Lincoln and Ann Rutledge

[Joe Di Cola]

(06-01-2014 03:56 PM)RJNorton Wrote:  I have a question for everyone no matter where they might stand on the issues being discussed in this thread. It relates to a question students have written me about for the past 18 years. The students want to know about Abraham Lincoln's 1836 nervous breakdown. Most of the time this question does not arise from their own reading; it comes from what their teacher taught them. The teacher is mentioning this to teach the class that problems can be overcome and success can still come in life. Many times the teacher has taught the class that the 1836 breakdown was the result of Ann Rutledge's death (which happened in 1835, not 1836).

This "fact" is on many web pages, too. Here are just two examples:

Here ("Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months")
and
Here

I have researched 1836 and simply cannot find that Abraham Lincoln had a nervous breakdown. I write back to these students and tell them I cannot find specific data that supports the statement that Mr. Lincoln had an 1836 nervous breakdown.

Does anyone know what I am missing? Or am I right - Mr. Lincoln did not have a nervous breakdown in 1836? Where does this come from? Anyone know? Many thanks for any possible input on this "mystery."

Hi, Roger,

I hope you don't mind that I take the opportunity of communicating only to you re Lincoln's "nervous breakdown." Since so many New Salem residents were interviewed many years later, it seems to me that they are the ones responsible for the report that Lincoln had the alleged breakdown. So many commented on his nearly pathological grieving over the death of Ann Rutledge, and I also think that the dates got mixed up along the way. Hannah Armstrong, John and Samuel Hill, Nancy Green and a number of others reported Lincoln's despondency after Ann's death. It does appear that he was distrcted by her death, but by December of 1835 he was back working on legislative concerns.

Lincoln returned to his legislative duties for the 1835-36 session and answered all except 11 of the 130 roll calls. At that time he also reports, supported various issues and, most importantly in 1836 encouraged the building of the Illinois & Michigan canal (begun in 1836). Doesn't sound like any mental health issues were involved in his life in 1836. Also, in June of that year he announced his candidacy for re-election.

Hope you and Vicki are doing well. I am V-E-R-Y busy these days and hope to have some R & R real soon.

All the best,

Joe