Case-F
Mary Copes with Grief
Mary Lincoln lived a vibrant but tragic life. By the time she left the White House in 1865, she had lost two of her four sons—Eddy and Willie—and her husband had been murdered next to her. In 1871, her son Tad also passed away, leaving Mary and her oldest son Robert as the only remaining members of their family. Due to this constant loss and persistent grief, Mary consistently dressed herself in black to convey her “public mourning.” This ring belonged to her and is a symbol of that loss.
Accompanying that grief was sometimes erratic behavior that eventually worried Robert enough to forcibly institutionalize his mother. This letter—probably written about a year before then—provides a glimpse into Mary’s own efforts to cope by requesting sleeping pills from her doctor. It painfully conveys her desperation and possible addiction—informing him that she could not sleep the previous night despite taking 5 “powders” and requesting 4 more.
Ring gift of Alvin S. Keys, 1965 & Letter gift of Jeanne Marie Krikelas, 1999
Letter Transcription:
MS-1874?
Mary Todd Lincoln to Dr Danforth, [1874]
Dr Danforth
Please oblige me by sending about 4 more powders– I had a miserable night last night & took the 5 you left–
What is to become of this excessive wakefulness, it is impossible for me to divine–
Very truly, &c &c
Mrs Lincoln