Mary's friends

[Houmes]

(12-22-2016 04:44 PM)RJNorton Wrote:  Eva, I once read that Tad could neither read nor write when he left the White House in May 1865. If true, this would mean he would have to learn during his schooling in Chicago and then Europe. Did Mary exaggerate his progress between 1865 and 1871? I do not know, but I wonder if Tad's difficulties with reading and writing might have something to do with this.

Tad Lincoln's education was spotty while in the White House, due to lack of interest and little discipline. One reason Mary Todd Lincoln traveled to Europe with him was hope that there would be better schooling. While there Mrs. Lincoln found a German tutor (who was English speaking) with quite good results. When they returned to the U.S. in 1871, his brother Robert was impressed, noting Tad could speak fluent German. He had practiced reading using German textbooks while in Europe and his English now had a German accent. See: Giant in the Shadows: The Life of Robert T. Lincoln, Chapter 10.