River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1875-05-28
How She Was Notified of she Pro.
ceedings.
From the Chicago Times, May az


There was no strategy used in taking Mrs.
Lincoln &c the insane asylum neither was
there any force required TO bring her into
court on Wednesday. To Hon. Leonard SWEET
Is ascribed the credit of efecting quiet and
uuceremonious pro, eeding from beginning to
end. When Robert Lincoln first decided to
deprive his mother Of her liberty temporarily,
he cast about or suitable person TO conduct
the case for him. He had relatives living in
the southern part OF the State, but when he
called upon them to assist him IN the delicate
operation, they declined from sensitivenenss.
Judze Davis, an old-time friend OF the Presi-
dent and OF the family, was appealed to, but
he, too, shrank from The delicate task. : o one
alter another OF those who were looked to to
undertake the unpleasant duty, either from
motives OF friendship or respect, declined the
task, aud finally Mr.. SWEET, who had known
the unfortunate lady and her husband well and
intimately n brighter days, resolved TO under
take II. SO he arranged that Robert should
absent himself from his mother, and leave her
entire management 10 Mr.. SWEET. The latter
then drove TO the Grand Pacific, and arrived
lust in time 10 see Mrs. Lincoln come in, fol
lowed by driver with an armtul Of packages,
which he was about taking to her room. Mr.
SWEET followed, and as the hickman entered
the door, the follower pushed his way in also.
lie was met by Mrs. Lincoln, who babe hun
hearty welcome. He told her he was glad to
see her, but that he was the harbinger Of bad
news. The poor lady looked at him implo,-
ingy, as she exclaimed, "My sonl Is Robert
dead ~
Mr.. SWEET answered that Robert was not
dead, but that he was well "But," ssid he,
"you are insane" He thought it the bettre
course to pursue, to come out bold laced in the
matter, tell her the truth, treat her like lady,
gently yet firmly, and rely upor her better in
stinc's prompting Der to acquiesce with her
friends in the arrangements.
Said she, lis II possible that you, Mr. SWEET
friend TO my poor husband. should seek 10
place me in an insane aSylumW
"fes, said Mr.. SWEET, 81 want to put you
in an asylum
al cannot believe il; you are no friend OF
mine, If you desire TO deprive me of my liber-
ty," said the unhappy lady.
Mr.. SWEET employed all his faculties in en-
deavoring to persuade her that il was all for the
best. He resssured and argued with her; said
that he was afraid to trust her alone any lon
ger. She asked him what he was AT, aid she
would do. That you will jump from the win
dow :" said he In dpe course Of time he had
so far succeeded in the movement that she
consented to so anywhere with him that he
might dictate. but, !" said she, 81 have been
out shopping and have come home with my
dress all mud. You certainly would not like
me 70 20 INTO court looking as do now, and
you would not subject me 70 the humiliation
Of changing my clothing while you are in the
room -
Mr. SWEET was determined not q leave the
room under any circumstances, and the ruse
OF the lady did not avail. lie told her that he
should not leave the room. She again asked
what he was At aid Of, and again he told her lie
thought she would Jump out the window or do
any other rash thing that might suggest itself
"Whst shall doiH He told her there was a
closet into which she might 20 and change her
dress Thiiher she went, and In a short time
returned 70 the room, apparently satisfied with
her toilet, but did not manifest any haste 10 be
gone She was quite angry with Mr.. SWEET
BE told her his own carriage was NJ the door
O, the hotel, ami waiting for her To said his
vile would have accompanied him, but she
feared I, might be an indelieacy ior her %
do go
Fiuslly, with much persuasion, he sr sceed.
cd IN getia her into his carriage, and she was
driven over g. the county court room, where
her son, Mr. Ar,iuld, and others o, her friends
were ava ting her arrival. IL posing on 81
tie hotel from her room % the carriage Mr
SWEET gllsn,lv oaered his arm, which she IN.
dignAnly refused, say.ng she was "ahle 70 walk