Mary Lincoln Extra Credit Questions

[Anita]

Susan and Donna, you are both correct. It is indeed Helen Edwards, Mrs. Benjamin S. Edwards. She was describing her impression of Mary when they first met at the the home of Ninian Edwards on Jan.4, 1840. For the account submitted by Mrs. Edwards to the Chicago Tribune, Feb. 12, 1900 go here.
http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1900/...d-marriage

I chose to post this topic because while searching for a good accurate Mary Lincoln biography for my 10 yr old grandson, I came across a book with the quote " I was attracted to her at once. The sunshine in her heart reflected in her face," are the words Lincoln wrote to a friend. https://books.google.com/books?id=6zTPAg...ln&f=false
I didn't remember Lincoln writing this about his first meeting with Mary so I found the source as Mrs. B.J. Edwards. Did Lincoln also write these same words? Can anyone recommend a book about Mary for my grandson?