named Mary — nicknamed "Mamie" — the oldest of Robert Lincoln's three children.

A series of poignant, somewhat hopeful letters in the years preceding the death of her son Tad, which would bring a new wave of overpowering grief to the already despondent widow

LITERATURE:
28 October letter not recorded in Turner and Turner, Mary Todd Lincoln: Her Life and Letters

Condition Report:
2 pages (8 ⅛ x 5 ¼ in.; 205 x 135 mm) on a single leaf of black-bordered mourning stationery, Frankfurt, [Germany], 23 October 1869, signed "M.L.," neatly cross-written over first page; some folds reinforced with accompanying light soiling, one small marginal tear. — 4 pages (8 ⅛ x 5 ¼ in.; 205 x 135 mm) on a bifolium of...