Lincoln Cheers His Sick Boy

[Gene C]

This short article from a young lady who nursed Tad Lincoln when he was sick with the same illness Willie Lincoln had when he died.
From The Delineator, February 1921.

https://archive.org/stream/lincolncheers...0/mode/2up

[David Lockmiller]

This short article from a young lady who nursed Tad Lincoln when he was sick with the same illness Willie Lincoln had when he died.
From The Delineator, February 1921.

https://archive.org/stream/lincolncheers...0/mode/2up

“When I write my name for the public, I have to sign it Abraham Lincoln, but I like best the A. Lincoln, so I write it that way for you.”

[STS Lincolnite]

Gene,

Thanks for posting the link to this wonderful little article. Some nice glimpses into Lincoln’s character and his life at a particularly trying time.

David picked out a quote I too liked and posted above. There was also a story about Tad giving away his socks and shoes that was touching as was this quote (apparently spoken by Tad later on): “If pa had got well, he would have forgiven the man that shot him; he forgave everybody.”

Here is a nice blog post about Maria (Hall) Lucas, the nurse who helped care for Tad and whose recollections serve as the basis for the article.

http://john-banks.blogspot.com/2013/10/r...l-war.html

[STS Lincolnite]

And here is another blog post (from the same blog) more related to her services as a nurse in the field.

http://john-banks.blogspot.com/2017/05/o...-with.html

[Anita]

This moving first person account of by Nurse Lucus caring for Tad, sick with fever soon after Willie's death, tugs at the heartstrings. Then add to that the story of Nurse Maia Hall Lucas and her service to the sick and wounded. Great thread. Thanks!!

[Gene C]

Thank you Scott for sharing that link.

[David Lockmiller]

Gene,

Thanks for posting the link to this wonderful little article. Some nice glimpses into Lincoln’s character and his life at a particularly trying time.

David picked out a quote I too liked and posted above. There was also a story about Tad giving away his socks and shoes that was touching as was this quote (apparently spoken by Tad later on): “If pa had got well, he would have forgiven the man that shot him; he forgave everybody.”

Here is a nice blog post about Maria (Hall) Lucas, the nurse who helped care for Tad and whose recollections serve as the basis for the article.

http://john-banks.blogspot.com/2013/10/r...l-war.html

I would highly recommend following the hyperlink therein (titled "1921 magazine article") to an article about Maria (Hall) Lucas, who was the nurse for Tad after Willie had died of the same disease. The following are two paragraphs from the article.

Tad was a patient, uncomplaining little man in his sickness. The fever was running its course favorably, and his fancies were gratified if possible. He was always content and happy in his father's presence, or watching for his return if absent. The wonder grew how the busy man found so much time to spend with the boy, and how the sad heart brought so much cheer. If the face was care-worn and clouded at the door, Tad did not see it; there was always a smile for him and a cheery word, "How's the boy?"

Late in the evening, he would come, sometimes after midnight, after getting last advices from the front. If Tad were awake, he would give me some of the items from the front. But usually all was quiet for patient and nurse, with promise of rest for both. Yet he insisted in sending me off for sleep and staying himself. "For I can lie down here with the boy," he said.

[Mylye2222]

Gene,

Thanks for posting the link to this wonderful little article. Some nice glimpses into Lincoln’s character and his life at a particularly trying time.

David picked out a quote I too liked and posted above. There was also a story about Tad giving away his socks and shoes that was touching as was this quote (apparently spoken by Tad later on): “If pa had got well, he would have forgiven the man that shot him; he forgave everybody.”

Here is a nice blog post about Maria (Hall) Lucas, the nurse who helped care for Tad and whose recollections serve as the basis for the article.

http://john-banks.blogspot.com/2013/10/r...l-war.html

Whom did Tad gave away his shoes and socks to?? Never read that story!

[LincolnMan]

This too, touched my hearts strings. I'm ever mindful that Lincoln lost two children while he was alive. How hard this must have been. I know something about this. And when his third child became ill how difficult it must have been for him and how worried he certainly was.

[STS Lincolnite]

Whom did Tad gave away his shoes and socks to?? Never read that story!

In the very last paragraph of the article that Gene linked to in post #1 it states:

“Stories were told about his charity – especially how he took off his shoes and stockings for the barefoot boys he met, till his mother in despair absolutely forbade it. He argued: ‘They can’t get any shoes. I guess you can buy me some more, and I’m so sorry for them.’ “

[Mylye2222]

Whom did Tad gave away his shoes and socks to?? Never read that story!

In the very last paragraph of the article that Gene linked to in post #1 it states:

“Stories were told about his charity – especially how he took off his shoes and stockings for the barefoot boys he met, till his mother in despair absolutely forbade it. He argued: ‘They can’t get any shoes. I guess you can buy me some more, and I’m so sorry for them.’ “

Thanks.
In "Lincoln's White House" there are stories alike that. Tad also brought street boys inside the White House to play with him, and even for some food. He was a sweetheart and also a class barrier breaker.

---

Whom did Tad gave away his shoes and socks to?? Never read that story!

In the very last paragraph of the article that Gene linked to in post #1 it states:

“Stories were told about his charity – especially how he took off his shoes and stockings for the barefoot boys he met, till his mother in despair absolutely forbade it. He argued: ‘They can’t get any shoes. I guess you can buy me some more, and I’m so sorry for them.’ “

I downloaded the article, but couldn't read it... Thanks.