WEBVTT 1 00:00:05.400 --> 00:00:08.720 Hey, everybody, come on your story hours on. 2 00:00:09.480 --> 00:00:11.240 Welcome to your Story Hour. 3 00:00:11.560 --> 00:00:12.800 I'm Aunt Nicky and. 4 00:00:12.720 --> 00:00:15.240 I'm Uncle John, and we're here to bring you today's 5 00:00:15.640 --> 00:00:17.559 inspiring story. 6 00:00:19.079 --> 00:00:22.480 Hello there, and a great big welcome to everyone. 7 00:00:22.199 --> 00:00:23.719 Boys and girls, moms and. 8 00:00:23.760 --> 00:00:25.879 Dads, grandma's and grandpa's, aunts. 9 00:00:25.559 --> 00:00:27.359 And uncles, cousins, neighbors. 10 00:00:28.079 --> 00:00:31.519 My goodness, we really mean everybody. 11 00:00:31.000 --> 00:00:34.560 Okay, say Aunt Nicky. Yes, I happen to know that 12 00:00:34.600 --> 00:00:37.520 Aunt Carol has a story already for us, and that 13 00:00:37.600 --> 00:00:40.479 it involves someone quite famous, Abraham Lincoln. 14 00:00:40.600 --> 00:00:44.200 You're right, Uncle John, and more specifically, it involves Abraham 15 00:00:44.240 --> 00:00:46.039 Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd Lincoln. 16 00:00:46.159 --> 00:00:47.920 Oh I see, However. 17 00:00:47.640 --> 00:00:51.000 Today's story isn't directly about either of the Lincoln's, but 18 00:00:51.119 --> 00:00:54.759 about a very interesting lady who was Missus Lincoln's dressmaker. 19 00:00:54.960 --> 00:00:57.799 Her name was Elizabeth Keckley. And it might be hard 20 00:00:57.799 --> 00:01:01.280 to believe, but. 21 00:01:00.200 --> 00:01:03.000 What come on now, you have to tell us you've 22 00:01:03.039 --> 00:01:04.359 already started your sentence. 23 00:01:04.480 --> 00:01:08.000 Well, all right, Elizabeth, or Lizzie as she was known, 24 00:01:08.319 --> 00:01:09.719 started out life as a slave. 25 00:01:10.000 --> 00:01:13.439 Well, this should be fascinating. How did Elizabeth Keckley get 26 00:01:13.480 --> 00:01:16.159 all the way from slavery to the White House? 27 00:01:16.640 --> 00:01:19.239 That Uncle John is exactly what we're going to discover. 28 00:01:19.640 --> 00:01:22.959 Most of our presentation today is based on Elizabeth Keckley's 29 00:01:23.000 --> 00:01:26.159 own book on the topic, and we call it Missus 30 00:01:26.239 --> 00:01:28.040 Lincoln's Dressmaker. 31 00:01:29.719 --> 00:01:33.680 Elizabeth Keckley was born in eighteen eighteen of slave parents, 32 00:01:33.799 --> 00:01:37.599 automatically making little Lizzie a slave as well. Her mother, 33 00:01:37.799 --> 00:01:41.879 Agnes Hobbs, known as Aggie, was owned by Colonel Armistead 34 00:01:41.920 --> 00:01:46.200 Burwell of Virginia Planter. Aggie, one of fifty slaves owned 35 00:01:46.239 --> 00:01:48.959 by the Burwells, served in the main house, and when 36 00:01:48.959 --> 00:01:51.640 Lizzie was just four years old, she was assigned to 37 00:01:51.680 --> 00:01:53.760 care for the Burwell's new baby daughter. 38 00:01:57.200 --> 00:02:01.599 Now, Lizzie, yes, ma'am, you will be watching over baby Elizabeth. 39 00:02:01.920 --> 00:02:03.120 Keep the flies away. 40 00:02:02.920 --> 00:02:03.640 From her face. 41 00:02:04.000 --> 00:02:07.760 Yes, Lilah will you are to be Elizabeth's little maid. 42 00:02:08.319 --> 00:02:08.560 Here. 43 00:02:09.280 --> 00:02:12.800 I'm going to put her in her cradle there now, 44 00:02:13.560 --> 00:02:15.639 I want you to rock her. Lizzie, You're not to 45 00:02:15.719 --> 00:02:18.400 let her cry. I'm depending on you to do a 46 00:02:18.439 --> 00:02:20.919 good job, and I'm going to be checking on you 47 00:02:20.960 --> 00:02:22.039 to make sure you do. 48 00:02:23.680 --> 00:02:28.719 Little Lizzie took her job very seriously, a bit too seriously, perhaps, 49 00:02:28.919 --> 00:02:33.360 since she began to swing the cradle quite enthusiastically. Suddenly, 50 00:02:34.120 --> 00:02:36.280 ah oh. 51 00:02:36.280 --> 00:02:38.800 No, the baby said aloud. 