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During the Civil War, first lady Mary Todd Lincoln spend part her summers at the Soldiers' Home, adjacent to the property that became the CUA campus. Her letters describe the area as healthy, tranquil, and relatively cool.
CUA and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which manages the Lincoln Cottage preservation project, are exploring ways to build teaching and learning ties between university curriculum and the historic site. The home where Lincoln seasonally resided is in development to be opened to the public. Please visit www.lincolncottage.org for more information.
To Hannah Shearer
July 11th 1861
Executive Mansion
My Dear Friend,
After your long silence, I regret to receiver a letter stating that you cannot make “the promised visit.” I am now sitting down, to explain to you, why you must keep your word, & what a quiet, comfortable time, you will have, by so doing. In the first place, there is no place in the country, so safe & well guarded as Washington. No matter what your state or feelings are, you will have a pleasant time. We expect to go out to the “Soldiers’ Home” a very beautiful place 2½ miles, from this, in about three weeks. We will ride into the city every day, & can be as secluded, as we please. …
I want you to write, directly you receive this. If you love me, give me a favorable answer. I have set my heart on having you with me,
With kind regards to the Dr & boys I remain ever
Your attached friend,
Mary Lincoln
P.S. I have had quite a variety of letter paper & note, with your initials embossed on it, but have as yet, met with no opportunity of sending it.
(Page 93-94)
To Julia Anne Sprigg
May 29th [1862]
Executive Mansion
My Dear Mrs Sprigg:
Your very welcome letter was received two weeks since and my sadness & ill health have alone prevented my replying to it – We have met with so overwhelming an affliction in the death of our beloved Willie a being too precious for earth, that I am so completely unnerved, that I can scarcely command myself to write. …
Will we ever meet, & talk together as we have done. Time time how many sad changes it brings. The 1st of July, we go out to the “Soldiers’ Home,” a very charming place 2½ miles from the city, several hundred feet, above, our present situation, to pass the summer. I dread that it will be a greater resort than here, if possible, when we are in sorrow, quiet is very necessary to us. … Whenever you have leisure, I hope you will write me. With love to all, I remain ever your attached friend
Mary Lincoln
(Page 128)
To George D. Ramsay
Wednesday Morning
July 20th [1864]
My Dear Sir:
An intense headache, caused by driving out, in the heat of the day, deprived me of the pleasure of seeing yourself & niece, when you called. I begin, to consider myself quite unfortunate, as regards yourself, for it is such a pleasure, especially, at such a charming place as this [the Soldiers’ Home], to receive one’s friends. I trust Mrs Ramsey [sic] Miss R & yourself, will favor me by frequently driving out, these delightful evenings. Cuthbert mentioned to me on yesterday, that one of your children, was sick, I shall be pleased to learn, of its recovery. Trusting you will remember us, in your country retirement, & with kindness regards to your family, I remain ever sincerely your friend
Mary Lincoln
(p 177)
Turner, Justin G. and Linda Levitt Turner. Mary Todd Lincoln: Her Life and Letters.
New York: Alfred A Knopf, Inc., 1972. Introduction by Fawn M. Brodie.