Robert Todd Lincoln --The vitals

[Eva Elisabeth]

Mary was on the edge in the White House years, too

I agree that Mary was already pretty unstable in the White House

Eva, Kerry, everyone...I have a question.

Elizabeth Keckly wrote (after Willie's passing):

“In one of her paroxysms of grief the President kindly bent over his wife, took her by the arm, and gently led her to the window. With a stately, solemn gesture, he pointed to the lunatic asylum.

“‘Mother, do you see that large white building on the hill yonder? Try and control your grief, or it will drive you mad, and we may have to send you there.’"

Has it ever been determined if this statement could be true or is it something Elizabeth Keckly created or embellished? Was there REALLY a large lunatic asylum within sight from the White House in 1862?

Lincoln's Citadel claims he pointed at this one https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Elizabeths_Hospital
Well, two hrs footwalk, but maybe visible from afar in those days?
   
(Kerry - I deleted my posts. Makes no sense anyway.)