Mary's Reputation

[Eva Elisabeth]

Alledgedly, when Martha came to Washington in March 1864 Lincoln snapped once and said:"If Mrs. W. did not leave forthwith, she might expect to find herself within 24 hours in the Old Capitol Prison."
The Richmond Enquired published a story that Martha, when she went back south, brought a uniform with her with buttons of pure gold, worth $30,000. Although not true, the story caused bad publicity for Lincoln in the election year.