Lincoln and Ann Rutledge

[L Verge]

I agree, Susan. Gene has phrased that beautifully. I think some of what he says could also rub off on us who sit in judgment as to whether Mary was a "suitable" wife. We have no idea as to what the underlying causes of her mood changes might have been - physical, mental, or just plain "difficult." Or, was her behavior overly exaggerated by people? Lincoln is the only one who would know for sure, and he seems to have known how to make lemonade.

Did Mary Todd Lincoln's behavior seriously affect or change our nation's (or even Lincoln's) future?