52 00:02:39.360 --> 00:02:40.479 She's on the floor. 53 00:02:41.479 --> 00:02:44.080 Don't cry, baby, don't cry. 54 00:02:44.800 --> 00:02:46.520 Oh what am I gonna do? 55 00:02:47.759 --> 00:02:48.080 I know? 56 00:02:48.919 --> 00:02:50.439 Letby, I can stoop her up. 57 00:02:50.520 --> 00:02:55.280 It's Sally, Lizzie, what are you doing? 58 00:02:56.919 --> 00:02:59.840 I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry. 59 00:03:00.439 --> 00:03:02.960 Cut that shuttle down and leave he alow this instant. 60 00:03:03.719 --> 00:03:05.560 Oh sh poo pooh. 61 00:03:05.599 --> 00:03:06.400 Baby. 62 00:03:06.879 --> 00:03:10.240 You shall be punished for this, you careless, heartless child, 63 00:03:10.479 --> 00:03:13.199 and I vow you shall not soon forget your lashing. 64 00:03:14.479 --> 00:03:18.599 Lizzie was indeed severely whipped for the accident, but in 65 00:03:18.639 --> 00:03:22.120 spite of this initial disaster, she continued as the child's maid. 66 00:03:22.560 --> 00:03:25.479 As time went by, she even helped lift a bit 67 00:03:25.520 --> 00:03:29.439 of her mother's heavy workload, which included making clothes not 68 00:03:29.520 --> 00:03:33.039 only for the Burwell family, but for all fifty slaves, 69 00:03:33.080 --> 00:03:36.960 as well as for Lizzie's father, George Hobbes. Since he 70 00:03:37.039 --> 00:03:39.479 was owned by another man, he was allowed to visit 71 00:03:39.680 --> 00:03:43.919 just twice a year, at Easter and Christmas. Eventually, mister 72 00:03:43.960 --> 00:03:46.919 Burwell arranged to let George live with Lizzie and her mother, 73 00:03:47.159 --> 00:03:49.840 an arrangement which was met with great happiness. 74 00:03:50.960 --> 00:03:54.599 Ah Aggie, my love. I don't know which I like best, 75 00:03:54.680 --> 00:03:57.759 being home with you or with Lizzie. You're both so 76 00:03:57.960 --> 00:04:01.759 dear to my heart. Lizzie, look at you, how big 77 00:04:01.840 --> 00:04:05.560 you've grown. What a fine, fine girl you are. 78 00:04:06.319 --> 00:04:10.439 Sadly, this happy arrangement lasted but a short time, and 79 00:04:10.520 --> 00:04:14.360 the family was forever separated when George's master moved west, 80 00:04:14.840 --> 00:04:19.079 taking Lizzie's father with him. Ripping apart slave families in 81 00:04:19.120 --> 00:04:23.639 this way was very common and very wrong. Every member 82 00:04:23.680 --> 00:04:26.759 of the little family was broken hearted, but that was 83 00:04:26.839 --> 00:04:30.879 not at all appreciated by Missus Burwell, who coldly snapped 84 00:04:30.879 --> 00:04:32.000 at Lizzie's mother. 85 00:04:32.519 --> 00:04:37.720 Oh, just stop this nonsense, Aggie, moping around. You are 86 00:04:37.759 --> 00:04:39.560 not the only slave who has had to part with 87 00:04:39.600 --> 00:04:40.199 her husband. 