Moving Lincoln's Body

[LincolnToddFan]

I have a question...when I read that the original, very ornate and expensive mahogany coffin of Lincoln has been replaced by ones of iron and later red cedar, are they saying that the president's remains were actually removed each time, or that the old coffin was simply placed into a new outer one? I think removing him from his coffin would have been quite difficult as he had been mummified and was said to be like a block of stone or marble at that point.

Also, the idea that he is now buried in a block of cement has always disturbed me, for reasons that I can't quite put my finger on. I understand why RTL wanted it that way, but it still saddens me. And the fact that he is alone and apart from his family-even if only by a few feet-is just wrong. Especially since Mary's oft repeated wish after his death was to be laid to rest at his side, eternally.