Chapter 63: Personal Tragedy Visits the Lincoln Family

February 20, 1862

Grant’s victory prompts a gala soiree held on the afternoon of February 20 at the White House, aimed at boosting morale. Instead it ends with heartbreak.

Two weeks prior to the event Willie Lincoln begins to suffer the fatigue, high temperature, abdominal pain and headaches associated with “bilious” or typhoid fever. Brother Tad also shares these symptoms and both are confined to bed.

Abe and Mary check in on Willie’s condition as the celebrations continue, hoping for the best. But that is not to be, and the lad dies at 5:00pm.

The effect is devastating for both parents. Mary retreats to her bedroom for the following three weeks, so stricken that she cannot attend the funeral. Abe too is inconsolable, telling friends: “my poor boy, he was too good for this earth.” He will never get over the loss and relives it during periods of deep melancholy that haunt his remaining years. Willie was his soulmate and his hope for the future. Without him he faces despair.