88 00:04:40.240 --> 00:04:40.600 You know. 89 00:04:41.120 --> 00:04:44.319 If you want a husband so badly, stop crying and 90 00:04:44.360 --> 00:04:45.519 go find another one. 91 00:04:46.639 --> 00:04:49.839 When Lizzie was about fourteen years old, she was loaned 92 00:04:49.839 --> 00:04:54.160 out to live with Burwell's oldest son, Reverend Robert Burwell, 93 00:04:54.319 --> 00:04:58.279 and his rather severe wife. Lizzie worked very hard, but 94 00:04:58.480 --> 00:05:01.439 was distrusted and scolded repeatedly. 95 00:05:02.279 --> 00:05:06.839 I declare, Lizzie, you'll never amount to anything, and besides, 96 00:05:06.879 --> 00:05:11.399 you have a stubborn uppity pride that mark, my word 97 00:05:11.639 --> 00:05:13.079 shall be dealt with. 98 00:05:13.920 --> 00:05:18.439 Eventually, when Lizzie was eighteen, the Burwells engaged the schoolmaster, 99 00:05:18.639 --> 00:05:21.560 mister Bingham, to mercilessly flog her to cure her of 100 00:05:21.600 --> 00:05:25.519 what was regarded as her undue pride. After the fourth 101 00:05:25.680 --> 00:05:29.920 terrible beating, during which Lizzie, as usual refused to cry out, 102 00:05:30.480 --> 00:05:35.000 mister Bingham's horrible behavior and Lizzie's bruised, bleeding body finally 103 00:05:35.040 --> 00:05:36.519 brought the man to his knees. 104 00:05:37.519 --> 00:05:40.160 I cannot flog you anymore, Lizzie. 105 00:05:40.399 --> 00:05:44.399 I will never never strike a servant again. 106 00:05:45.319 --> 00:05:47.759 Please please forgive me. 107 00:05:48.879 --> 00:05:52.360 And as far as anyone knows, mister Bingham kept his word, 108 00:05:52.839 --> 00:05:57.120 But Lizzie's troubles were not over. Lizzie was forced into 109 00:05:57.120 --> 00:05:59.920 an unwonted relationship with a white man in the area 110 00:06:00.519 --> 00:06:04.120 and eventually gave birth to this terrible man's child. 111 00:06:05.279 --> 00:06:07.959 Don't you worry, little one. I love you with all 112 00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:11.160 my heart. In some way, somehow I'm going to see 113 00:06:11.199 --> 00:06:13.040 to it that you do not live your life as 114 00:06:13.040 --> 00:06:13.480 a slave. 115 00:06:14.560 --> 00:06:17.399 In eighteen forty seven, Lizzie and her mother were sent 116 00:06:17.439 --> 00:06:20.480 to live with another of the Burwell's children, their daughter 117 00:06:20.519 --> 00:06:23.560 Anne and her husband, Mister Garland, who lived in Saint Louis. 118 00:06:24.279 --> 00:06:28.319 Since the Garlands had deep money problems, Lizzie basically supported 119 00:06:28.360 --> 00:06:32.439 the entire household of seventeen people by using the sewing 120 00:06:32.480 --> 00:06:35.639 and dressmaking skills she had learned from her mother. Her 121 00:06:35.720 --> 00:06:38.800 high class clients were enthusiastic. 122 00:06:38.920 --> 00:06:41.920 Why where did you learn to sew like this, Lizzie? 123 00:06:41.959 --> 00:06:44.079 This dress is beautiful. 124 00:06:44.199 --> 00:06:45.720 Thank you, Missus le bronois. 125 00:06:45.959 --> 00:06:49.000 I shall be the finest lady at the ball, thanks 126 00:06:49.040 --> 00:06:50.279 to you and your needle. 127 00:06:51.199 --> 00:06:54.480 Finally, Lizzie approached mister Garland to ask if she could 128 00:06:54.519 --> 00:06:57.800 purchase her own freedom and that of her son, George. 