Mary Lincoln Extra Credit Questions

[RJNorton]

During her time as First Lady Mary tried to raise money by selling wagonloads of something. What was in the wagonloads?

[J. Beckert]

Rags for the war effort?

[RJNorton]

Good guess, Joe, but not correct.

[Anita]

Boxes of clothing, fruit, turkeys to raise money for the Black Contraband Relief effort with Keckley's help?

[RJNorton]

Good guess, Anita, but incorrect.

[Gene C]

Manure ?

[RJNorton]

Right on, Gene!

"Then she ordered the gardener to sell manure from the stables at ten cents a wagonload, though this inflated price led to more jokes than sales"

Source: p. 190 of Mary Todd Lincoln: A Biography by Jean Baker.

[Anita]

No Googling please.

Mary Lincoln wrote:
My Dear Friend,
"For some time past, I have intended writing you, but each day has brought its own
separate calls, causing a delay, which has been unintentional. I have only a few moments, now at my disposal, it is quite late in the evening & tomorrow I must rise early, as it is_______.

Excerpt from second paragraph.
"...Speaking of boys, Willie's [ninth] birthday came off on the 21st of
Dec. and as I had long promised him a celebration, it duly came off. Some 50 or 60 boys & girls attended the gala, you may believe I have come to the conclusion, that they are nonsensical affairs. However, I wish your boys, had been in their midst..."

What was the reason Mary "had to rise early tomorrow."
Hint: It's not a date but a specific day.
Bonus: To whom was the letter addressed?

[J. Beckert]

Christmas Day?

[Anita]

Joe, not Christmas day but this may be of help.
Hint 2: The Lincolns took part, both as hosts and visitors, in this New Year's tradition.

[Rob Wick]

Silly guess, but is the day Boxing Day?
Also, is it to Elizabeth Edwards?

Best
Rob

[Anita]

Good guess Rob but not Boxing Day. The tradition took place on New Year's Day.
The letter was to a friend who only lived in the neighborhood for a year but corresponded with Mary throughout her life.

[AussieMick]

First footing?

[Anita]

Michael it's not first first footing but please share what that is.

Another hint: It a specific visiting tradition that happens on New Year's Day.

[AussieMick]

Anita, if its not First Footing then there's a close similarity ...

"First footing is a Scottish and Northern English tradition that involves welcoming the first person to enter a home after midnight on New Year's Eve. The first person is called the "first foot" and is believed to set the tone for the new year.

The first foot should be a tall, dark-haired man who brings gifts that symbolize prosperity. Gifts include coal, shortbread, salt, a black bun, and a dram of whisky. The tradition of preferring a dark-haired first foot may be a reference to Viking raiders, who were often blonde and could be a sign of trouble."


So, arrangements would be made to ensure the visitor was specially chosen and that he (always a man) arrived just after midnight.