Скачать или смотреть What Abraham Lincoln Said When His Son Died in the White House

February 20, 1862, White House, 5:00 PM: President Abraham Lincoln walked out of his son's room. Willie Lincoln, age 11, was dead. Lincoln walked down the hallway to secretary John Nicolay's office. Lincoln's face wet with tears. Lincoln said: "Well, Nicolay, my boy is gone. He is actually gone." Then Lincoln broke down completely. Willie had been sick three weeks with typhoid fever. Both Willie and Tad got sick after White House party February 5, 1862. Tad recovered. Willie didn't. Lincoln visited Willie constantly during illness. Cabinet meetings interrupted by Lincoln checking on his son. Secretary of Navy Gideon Welles documented Lincoln's appearance: "The President's face was drawn and haggard. He looked like a man carrying a weight no human being should have to bear." February 24: Willie's funeral in East Room. Mary Todd Lincoln too devastated to attend. Lincoln sat through funeral with tears running continuously down his face. After funeral: Lincoln had Willie's coffin opened twice. Couldn't let go. Every Thursday afterward: Lincoln found alone in Green Room where Willie's body was embalmed. Lincoln to friend: "This house is full of him. I see him everywhere I look."

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Disclaimer: Based on Nicolay's diary, Welles's diary, Keckley's memoir, and verified documentation. For educational purposes.