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253. Mary Todd Lincoln (William H. Herndon notes on Interview).
[September 1866]
Sumner & Mr Lincoln were great chums after they became acquainted with one an other. They watched Each other closely. Down at Ciy point once Johnson followed us — was drunk — Mr L said to me — "For God's Sake dont ask Johnson to dine with us — " "No do not," Said Sumner — did not do so.
I often Said that "God would not let any harm Come of my husband — we had passed through 5 long — terrible — bloody years unscathed that I thought so — so did Mr L: he was happy over that idea. He was cheerful — almost joyous as he got gradually to see the End of the war.
I used to read News paper charges — news paper attacks on him — He said — "Dont do that, for I have enough to bear — yet I care nothing for them. If I am right I'll live and if wrong I'll die any how — So let them pass unnoticed. I would playfully say — That's the way to learn — read both sides —
Mr Lincolns maxim and philosophy was — "What is to be will be and no cares of ours can arrest the decree."
I could tell when Mr. Lincoln had decided any thing: he was cheerful at first — then he pressed — or compressed his lips tightly — firmly When these thing showed themselves to me I fashioned myself and So all others had to do sooner or later — and the world found it out.
When we first went to Washington Many though Mr L weak. But he rose grandly with the circumstances and men soon learned that he was above them all. I never saw a man's mind develope so finely: his manners got quite polished.
He used to say to me when I talked to him about Chase & those who did him Evil — Do good to those who hate you and turn their ill will to friendship — sometimes in Washington, being worn down he spoke crabbing to men — harshly so — Yet it seemed the People understood his Condition & forgave him —
Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 3067