Mary and the body snatchers

[Donna McCreary]

Does anyone have any evidence that Mary knew about the attempt to steal Lincoln's body? She must have read something about it in the newspapers, but I have never found her comments or reactions to the event.

[RJNorton]

Hi Donna. I believe she was in Pau at the time. Possibly it did not make the newspapers there?

[Gene C]

Donna, I have "The Great Abraham Lincoln Hijack" by Bonnie Stahlman Speer. After a quick look, there seems to be no mention of her comments or reaction.

[Donna McCreary]

Thanks. There is nothing in her letters that indicate she had knowledge of the event. I found a great article in a Scotland newspaper giving great details to the development of the Lincoln Monument. The Europeans seemed to have a great interest in Lincoln at the time. An attempt to steal him must have been newsworthy.

[STS Lincolnite]

If she was out of the country and did not hear about it, is it possible that Robert could have kept the information from her altogether? I can only imagine how Mary would have reacted if she found out that someone had tried to steal her husband's body. Her emotional state always seemed to be on the precipice the way it was - that could have really sent her over the edge.

Is there any indirect information on Mary's response (or lack thereof) in, for example, Robert Lincoln's papers or correspondence?

[Donna McCreary]

If she was out of the country and did not hear about it, is it possible that Robert could have kept the information from her altogether? I can only imagine how Mary would have reacted if she found out that someone had tried to steal her husband's body. Her emotional state always seemed to be on the precipice the way it was - that could have really sent her over the edge.

Is there any indirect information on Mary's response (or lack thereof) in, for example, Robert Lincoln's papers or correspondence?

I have been through Robert's papers, and all the collections of other family members and have found nothing.
There are very few letters of Mary's that have survived during this period -- all were written to Mr. Jacob Bunn. On December 12, 1876, Mary wrote to him that she read the "Daily Galignani of Paris" which "receives constant news, from America."
Perhaps her letters concerning this topic were ones Robert was able to find and destroy.

[LincolnMan]

Points due for you Donna for a great thread title!