"He (Abraham Lincoln) said he wanted to visit the Holy Land and see those places hallowed by the footprints of the Saviour. He was saying there was no city he so much desired to see as Jerusalem. And with the words half spoken on his tongue, the bullet of the assassin entered the brain, and the soul of the great and good President was carried by the angels to the New Jerusalem above."
Mary Todd Lincoln
First Lady, Socialite
Mary Todd Lincoln was the wife of President Abraham Lincoln, known for her struggles with grief and her resilience during tumultuous times in American history.
- Born
- September 13, 1818
- Died
- July 16, 1882
- Quotes
- 17
- Rank
- #2042
About Mary Todd Lincoln
Mary Todd Lincoln — Life and Legacy
Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of President Abraham Lincoln, is a significant figure in American history, not only for her role as First Lady but also for her profound experiences with grief and resilience. Her life was marked by personal tragedies, including the deaths of her children and the immense pressures of her husband's presidency during the Civil War. Mary Todd Lincoln's worldview was deeply influenced by her struggles with loss. She often articulated her feelings of despair and sorrow, famously stating that grief could feel like a weight that might crush her spirit. This sentiment reflects her understanding of the emotional landscape that many face, making her words resonate with those who have experienced similar pain. Her writings reveal a woman who, despite her suffering, sought to find strength and purpose, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Today, her quotes continue to hold relevance, offering insight into the complexities of human emotion and the enduring nature of grief. They serve as a reminder of the strength required to navigate life's challenges and the importance of acknowledging one's feelings. Mary Todd Lincoln's legacy is not just tied to her role as First Lady but also to her profound understanding of the human condition, making her words timeless and impactful.
Quote collection
Mary Todd Lincoln quotes
17 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Clouds and darkness surround us, yet Heaven is just, and the day of triumph will surely come, when justice and truth will be vindicated. Our wrongs will be made right, and we will once more taste the blessings of freedom"
"I would rather marry a good man, a man of mind, with a hope and bright prospects ahead for position, fame and power than to marry all the houses, gold and bones in the world."
"No one is loved as much as you by the people. Don't waste that power."
"Mr. Lincoln's maxim and philosophy were: 'What is to be, will be, and no prayers of ours can arrest the decree.' He never joined any Church. He was a religious man always, I think, but was not a technical Christian."
"In grief, words are a poor consolation - silence and agonizing tears are all that is left the sufferer."
"My husband is not a Christian but is a religious man, I think."
"I am convinced, the longer I live, that life & its blessings are not so entirely unjustly distributed, are [as] when we are suffering greatly, we are inclined to suppose."
"I explain to you, exactly and truly, how we are circumstanced. A greater portion of our means is unavailable, consisting of a house in S. Springfield and some wild lands in Iowa. Notwithstanding my great and good husband's life was sacrificed for his country, we are left to struggle in a manner...of life undeserved. Roving Generals have elegant mansions showered upon them, and the American people leave the family of the Martyred President to struggle as best they may! Strange justice this."
"No one has ever lived who knows better than you the proper placement of footfalls on treacherous paths."
"If you keep making jokes like that, somebody is going to shoot you, father."
"My evil genius Procrastination has whispered me to tarry 'til a more convenient season."
"Others live on in a careless and lukewarm state - not appearing to fill Longfellow's measure: 'Into each life, some rain must fall.'"
"Tell me, how can I live without my Husband any longer? This is my first awakening thought each morning, and as I watch the waves of the turbulent lake under our windows I sometimes feel I should like to go under them."
"Beautiful, Glorious Scotland, has spoilt me for every other country."
"Mr. Lincoln had no hope, and no faith, in the usual acceptation of those words."
"These Souls with great Material Possessions were allowed this because of Past Good Works in their Previous Life, but now feel there is no need for Spiritual Progress. They are too easily forgetting why they were granted this Material Wealth in the first place. Therefore we must stop them from accumulating more Material Gains to Guide them back to the right path."