Mary's Reputation

[L Verge]

Elizabeth Keckly and Mary Lincoln shared several common bonds. Mrs. Keckly lost her son in the early days of the Civil War. Because of his light complexion, he was able to pass for white and join the Union Army. Sharing the tragedy of losing children had to bring the two mothers close together.

Mrs. Keckly had worked for the Southern elite in Washington prior to their departure from the capital and came highly recommended to the First Lady. Because of her skills as a "modiste," (designer and seamstress as well as adviser in that field), she shared a love of beautiful fabrics and fashions with Mary.

As the contraband of war starting flowing into Washington, Elizabeth Keckly was at the forefront of gathering supplies, finding shelter and food, etc. to help them. Few people recognize that Mary Lincoln aided in that effort and donated money towards the cause. In fact, I have often wondered why so many authors ignore the charitable efforts of Mrs. Lincoln throughout the war. Have they done that deliberately to push their agenda of forwarding the notion that she was pure "Hellcat?"

I think there should be a book written comparing Abigail Adams, Mary Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Edith Wilson, and Hillary Clinton. Heck, let's throw in Margaret Thatcher along with it!