Threaded Mode | Linear Mode

LincolnMan · 09-23-2012, 07:58 PM

Well, I know he must have been at times, right? He was human! What were those times-moments-occasions- where Lincoln appeared to be happy- from what we have read? Please feel free to mention what may be considered well-known and obvious-or your personal thoughts on moments when you think he was happy. I will offer something that comes to mind at the moment:

When he earned his first money ferrying passengers to River Boats as a young man.

BettyO · 09-23-2012, 08:02 PM

When he was courting Ann Rutledge....

Gene C · 09-23-2012, 08:08 PM

Mary indicated he was happy when they took a carriage ride together the day he died

MaddieM · 09-23-2012, 08:21 PM

(09-23-2012 08:08 PM)Gene C Wrote: Mary indicated he was happy when they took a carriage ride together the day he died

that's rather poignant.

Rob Wick · 09-23-2012, 08:26 PM

When he was telling stories on the circuit, or in Roland Diller's drugstore.

Best
Rob

Joe Di Cola · 09-23-2012, 09:14 PM

When he was with his children, or playing with a cat.

Gene C · (This post was last modified: 09-23-2012 09:37 PM by Gene C.)

He was happier ......when he was with his children, or playing with a dog....

Fido

RJNorton · (This post was last modified: 09-24-2012 05:20 AM by RJNorton.)

(09-23-2012 08:21 PM)MaddieM Wrote:
(09-23-2012 08:08 PM)Gene C Wrote: Mary indicated he was happy when they took a carriage ride together the day he died

that's rather poignant.

"The last day he lived was the happiest of his life."

Mary Lincoln to Rev. Noyes W. Miner. Source: "The Later Life and Religious Sentiments of Abraham Lincoln", a lecture by Rev. J.A. Reed. (Text in July 1873 edition of Scribner's Monthly)

LincolnMan · 09-24-2012, 07:38 AM

I wonder if he was happy when he found out he had been nominated as the Republican candidate for president. It seems that those moments of happiness for him were often bittersweet-or very short-lived.

Donna McCreary · 09-24-2012, 10:33 PM

Emilie wrote that he was happy during her six month visit to the family in Springfield.

LincolnMan · 09-25-2012, 09:04 AM

Would it be that he was happy when he married Mary? (I hear Herndon rolling over in his grave).

Rob Wick · 09-25-2012, 09:42 AM

As much as I think they had their issues (and some were certainly strong) I think the Lincolns had a deep and abiding love for each other, and I think he was generally happy with her. If he had to choose between her and Ann Rutledge....well, that's a different story.

Best
Rob

LincolnMan · 09-25-2012, 11:44 AM

Right on Rob, I think so too.

HerbS · 09-25-2012, 02:39 PM

(09-25-2012 11:44 AM)LincolnMan Wrote: Right on Rob, I think so too.****** I think Lincoln was happy after the birth of each child! He was probably happy when Lee and Grant shook hands at Appomattox.They say he was happy when he met Grace Bedell at Westfield,NY.The report of the young boy jumping on his train and extending his hand for a handshake,he was starteled,but,seemed Happy!

LincolnMan · 09-25-2012, 05:33 PM

What the "grade" on the supposed Lincoln quote: "People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be?"