LINCOLN, Mary Todd (1818-1882). Autograph letter signed ("Mary Lincoln"), to Mrs. Sallie Rudd Alexander, with an envelope free-franked by Lincoln ("A. Lincoln"), Washington, D.C., 13 March 1864.

4pp., 8vo (241 x 184 mm), on personal stationery with gothic "L" printed in black, accompanied by two envelopes originally sent with letter, one of which is SIGNED WITH A FREE-FRANK SIGNATURE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

MARY LINCOLN COMFORTS A FRIEND IN HER TIME OF GRIEF, RECOLLECTING THE DEATH OF HER OWN SON, WILLIE, AND TELLING HER OF HER DESOLATION.

Reads in part: "Ever since your departure to Kentucky, I have frequently determined to write to you for knowing full well, the trials you had to pass through this past winter my sincerest sympathies, were with you. Yet now, in your hour of heart rending bereavement how much I have grieved with you, tongue, cannot tell, your sorrows, have only opened my own bleeding wounds afresh earth, can afford, no balm, for such bereavements, as we have been called upon to pass through. Your lovely family, of little boys, were very dear to me your darling little Carroll, was my especial favorite. My precious Willie, was another of the pure ones, too good for earth, hence early transplanted to a more congenial soil. They are so happy & rejoicing, whilst we are bowed down, for their loss & yet our grief, how natural it is!"

The death of Willie Lincoln continued to affect his parents for years afterward. Following his death, Mary Lincoln in particular was so affected that she refused to ever again set foot into the room where he died or the one in which he was embalmed. Often she would write of her grief to friends, seeking to find a community in which to share her pain. Following the death of Sallie Rudd Alexander's son, Charles Carroll, in 1864, Mary sent a heartfelt letter of condolence expressing her grief on her friend's behalf. Sallie's husband, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ludwell Alexander, had been an officer during the Mexican War and now served as governor of the Soldiers' Home in Washington, D.C., one of President Lincoln's favorite retreats. The letter was folded and put into a small envelope with the "L" monogram. This was then inserted into a second, larger envelope bearing the President's free frank signature ("A. Lincoln") and circular postmark.

PROVENANCE:
Sotheby Parke Bernet, 13 March 1979, Lot 112

REFERENCES:
Not in Turner

This lot is located in Chicago.