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beloved husband's truly affectionate regard for you, and the knowledge of your great love and reverence for the best man that ever lived, would of itself cause you to be cherished with the sincerest regard by my sons and myself.
In my overwhelming bereavement those who loved my idolized husband aside from disinterested motives are very precious to me and mine.
My grief has been so uncontrollable that, in consequence, I have been obliged to bury myself in solitude, knowing that many whom I would see could not fully enter into the state of my feelings.
I have been thinking for some time past I would like to see you and have a long conversation.
I wish to know if you will be in
Springfield next Wednesday week, September 4; if so, at ten o'clock in the morning you will find me at the
St. Nicholas Hotel.
Please mention this visit to
Springfield to no one.
It is a most sacred one, as you may suppose, to visit the tomb which contains my all in life-my husband.. . . If it will not be convenient, or if business at the time specified should require your absence, should you visit
Chicago any day this week I will be pleased to see you. I remain, Very truly,
Mary Lincoln.
according to appointment.
Our interview was somewhat extended in range, but none the less interesting.
Her statement made at the time now lies before me. “My husband intended,” she said,
