Mother Mary

[RJNorton]

Eva, here is a little information. On January 1, 1860, Mary Lincoln wrote a letter to her friend, Hannah Shearer. Included in this letter:

"Speaking of boys, Willie's [ninth) birthday came off on the 21st of Dec. and as I had long promised him a celebration, it duly came off. Some 50 or 60 boys & girls attended the gala, you may believe I have come to the conclusion, that they are nonsensical affairs. However, I wish your boys, had been in their midst."

I might add that an invitation to this birthday party written by Mary to Isaac Diller is in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. It is addressed to "Little Isaac Diller" and says, "Willie Lincoln will be pleased to see you, Wednesday Afternoon at 3 O'clock."