Mary's Reputation

[kerry]

Another thing I've been wondering about is how Lincoln's cabinet acted toward Mary after his death, and how it affected her reputation. I think staying quiet as they did was probably the best bet, but it would have been interesting had any of them stuck up for her. In the Old Clothes Scandal, when Weed came out with his denunciation, which relied heavily on Seward's experiences, I wonder what Seward thought. Whether he approved it or just let it happen. She had gone after Seward in her letter so maybe he gave the okay. One of the only comments by a cabinet member was an interview I found with Usher (Secretary of the Interior), and his main comment was that Lincoln treated her as if she was under his protection. Sumner, Trumbull and Cameron at least made a comment to the effect that she was his companion, so for his sake, be nice. I know Seward and Stanton had their own issues at that point, but I wonder what they were thinking.