On the last day of Battle of Gettysburg, I was thrown from my carriage near Mount Pleasant Hospital, as I am sure has already been publicized. I received a large gash on my head from this fall, and the doctors, who fortunately responded to the accident immediately, said that it was a serious injury. However, I am currently recovering, and it pleases me to hear of the retreat of the rebels during the Battle of Gettysburg. It seems that the tide has turned, although our army suffered many losses and was too exhausted afterwards to make any advances. The death toll reached staggering amounts, though, and I am anxiously awaiting the end of this war. Our life in the White House has been full of worry and strife; hopefully, we will have some time to be in higher spirits.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Chancellorsville
How General Hooker managed to lose a battle where we outnumbered the Confederates two to one is beyond me. Abraham is currently very disappointed in him, and plans on replacing him, which we discussed when we went to visit wounded soldiers in the hospital again today. Seeing their faces light up when I brought them fruit and read them letters was heartwarming. However, some of Abraham's advisers continue to nag me, telling me that I should allow reporters to accompany me on these visits. I find that idea repulsive; this is a personal undertaking, not a way to get laudatory coverage from the newspapers.
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Emancipation Proclamation
Slavery has finally been outlawed! Although many continue to "harp on my half-brothers [who sided with the Confederates] whom, I never knew since they were infants," I have been an ardent abolitionist for a long time. This is a day that I will always remember and celebrate, and I am very proud of Abraham for making this proclamation. It will certainly cause controversy, but it was the right thing for him to do. Elizabeth and I were discussing ways to improve funds for the Contraband Relief Association, as it would certainly help many of the newly freed slaves if it contained more money. "The immense number of Contrabands are suffering immensely, many without bed covering and having to use any bits of carpeting to cover themselves--many dying of want." However, it is much easier to raise funds for white soldiers than it is for freed slaves.
Mary Todd Lincoln by Jean H. Baker; http://books.google.com/books?id=GdK-xgX0FgQC&printsec=frontcover&dq=mary+todd+lincoln&as_brr=3#PPA274,M1
Friday, January 23, 2009
Battle of Antietam
The Battle of Antietam was a good victory for us, and Abraham is now confident enough to issue a doctine to free slaves. This battle was much better for me than the rest of this year has been. My half brother Sam died at the Battle of Shiloh, which was in April, while my half brother Aleck died more recently, in August. Aleck "made his choice long ago. He decided against my husband, through him against me. He has been fighting against us and since he chose to be our deadly enemy, I see no special reason why I should bitterly mourn his death." On the other hand, my little Willie died towards the end of February... I refuse to wear anything but black, to show that I am still mourning the death of yet another child of mine.
The American Journey
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Battle of Bull Run
This battle has signaled a longer war than what we had hoped for. However, we must remain strong and support the Union as she fights against slavery. Although we lost today's battle, with troops that are better prepared, we can quickly end the rebellion of the South. While our soldiers do their part on the battlefield, I am currently working with my seamstress and close friend, Elizabeth Keckley, a former slave, to raise funds for the Contraband Relief Association.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Fort Sumter Attacked
It seems to me that my fears of a war have been confirmed with the firing of Fort Sumter today. I do not wish for the nation to be divided, but I do wish for the abolition of slavery and the success of my husband in his role as the leader of this nation. He is currently calling for volunteers to increase the ranks of our forces. While he continues to do his duty, I must do mine; entertaining political guests at the White House is not an easy feat. The condition of our new home was disgraceful when we moved in; the first thing I think must be cleaned up are the tobacco stains on the walls. I have started renovation immediately to make it more fit for guests. After all, the home of the President of the United States ought to be a grand place.
Longest Night by David J. Eicher; p. 58; http://books.google.com/books?id=1p94XzYASDAC&printsec=frontcover&dq=civil+war+subject:"History+/+United+States+/+Civil+War+Period+(1850-1877)"&as_brr=3#PPA58,M1
"Hellcat or Helpmate: The Mary Todd Lincoln Saga" by Karen Springen; http://www.newsweek.com/id/41140/page/1
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
I've known for quite some time that my husband was made to be the President of the United States. Although I am thrilled to now be the First Lady, I feel some conflict over the current situation. The secession of several states worries me greatly; after all, many of my family members are pro-slavery. Coming from the South, they will remain loyal to the states that secede. I, on the other hand, will have to stand behind Abraham, but staying strong if my family members die at the hands of men from the United States will be a difficult task that I must begin preparing for right now.
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