Lincoln was married to Mary Todd. A member of a large, wealthy Kentucky family, Mary was well educated. Mary came to Springfield, Illinois to visit her sisters in 1840. After a tumultuous courtship, she married Abraham Lincoln on November 4, 1842.
When Lincoln won the Presidential election, the Civil War was imminent. Before he even assumed office, seven states had seceded, with four more after his inauguration in March. Although Mary had dreamed of a proud entry into Washington, because of an assassination attempt, they had to sneak into the capitol. Her dreams were soon further crushed with harsh criticism, disappointments and more heartache.
“Being under scrutiny as a fashion symbol, the first lady’s popularity was as precarious as a roller-coaster ride – sometimes up and often down, with change in the blink of an eye. Her fastidious attention to matters of dress at first impressed and recommended her to the press," wrote biographer Catherine Clinton. "The rumored costs of her attire became the subject of Washington gossip and prompted bitter critiques by journalists, especially as Union soldiers fell by the thousands, maimed and wounded, dying in camp and on the battlefield.”
"Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker" by Jennifer Chiaverini, is the story about the extraordinary relationship between Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley.
I put the kettle on as I began reading this historical fiction. It's been a walk through a different time, a different age.
A lovely way to spend a leisurely afternoon.
4 comments:
Jocelyn, the book sounds fascinating and I have always admired Abraham Lincoln. Your blue tea things are lovely and I especially like your teapot. I see you are enjoying a respite while looking into the greenery of your yard. It's quite a contrast to mine right now. Thank you for sharing and Happy February! Blessings...Sandi
I enjoyed reading your book. I think so many of us have always been fascinated by President Lincoln and Mary Todd. Sounds like an interesting read and your porch was the perfect setting to sit and enjoy the book along with tea served in your teapot and cut and saucer in blue and white. Thanks for sharing!
Our book club just read this book last month. We had some great discussion about it. Love the white and blue teapot. Would love to have a cup of tea and discuss the book with you. lol
It looks so inviting.
What a pretty little tea! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
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