National Republican., 1875-07-19
MRS. LINCOLN.

interview Win LEI Dy newspaper Col-
respcndent-How she Passes Her Time
Some Of the Peculiarities of Her Mental
Delusion.
Batavia, un,) gSIy ., S SsOrTcSpOndence of the
After pleasant chat on topics of the day I
inquired after the health Of
MRS. PRECEDENT LINCOLN,
who has been an inmate OF the Bellevue Placs
since her insanity was decided by the courts Of
Chicago. The doctor was extremely reticent
about that unfortunate lady, and, while 1 pro.
iessioI ally deprecated his caution, I could not
but approve Of his dellcacy. By degrees 1
learned that Mrs. Lincoln gave but little trouble
that she rested well and was quite satisfied with
her surroundings. A carriage is always at her
disposal, and she frequently drives out, always
with the doctor and Mrs. Patterson or her own
attendant, a rather attractiyc young woman, be-
longing to the Retreat.
In regard to her riding Mrs. Lincoln Is very
capriclous. She will announce her intention Of
riding before dinner then postpone the ride until
afternoon, and again until evening or the next
day. She brought with her TO the Retreat ten
large trunks; which have not been examined, but
collection Of purchases made during her stay at
the Grand Pacific hotel in Chicss 20. Shortly
afler her arrival here Mrs. Lincoln ordered
morning dress Of black French cambric quite
elaborately made white basque and pockets, and
black and white striped lawn, remarking that
worn them or evinced any disposition to even try
them on, but as soon as they were compieted or
lect suit Her mind was diverted from this as
1t was only q form OF her malady to accumulate
material. Her dress is at all times plain even to
shabbiness, and no one could be more Indifferent
to effects Of the toilet. In Of Mrs. Lincoln's
trunks, st the Retreat, are two very expensive
DOLL BABIES.
She accounts for their presence by saying she In
tends to present them to Robert Lincoln's little
! was anxious to pay my respects to Mrs. Lin
coin in person; but as che has positively refused
room when they are in the house or grounds, an.
ticipated nothing less than refusal when ! sent
up my card. To the docter's surprise and my own
Mrs Lincoln sent down word that she would be
very happy to see me In her room, and I at once
accompanied the doctor thither. She occupies a
suite in the front Of the house. on the second floor
The attendant sits in the small room, which con.
tains o single bed. The larger room Is MrsrLtn
coins sitting and bed room. 1t Is very plainly
furnished the same as II was prior to her coming;
an ordinary three-ply carpet, Of pleasant colors,
harmoniously blended; bureau, rocking chair
and lounge and q plain oedstead, with very
fine bed, about which she is very particular. Mrs.
Lincoln was seated in an expectant attitude by
the table as we entered the room. She at once
arose, shook hands with me cordially and begged
me to be seated, and began at once to Inquire
after friends in the city. She was dressed in or.
dinary black, hall worn, with white ruehes edged
with black in the neck and sleeves; her dark hair,
fast turning TO gray, was carelessly coircd in q
knot at the back with a coronet braid. She looked
worn ana ILL., ana QeT QaQOs, rlnRleHs anu uQc4rcQ
for, were never at rest. The
Tender grace Of q day that is dead
her lustreiess eyes and in the forccd composure OF
her manner evidences OF
SHATTERED MIND.
She was perfectly ladylike in manner, but ram
bling and ditfuse in her conversation. She al
luded nationally, however to the past; spoke ten:
derly OF Mr.. Lincoln, once as "my husband" and
again as 'the PRESIDENT recalled memories OF
Noah Brooks, then her husbands assistant secre-
tary, with whom had an Old-time acquaintance
and remarked that he had been for ten years on,
gagcd on the New York Tribune; asked me with
much earnestness If the murderer Of Hon. Sharon
Tyndale, OF Springfield had ever been discov-
cred, and than alluded very feelngly to her at
tachment 10 Judge BIadweirs family. As rose
crystal vase on her table and asked me to accept
1t. As she shook hands with me at parting
thought l could perceive in the diplomatic bow
and smile return OF the old society manner, and
my heart was full for the woman who sat down
silent and alone in her solitary room to keep
dors in the light Of that gracious, kindly smile,
long since hidden beneath the coffin.lid. 1tisone
of the mercies vouchsafed her to live her life over
rollicking boyish Tad-to sit at the head of the
table and hold familiar converse with them all.
1t has been urged that this is q development OF
her Lille among Spiriuaists but II is the result Of
PHOTOGRAPHED ON THE BRA1S,
which only the angel Of death can erase. Mrs.
Lincoln did spend several months at st. Charles,
IN this state under an assumed name and in the
company Of society Of Spiritualists, but It will
never be definitely known how much their infiu-
ence had to do with her eclipse Of reason. Nor
does any one seem to know the pock-marked man
who called on her at her hotel and held long con-
sultations with her, but he Is presumed to be
prominent Spiritualst. No encouragement is
held out that Mrs. Lincoln will ever become per-
manently we'll, bur she could not be 10 better
place FOR her complete restoration. Here she has
no responsibility Of thought or action. The noise
or panorama Of the streets cannot beHilder her.
The fnjudiciousness of friends cannot reach her.
She Is unaware of the slightest restraint, and can
read, write, ride, or walk at her pleasure. She
orders her meals as she would at home, and is
ferved in her room or at the family table, as she
prefers. Her son Robert visits his mother every
week, bringing her fayorite Rfandchild with him
frequently. Here at least the poor lady can and.
If not the fading pleasures and brief triumphs Of
life, Its perfect peace-the peace that passeth un-
derstanding-the rest Of nature and God.
French journalists maintain that England
must rniae n hiraer army IL abe Hants 70 cxert