Mary Lincoln Extra Credit Questions

[RJNorton]

I will guess Stephen A. Douglas.

[Eva Elisabeth]

William Stoddard?

[Anita]

Good guesses Roger and Eva. The person who said this first met Mary in January 1840.

---

Last hint. This person is a woman.

[Susan Higginbotham]

Mrs. Benjamin S. Edwards.

[RJNorton]

Mercy Levering?

[Donna McCreary]

Helen Edwards.

[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?

[RJNorton]

Did Lincoln also write these same words?

Personally, I have not read that he did. It was reported that he said at the first meeting, "Miss Todd, I want to dance with you the worst way," but I don't recall it was reported that he ever said or wrote those words attributed to Helen Edwards.

[Gene C]

Can anyone recommend a book about Mary for my grandson?

I have not read this specific book, but the three other books I have by this author have been very good, interesting, easy and enjoyable to read. It might be a bit challenging read for a 10 year old, but if he likes to read he will grow into it. It is not a children's book. I think a 12 year old and older, who likes to read would not have to much difficulty with it.

I Mary A biography of the girl who married Abraham Lincoln Hardcover – 1959
by Ruth Painter Randall (Author)
https://www.amazon.com/Mary-biography-ma...ref=sr_1_2?
s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493404450&sr=1-2&keywords=ruth+painter+randall

I have read "Mary Lincoln Biography of a Marriage", also by Ms. Randall, which I felt was very good, and appropriate for a young teenager.

[Eva Elisabeth]

I second Gene - my first idea, too, was R.P. Randall would be appropriate.

[Anita]

Thanks for your replies Roger, Gene and Eva. I will order both books and give the adult book to my granddaughter in a few weeks for her 14th birthday.

[Eva Elisabeth]

I like all of RPR's books. One other by her that young people might like is "Lincoln's Animal Friends".

[Eva Elisabeth]

Did Lincoln also write these same words?

Personally, I have not read that he did. It was reported that he said at the first meeting, "Miss Todd, I want to dance with you the worst way," but I don't recall it was reported that he ever said or wrote those words attributed to Helen Edwards.

Today is the day to dance the worst way...
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Dance_Day

[RJNorton]

After their dance, and with reference to Lincoln saying he wanted to dance in the worst way, Mary Todd reportedly said, "And he certainly did."

[RJNorton]

Many thanks to Blaine who emailed me this question:

Name the only woman spy who inspired a woman spy and was also a friend of Mary Todd Lincoln.