RTL's birth

[Donna McCreary]

We do not know when Lincoln proposed to Mary. We do know that Mary waited until November 4th (or 3rd - depending on which story you believe) to tell her sister Elizabeth she was marrying Mr. Lincoln that day. For all we know, the two could have been engaged for days, weeks, or even months. As far as "making an honest woman out of Mary" -- are you suggesting the two had sexual relations before marriage? Maybe they did. Maybe they did not. Since human gestation is nine months, and RTL was born nine months after the marriage, it is extremely likely Robert was a wedding night, or 'honeymoon' baby.