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560. Thomas W. Dresser to Jesse W. Weik.

Springeld Ill. Jan. 3rd 1889

Dear Sir

Your favor of Dec. 30th was duly received. I was rather surprised that you made no mention of having received the photograph of Mrs Lincoln that I took so much trouble to hunt up for you. It is probable that I will be unable to give you such sketch of Mrs Lincoln as you desire.

She died in this City July 16th 1882 In the late years of her life certain mental peculiarities were developed which finally culminated in a slight apoplexy, producing paralysis, of which she died. Among the peculiarities alluded to, one of the most singular was the habit she had during the last year or so of her life of immersing herself in a perfectly dark room, and for light using a small candle light, even when the sun was shining bright out of doors. No urging would induce her to go out into the fresh air. Another peculiarity was the accumulation of large quantities of silks and dress goods by the trunk and cart load, which she never used, and which accumulated until it was really feared that the floor of the store room would give way. She was bright and sparkling in conversation and her memory remained singularly good up to the very close of her life. Her face was animated and pleasing; and to me she was always an interesting woman; and while the whole world was finding fault with her temper and disposition, it was clear to me that the trouble was a cerebral disease.

You may elaborate this into a more extended sketch if you choose, but I am too much cramped for time to do more.

Yours truly
Thos. W. Dresser

P.S. It was my father mentioned by Rev. Dr. Robinson. He graduated in '23.

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 4682

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Notes.

1. Rev. Charles Dresser (1800 — 1865) married AL and Mary Todd in 1842.