Sons and parents

[L Verge]

Given the "taboos" of the day concerning even discussing mental illness within one's own family, I have often questioned Mrs. Keckly's propriety in making that incident public (if she did). And, although a confidante of Mrs. Lincoln, I don't think she had the right to discuss it with Robert at any time - unless he coerced her into doing so with the pledge that his mother would receive true help. I have a great deal of respect for Mrs. Keckly for her own deeds in life, but as far as discussing the Lincolns' private life, she basically was a domestic for the family. Her writings have contributed a great deal to our knowledge of the personal/private side of the family, but I question her "right" to make it public. Frankly, I wish we had less of this tell-all journalism in our lives today so that the K family and Brangelinas would fade into the background.

As for Mr. Lincoln, I too believe that he would have made the comment about the asylum in order to tell Mary how serious her depression was becoming. I think he would have sought private help and companionship if Mary had required it. In the case of Robert, I think his personality (and probably the nagging of his wife) worked against Mary Lincoln. At least she was placed in a respectable treatment center instead of a run-of-the-mill insane asylum.