Long and Loose In The Joints

This entry is from Diary of a Union Lady 1861 - 1865 edited by Harold Earl Hammond.

This is from the diary of Maria Lydig Daly, wife of a justice of the Court of Common Pleas in New York City.  She is not a fan of Lincoln, as you will see by this quote, which was a common opinion in New York City at the time.

December 19, 1861

Lincoln is mentally what he is physically, long and loose in the joints.  He cannot gather himself up easily for an effort, but all agree he is a conscientious, honest fellow, most unfit for his high position, not realizing the peril of the country, content to be President and have Mrs. Lincoln dress herself up and hold levees. . . . She is not a young woman by any means, but dresses like one and rather bullies her husband, which they say accounts for his meekness.  The people of Springfield say that she was often heard crying from her doorstep:  "Abraham, Abraham, we want a bushel of potatoes."

Give Him Another Chance!

This entry is from Diary of a Union Lady 1861 - 1865 edited by Harold Earl Hammond.  This is the diary of Maria Lydig Daly, wife of a justice of the Court of Common Pleas in New York City.

This entry was written just after the First Battle of Bull Run about the New York 69th, later to be known as the Irish Brigade. The lady writing made a flag for the regiment.

July 28, 1861

My flag, which I gave to the 69th, was lost.  The ensign dropped it in his retreat, and as he escaped unhurt, has not dared to show his face  The Regiment declared that he shall be shot if he does.  He is skulking somewhere about in Washington, and sent on to his wife for nine dollars to enable him to come home.  But if he does, the Regiment vows vengeance for the disgrace.  If anyone asks me about it, I shall say that one of ensigns was killed and nothing more.  The brave fellows shall not suffer for the fault of one.  Besides, it was the first battle, and I would forgive the poor fellow and give him another chance.

 Officers of the 69th New York State Militia, Fort Corcoran, Va, from Library of Congress Collection

Let The Servants Go

From the Diary of a Union Lady 1861 - 1865 edited by Harold Earl Hammond.

This is the diary of Maria Lydig Daly , wife of a justice of the Court of Common Pleas in New York City. She and her husband were acquainted with many politicians and lawmakers.

April 25, 1865 diary entry

Today President Lincoln's funeral procession passes through the city.  The body lies in state in City Hall and some three hundred thousand people, they say, have visited it.  I shall not go out to see the show, as the Judge is not at home.  I will let the servants go instead; I am sick of pageants.  Both yesterday and today all business has been suspended and I read that the 25th of May is to be another fast day.  Poor Mrs. Lincoln!  Circumstances, verily, make the man.  A house  a few doors nearer Fifth Avenue opposite to us, having not been put in mourning, was tarred and for two days men have been at work at it.  Tomorrow the theaters reopen and then, I suppose all will be over.

Lincoln's funeral - removal of the body from the City Hall to the funeral car, New York
From Harper's Weekly, 1865, from Library of Congress Collection