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91. Ninian W. Edwards (William H. Herndon interview).

Septr 22d 1865

N W Edwards

Says — Septr 22d 1865 — That during Lincoln's Courtship with Miss Todd — afterwards Lincoln's wife — that he, Lincoln, fell in Love with a Miss Edwards — daughter of Cyrus Edwards, who was Brother of Govr N. W. Edwards — Matilda Edwards was her name: she subsequently became the wife of Mr Strong of Alton.

Lincoln did not Ever by act or deed directly or indirectly hint or speak of it to Miss Edwards.: She became aware of this — Lincoln's affections — The Lincoln & Todd Engagement was broken off in Consequence of it — Miss Todd released Lincoln from the Contract, leaving Lincoln the privilege of renewing it (Poor fellow H) if he wished — Lincoln in his Conflicts of duty — honor & his love went as Crazy as a Loon — was taken to Kentucky — by Speed — or went to Speed's — was Kept there till he recovered finally — (unfortunate man! H) He was cured — Edwards Admits that he wanted Speed to marry Miss Edwards & Lincoln Miss Todd: he gave me policy reasons for it — the substance of which I give in an other place — Matilda Edwards refused Speed — (J. F. Speed of Louisville Ky) as she S. A. Douglas she refused Douglas on the grounds of his bad morals —

Lincoln did not attend the Legislature in in 1841 & 2 for this reason — So is Mrs Wm Butler Correct as to her suspicions

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 2368; Huntington Library: LN2408, 2:215 — 16

nts

Notes.

1. Newton D. Strong married Matilda Edwards on September 24, 1844.

2. Not located.