Tough Tarbell Trivia

[David Lockmiller]

I thought that I would add more to Carpenter's description of the situation and the aftermath occuring between Mary Lincoln and the Secretary of War:

The second week in July(1864) the whole country, and Washington in particular, was thrown into a fever of anxiety by the rebel raid upon that city under Early and Breckinridge. The night of Sunday, the 10th, I have always believed the city might have been captured had the enemy followed up his advantage. The defenses were weak, and there were comparatively few troops in the city or vicinity. All day Monday the excitement was at the highest pitch. . . . During Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, the President visited the forts and outworks, part of the time accompanied by Mrs. Lincoln. While at Fort Stevens on Monday, both were imprudently exposed -- rifle balls coming, in several instances, alarmingly near!

The almost defenseless condition of the city was the occasion of much censure. Some blamed General Halleck; others General Augur; others the Secretary of War; and still others the President.

Subsequently the rebel force returned to Richmond almost unharmed. I saw no one who appeared to take this more to heart than Mrs. Lincoln, who was inclined to lay the responsibility at the door of the Secretary of War.

Two or three weeks later, when tranquility was perfectly restored, it was said that Stanton called upon the President and Mrs. Lincoln one evening at the "Soldiers' Home." In the course of conversation the Secretary said, playfully (emphasis added), "Mrs. Lincoln, I intend to have a full-length portrait of you painted, standing on the ramparts at Fort Stevens overlooking the fight!"

"That is very well", Mary retorted. "and I can assure you of one thing, Mr. Secretary, if I had a few ladies with me the Rebels would would not have been permitted to get away as they did!"