Mary's friends

[kerry]

The text is partially published below it - they didn't upload the whole thing so I can't transcribe most of it.

Chicago [Illinois], 14 December [1867], to H. C. Deming, about an apparent proposal that she write about her late husband, and discussing the education of their beloved son Tad. "I have been unable to decide, whether under my present ill health and depression of feeling, I will be enabled to undertake the work you have suggested. . . . If next spring would answer as well, I might be able to give the subject some consideration. I scarcely think the coming Presidential campaign, with Grant, as the coming man . . . would affect any historical recollections connected with the life of my deeply lamented husband. When we reflect upon the past, how truly 'inscrutable the ways of Providence are.'" Turning to the subject of Tad, she writes: "I am very grateful . . . for the school circular . . . and feel greatly disposed to send my little son, to Farmington, Conn. Next May. At present, in the public school where he attends, a very young lady, is his teacher. He has arrived at the age, when he should be placed under the care of a gentleman, who understands the training of youths. . . . These western schools, from my observation, are as yet, far removed, from a proper system & management. Yet, I should desire, it not to be known, that I propose sending my son away." Although claiming to find the school's terms "reasonable", she says she must "place every thing, connected with Taddie, before his guardian" and asks "what deduction would be made, for the boy, not boarding at the establishment."

This is what I could see:

"My dear Sir,

Notwithstanding my apparent remissness in delaying to reply to your recent very kind letter, believe me it arose, from no want of appreciation of your kindness towards me . . . [pages not available] sending my son away at present. The returns, of the Circular are very reasonable, yet, as I have to place everything connected with Taddie before his guardian, I should like to know from the principal of the school, what deduction would be made, for the boy, not boarding, at the establishment. I feel that I am troubling you very greatly. I remain with great respect, Truly & gratefully, Mary Lincoln."