Lincoln and Ann Rutledge

[LincolnToddFan]

[Mary came to regard Willie's death as punishment for her vanity and for her decision to give the elaborate party at the White House with hundreds of guests while two of her sons lay sick abed]// quote David Lockmiller

Mary emphatically did not make the decision to give the ball while her children were ill. The plans for the party were well underway...invitations sent, caterers engaged when first Willie, and then Tad fell ill literally on the eve of the gathering. Mary was frantic and wanted to cancel it immediately. The president insisted that it was too late to cancel, and the family doctor assured them both that Willie was in no danger. Both Mary and AL left the party at frequent intervals to sit at the bedside of their child. Willie's illness in combination with the war, was the reason there was no dancing at the party.


It is indeed true that after Willie died she became convinced that she was being punished by God for her frivolity and vanity during that first year in the White House. That in itself gives the lie to critics of the woman who accuse her of having no self-awareness and no conscience.