Willie Lincoln plaque

[Donna McCreary]

Laurie, here is what it says in Twenty Days.

"Word soon got about that Mr. Lincoln had been back to the tomb twice to have Willie's coffin opened so that he could look at him again. Dr. Charles Brown had embalmed Willie so perfectly that he did really seem to be only sleeping, and Lincoln could not bear to leave him alone in the cold tomb."

There is no footnote or endnote. I have seen similar wording in a few other books, but I don't ever recall a footnote or an endnote about this. I am just curious if anyone has seen one. I just don't know the original source (if one exists). I am sure it's possible Lincoln did this, but I am unaware regarding where the information comes from.

I haven't had to deal with new staff at Oak Hill, but let's hope they are history-friendly. Staff has changed since we worked with them on the Frederick Aiken tombstone. I'll find a contact somewhere in that newsletter and broach the subject.

Every year on July 16, the members of Mary Lincoln's Coterie gather to hold a memorial service to honor Mary's memory at Oak Ridge Cemetery. We have found the new staff there to be extremely helpful and accommodating. I would hope other cemeteries would be just as helpful.
This year, our ceremonies will be held on July 15 since the 16th falls on a Sunday. I invite everyone to join us!