The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-09-04

In A recent conversation. Elizabeth
Keckly said:
81 never intended TO write that book
and, in fact. I never wrote it.
What I wanted to do was to tell
the simple story Of my life, my days Of
slavery. my freedom. my acquaintance
with the big officials. whom / had
known in Washington and elsewhere.
and, in fact, include in a little volume
which would probably sell for 10 cents,
such details Of my life as would inter
est others, the proceeds Of the sale TO
go toward rebuilding Wilberforce Uni
versity. which was fired and burned the
night the President was ASA ssinated.
ITO tell the reason for my being in
New York where the book was written
embodies a tragic story, which Z would
rather not tell. but now. as 7 am almost
done with life. I think 7 should tell the
truth Of the matter and set myself
right before the world.
Prosperous in Washington.
MY business was prosperous in Wash
ingtOn and I had a fine line Of patrons
when Mrs. Lincoln wrote me that she
wished me to go TO New York, to meet
her-she was then IN Chicago-to assist
her In disposing Of her jewels. furs. and
other belongings for which she no long
er had use. had rather not tell Of our
meeting 1here or even mention IL, could
1 avoid 1t. but it is impossible 10 tell
the origin Of the book without IT,
When I arrived in New York found
Mrs. Lincoln registered at the St. Denis
as Mrs. Clark. She instructed me in the
manner in which 1 was TO transact bust
ness with the brokers. Brady & Keys.
~ b, 20,
sell the things for her. and she was not
TO appear In the matter al all. The ident-
ity OF Mrs. Clark was unknown until,
during some Of our first transactions the
name. Mary Lincoln, was found in one
Of the rings offered for sale. In spite Of
all precaution the story leaked out. and
the whole thing was aired in the big
newspapers Of New York city.
Forced to Retire.
The publicity was so great that Mrs.
Lincoln was forced TO return under an
assumed name TO Chicago. Before leav-
ing New York she implored me TO watch
her every interest. saying she would
make NE comfortable for the rest Of
my life.
The garments all showed wear except
the furs and some valuable shawIs. ana
bought things when the sensation was
at it's height. none were sold. She never
realized much Of anything from the
sales.
After she returned 10 Chicago. Mrs.
Lincoln wrote me the most affectionate
letters. but the fact confronted me that
was without a penny in my pocket
with which 70 board myself and that
my business I'm Washington was utterly
ruined.
L secured some sewing in the family
Of a well-knoRn physician I'm New York.
and II was while sewing that / fell to
telling the little Incidents of life in the
White House, my acquaintance with
other famous people, and even showed
my patrons the relics which Mrs. Lin
coin had given me.
ITO this family l told my desire to help
versity.
my race by rebuilding Wilberforce Unit
To Aid Negro Race.
at was suggested that 1 have a lee
ture prepared for me. telling Of nay eX-
periences in the White House. and that
go on a regular lecturing tour. carry
ing with me for exhibition the relics
presented me by Mrs. Lincoln-even TO
the ghastly. blood-stained cloak.
AT last I became accustomed TO the
Thought. and concluded to accept the ad-
vice and offer of help from others. As
all the proceeds OF the lecture would
90 70 Wherefore University, / deter
mined to write the little book I have
mentioned. and sell 1t for my own bene-
fl.
My own education had been much
neglected. and when the doctor offered
To o.
for me. gladly accepted the offer. This
was the very first step Of that much
regretted authorship which was should
cred uDon me-
The doctor. in whose house I still re-
manned, brought a man 10 see me with
In day or so. who l learned was the
editor OF journal published then. call
ed Turf. Farm. and Field
To him l told the first part Of Be