Mary's Reputation

[Tom Emery]

I'm with Laurie and the rest -- I have great sympathy for Mary.

In 1969, Dorothy Cashman, who I believe was the wife of the Lincoln Tomb custodian, wrote (in so many words) that "the blackest spot in our American history is the way that Mary Lincoln has been treated."

I think it's pretty clear she suffered from emotional imbalances -- some have argued manic-depression, which fits her mood swings, temper, reckless spending, etc. Losing three children and having a husband shot while sitting next to you would not have helped. But the Mary Todd haters always seem to have an answer -- they argue that everyone lost children in that day, and many sons were lost in the Civil War, so you can't give Mary a break. Seems to me that, if you hate Mary, you can't give her a break, period.

Personally, I don't have much respect for Herndon. I recognize the value of some of his Lincoln insights, which only he would have seen. But, I think he went way overboard in his rants on Mary. Granted, as Roger correctly points out, her tantrums against Mrs. Ord, etc. were not Herndon territory. But, I still don't like Herndon.

Credible historians note that Mary had a warm side, was very maternal, well-read, well-spoken, and quite charming. Was she this was all of the time? Of course not, but then again, who is?

I think far too much has been made of Mary's bad qualities, and not enough has been made of her good qualities. I'm glad to see others are sympathetic in this symposium. It seems to me that the winds of perception may be changing in Mary Todd's favor, after many decades of scorn. At least, it seems that not as many people rip her as once did.