Mary's Reputation

[RJNorton]

Laurie, I agree. Almost universally, authors agree Abraham did not help Mary discipline the children.

I might add that he was also away from home a lot. Twice a year, during the years he rode the circuit, Lincoln departed Springfield and traveled the Eighth Judicial Circuit. Although the border of the circuit shifted over time it was located in central Illinois and included as many as 14 counties. Along with a small group of attorneys and a judge, Lincoln traveled to the various county seats to try any case that was ready. In essence they were bringing the court to the people. The small group often traveled from town to town by horseback and would spend at least a few days (and sometimes up to a week or more) in each county seat trying cases. The group completed the 400-500 mile loop in roughly 11 weeks. So he was gone 22 weeks of the year leaving Mary alone without husband. Sometimes, when there was an opportunity to quickly visit family in Springfield during the circuit ride, the others did so while Abraham often did not.