This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/29/2026
Mary Todd Lincoln autograph letter signed ''M.L.'' with extremely rare content on the death of Abraham Lincoln six months prior. Mary also reflects on the death of her beloved son Willie, which occurred in 1862, writing that she does not ''desire to live'' after their deaths, yet also gives thanks for her living sons Robert and Tad. The recipient of the letter is Tad's tutor Alexander Williamson, who also tutored Willie before his death. Composed on mourning stationery, dated 10 October 1865 from Chicago, where she lived after leaving the White House, letter reads in full,
''Your note of Friday is received. I see by the papers, that the carriage, is to be sold at auction in N.Y. How is this? I fear, it will bring very little, disposed of, in such a way. Is it to be taken, to Laurence's Carriage Shop, as you mentioned? As to the cards, without, they are exactly like, the same border and all of the one I send you. I wish none. As a matter of course, I am not using cards, for visiting purposes, but when visitors call, and lest servants should carry wrong messages, thereby sometimes causing offence. On a card, I can regret my inability to see them. Yet, do not vary, in the least, from the one I send you. Taddie has recovered, goes to school and can almost read. He delights in his school, and I find him a most amiable and loving son. With all my adversity, God has blessed me, in my remaining sons, yet the irreparable loss of my precious Willie broke my heart and since my beloved husband was taken away I do not desire to live - / Your friend / M.L.''
Two page letter on a single sheet measures 5.25'' x 8''. Moderate creasing, folds and chipping along edges. Very good condition.