Sarah Rickard

[Donna McCreary]

I have always questioned the Matalida Edwards story for a several reasons. If Lincoln never paid the woman a compliment, it is doubtful he had romantic feelings towards her.
Several compliments he spoke to Mary have been recorded. One of my favorite stories involves a conversation Abraham and Mary had regarding the existence of fairies. Lincoln said: "I am sure that one of them must have been your godmother. She fell in love with you in your cradle and showered you with all her choicest gifts. You must have been a prime favorite of that generous lady." (and that my dear gentlemen friends is how a man courts a lady.)

Another aspect that makes the story of a relationship between Abraham and Matilda questionable is Mary's friendship with Matilda afterwards. Since Mary was known to hold a grudge against friends and family, it is doubtful she would have maintained friendly relations with a woman she viewed as competition for her husband. Even in Washington, ML would often tell Abraham not to speak to this woman or that woman because of her own jealousy. Yet, in Washington, Mary is still sharing positive communication with Matilda.
People seem to ignore that of course Lincoln was at the Edwards home all the time. He was an active member of the coterie and was courting Mary.
Then there is the issue of Matilda's last name. Abraham had a difficult time courting Mary because Ninian Edwards thought he was an unsuitable suitor. Since Ninian found Abraham to be too rough of a character for his sister-in-law, it is highly unlikely he would have approved of a relationship with his niece.