Elizabeth Keckley

[Donna McCreary]

Elizabeth Keckly was indeed a remarkable woman. There has been debate over whether or not she actually wrote the book, or whether she told her stories to a journalist who wrote them for her. I believe this debate began shortly after the book was first published. I think she wrote the book. Elizabeth was an intelligent woman and knew how to read and write.

As with all books containing complete conversations, we must remember that the memory is not always accurate. I also question the story about Lincoln taking Mary to a White House window and pointing to a mental hospital.
Laurie -- any more information about whether or not Lincoln could point to an asylum from the White House windows?