Just finished reading: Mrs. Lincoln’s Sisters
I came across Mrs. Lincoln’s Sisters by Jennifer Chiaverini at a library book sale. This jumped out at me because I just learned from Alexis Coe that we need to stop calling her Mary Todd Lincoln.
I flagged a few things (mostly things I doodled while reading Lincoln by David Herbert Donald). In no particular order (and without spoilers)…
Mary Lincoln had sisters galore
Her parents, Elizabeth and Robert Todd, had eight children. After her mother died, her father went on to have nine more children with his second wife (also named Elizabeth).
Of those children, nine were girls. Mary had eight sisters.
That is a lot of sisters.
It was fascinating to learn more about her sister Emilie (or Emily, as it was spelled in my previous book). Her husband was a Confederate General, but before he accepted that appointment, President Lincoln offered him a post with the Union Army. After giving it some thought, he declined.
I knew a thing!
There was a lead up to something about Virginia and I was giddy with anticipation. I knew what was going to happen!
OMG Bowling Green
I went down a super-fun Bowling Green rabbit hole last month, so imagine my delight when Bowling Green (as in Kentucky) was mentioned.
Dolley was a Todd!
I knew Dolley Madison was a widow. Her husband John Todd and their infant son died the same day of yellow fever. She also lost other family members as well.
This book mention her husband was a Todd, but I’m not 100% sure whether he was related to Mary Lincoln’s family.
The Prince of Wales’ visit was mentioned
… giving me the chance to share this doodle of the Prince of Rails, Robert Todd Lincoln. And two different Princes of Wales, one being the correct one (Prince Edward Albert) and the other not (Prince Albert).
John Breckinridge was mentioned
… allowing me to share that he was the youngest VP ever (under Buchanan) and then he went on to a post in the Confederate cabinet.
Robert: shirker?
Robert was of fighting age, but Mary was (understandably) terrified. Eventually, he was given a “nominal rank” with less risk.
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