Mary Lincoln Extra Credit Questions

[RJNorton]

(12-13-2022 07:48 AM)Amy L. Wrote:  It's my 2nd-hand understanding that the "foolish and uncalled for rencontre" happened because of Mary Lincoln.

(I haven't studied these Sangamon contributions, only read two of the letters signed Rebecca. Might anyone know of a modern publication that "proves" A. Lincoln wrote the letter that is attributed him?? It's so good.)
(Also - Is it recorded for posterity exactly what from those series James Shields found so offensive? Hand-holding? Puffy cat fur? The Bank War had been going on for three election-cycles... As someone in the public spotlight of politics, did ridicule not go with the territory?)

Amy, here is what Mary wrote regarding the rencontre. This is from a letter to Mary Jane Welles dated December 6, 1865:

Gen Shields, a kind-hearted, impulsive Irishman, was always creating a sensation & mirth, by his drolleries, On one occasion, he amused me exceedingly, so much so, that I committed his follies, to rhyme, and very silly verses they were, only, they were said to abound in sarcasm causing them to be very offensive to the Genl. A gentleman friend, carried them off and persevered in not returning to them [sic], when one day, I saw them, strangely enough, in the daily paper. Genl Shields, called upon the Editor [Simeon B. Francis], and demanded the author. The Editor, requested a day, to reflect upon it–The latter called upon Mr Lincoln, to whom he knew I was engaged and explained to him, that he was certain, that I was the Author–Mr. L. then replied, say to Shields, that ‘I am responsible.’ Mr. L- thought no more of it, when about two weeks afterwards, whilst he was 150 miles away from S[pringfield] attending court, Shields, followed him up and demanded satisfaction. The party, with their seconds, repaid to ‘Bloody Island,’ opposite St Louis armed with swords, but doubtless, to the delight of each one, were reconciled. The occasion was so silly, that my husband, was always so ashamed of it, that months before our marriage, we mutually agreed – never to speak of it, ourselves – and it gradually passed out of the memories of all –


Personally I have not seen absolute proof Lincoln wrote the second letter. All I have seen are sources that say Simeon Francis told Shields that Lincoln wrote it. Lincoln saying "I am responsible" seems more like he wants to take the blame off Mary and onto him. The books say Lincoln wrote the second letter, but I do not know of "absolute" proof of this. Maybe someone on the forum does know.