Did Robert Lincoln Ride the Funeral Train to Baltimore?

[Eva Elisabeth]

(05-05-2015 08:10 PM)Anita Wrote:  

(05-05-2015 07:46 PM)Eva Elisabeth Wrote:  

(05-05-2015 06:34 PM)Anita Wrote:  Robert was very clear that he wanted the Lincoln family buried together in Springfield.

When he asked for these arrangements to be made he wrote on the very day to a friend that "if what I wish is not entirely satisfactory to any member [of the National Lincoln Monument Association in charge of the tomb], I would not press it for a moment but would build my own family tomb somewhere".
This makes me feel that if it wasn't entirely satisfactory to his wife, he wouldn't have pressed her either. As I said, sometimes one doesn't really realizes such unless the very situation realizes and the decision has to be finally sealed or agreed to. Maybe Mary Harlan at the very moment of Robert's realized her dissatisafaction (for whatever reason). I tend to believe Robert would have forgiven his wife, so why don't we?

What it sounds like to me is that Robert wasn't sure if the Monument Assoc. would have objections so he would take the high road and not make a big deal if they had a problem with his request. That doesn't mean it wasn't his first preference. Eva, IMO it's not our place to forgive or not forgive. Mary made a personal decision she had every right to make. Do I wish the Lincolns were buried all together happily ever after- sure. But it wasn't that way in life so I understand Mary's decision.

Re.: "That doesn't mean it wasn't his first preference" - yes, and I didn't mean to deny this, just point out his wish wasn't so ardent to have it accompished "over his dead body".
Re: "IMO it's not our place to forgive or not forgive" - I agree, and then it's not our place to criticize her either, which caused me to reply and point out MHL's possible position in the beginning.