Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 June 1875 — Mrs. Lincoln and Her Friends. [ARTICLE]

Mrs. Lincoln and Her Friends.

A Chicago correspondent of the New York Tribune relates the following in relation to Mrs. Lincoln’s Course subsequent to the verdict of the court adjudging her insane: There was no strategy, used in taking Mrs. Lincoln to the Bellevue Insane Asylum at Batavia, 111.; neither was any force required to bring her before the Chicago ury which declared her to be insane last Wednesday. When her son, Robert T. Lincoln, first decided to place her under proper control, he applied To several relatives to assist .him, but all declined from sensitiveness. Judge Davis, an old-time and intimate friend of President Lincoln and his family, also shrank from the delicate task. Finally the Hon. Leonard Swett, who had known the unfortunate lady well in bright days, resolved to undertake it. When lie called upon. Mrs. Lincoln he plainly told lier she was insane, thinking it tlie better course to tell the truth, treat her like a lady, gently yet firmly, and rely upon her better instincts prompting her to acquiesce in the arrangements of her friends. After tire trial Mrs. Lincoln was deeply offended with Robert as well as Mr. Swett. She said there was a breach between herself and son which would never be closed. In conversation with Mr. Swett on Thursday, however, she appeared to be more reconciled to her fate. Her manner betokened that she freely forgave both Robert and Mr. Swett, and she even clung to the latter as a protector. But before this was brought about, and when speaking of her insanity to Mr. Swett, she said: “It may be so; and what if it is so, what wonder is it? Haven’t I had enough cause to derange any woman’s brain ? Did I not see my husband assassinated before my eyes ? Have I not been homeless for years, and have I not buried all mv children with the exception of Robert? Do you wonder that lam deranged ?” Mr. Swett replied: “It is only wonder, my dear madam, that your brain has stood it so long. I sympathize with you deeply, but we all believe it to be the best that you should be placed in some safe position, where you will receive proper care and treatment. I Want you to see it in that light yourself, and become reconciled to the wishes of your friends, who wish you nothing but good. I want you to teel that we are your friends.” She said: “ You are no friend of mine if you want to put me in an insane asylum.”