Continued from yesterday.
The 1842 house was used summer to fall from 1862 to 1864. Mary and Tad were also there. Robert was away at college. They would normally only use it for a few weeks at a time. Part of the reason to go there was for privacy to grieve their son Willie's death, probably from typhoid fever. They also went to escape Washington, DC's hot, swampy humidity as the cottage was on one of the highest points of the city and enjoyed cool breezes.
The commute to the cottage was dangerous. At first, Lincoln insisted on going alone through the streets. Later, a guard unit was sent with him. There were also 180 troops on the grounds. Lincoln would often wander out to their camp and it is believed that he may have liked their coffee to Mary's.
On one trip to the cottage in 1964, a bullet hole was discovered in Lincoln's top hat, but he insisted that it be kept quite.. Confederate leaders knew the route he took as did John Wilkes Booth, who one time planned an abduction.
Admission is $12 and groups of 15 or more the price is $8. There are 1-2 hour guided tours.
The Place to Be in Washington, DC. --Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
