“I must dress in costly materials. The people scrutinize every article that I wear with critical curiosity. The very fact of having grown up in the West, subjects me to more searching observation. To keep up appearances, I must have money -- more than Mr. Lincoln can spare for me. He is too honest to make a penny outside of his salary; consequently I had, and still have, no alternative but to run in debt.”
More from Mary Todd Lincoln
“Tell me, how can I live without my Husband any longer? This is my first awakening thought…”
“When I can bring myself to realize that he has indeed passed away, my question to myself…”
“I would rather marry a good man, a man of mind, with a hope and bright prospects ahead for…”
“Beautiful, Glorious Scotland, has spoilt me for every other country.”