129 00:06:57.839 --> 00:07:02.360 Her inquiry was met with a blunt No time passed 130 00:07:02.519 --> 00:07:05.360 during which she was married to an old friend from Virginia, 131 00:07:05.639 --> 00:07:10.959 James Keckley, but sadly the marriage didn't last long. Eventually, 132 00:07:11.040 --> 00:07:13.639 an arrangement was made for Lizzie to travel east to 133 00:07:13.680 --> 00:07:16.600 collect money from sympathetic friends to meet the cost of 134 00:07:16.680 --> 00:07:20.879 twelve hundred dollars, the price which mister Garland finally agreed 135 00:07:20.920 --> 00:07:24.720 to in order for Lizzie to purchase her freedom and George's. 136 00:07:25.279 --> 00:07:28.319 When that plan fell through at the last moment, Missus 137 00:07:28.439 --> 00:07:30.399 le bourgeois came to the rescue. 138 00:07:31.040 --> 00:07:34.680 Lizzie, I've been thinking it would be a shame for 139 00:07:34.759 --> 00:07:36.519 you to have to go to beg for what we 140 00:07:36.600 --> 00:07:41.240 should give you. You have many friends here in Saint Louis, 141 00:07:41.319 --> 00:07:44.279 and I am going to raise the twelve hundred dollars 142 00:07:44.319 --> 00:07:46.480 you need among them. 143 00:07:47.120 --> 00:07:51.600 Happily, Missus la Bourgeois was successful in raising the needed funds. 144 00:07:52.240 --> 00:07:56.199 We're free, George free. Oh what a glorious ring that 145 00:07:56.279 --> 00:07:58.319 word has. Free. 146 00:07:58.879 --> 00:08:01.920 Before leaving Saint Louis in the spring of eighteen sixty, 147 00:08:02.319 --> 00:08:05.360 Lizzie worked hard to repay every cent that her lady 148 00:08:05.360 --> 00:08:08.199 patrons and friends had given her to buy her freedom 149 00:08:08.240 --> 00:08:11.199 and that of her son. She then went east to 150 00:08:11.240 --> 00:08:14.160 Baltimore and on to Washington, d c. Where she rented 151 00:08:14.199 --> 00:08:18.079 accommodations and began making fashionable dresses for some of the 152 00:08:18.120 --> 00:08:22.279 Capitol's finest ladies, including Missus Jefferson Davis. 153 00:08:22.920 --> 00:08:26.079 Oh, Lizzie, Christmas is almost here, and you've made so 154 00:08:26.279 --> 00:08:28.439 many beautiful things for my family. 155 00:08:28.759 --> 00:08:31.560 Thank you, Missus Davis. I'm still working on that soak 156 00:08:31.600 --> 00:08:32.879 dressing gown for your husband. 157 00:08:32.919 --> 00:08:34.720 Oh no, it's not finished yet. 158 00:08:34.919 --> 00:08:36.799 I've had to lay it aside for so many other 159 00:08:36.840 --> 00:08:38.080 projects that I just. 160 00:08:38.000 --> 00:08:41.480 But but tomorrow is Christmas. 161 00:08:40.720 --> 00:08:44.960 And don't trouble yourself, missus Davis. I'll stay tonight until 162 00:08:45.000 --> 00:08:46.759 I've finished it, I promise. 163 00:08:47.679 --> 00:08:50.559 Lizzie's needle flew as she labored over the robe for 164 00:08:50.720 --> 00:08:54.120 mister Davis, taking the very last stitches when the clock 165 00:08:54.240 --> 00:08:58.320 struck midnight on Christmas Eve. Over the next weeks, the 166 00:08:58.360 --> 00:09:00.840 war that was destined to break out between the North 167 00:09:00.879 --> 00:09:04.200 and the South was frequently discussed in the Davis household, 168 00:09:04.639 --> 00:09:08.559 often in Lizzie's presence. The sympathies of the Davises were, 169 00:09:08.600 --> 00:09:10.159 of course, with the South. 170 00:09:11.200 --> 00:09:13.840 Lizzie, you are so very handy that I should like 171 00:09:13.879 --> 00:09:16.200 to take you south with me. You know there's going to. 172 00:09:16.200 --> 00:09:18.039 Be a war, No, I hope not. 173 00:09:18.200 --> 00:09:21.039 Oh yes, the Southern people will not submit to the 174 00:09:21.080 --> 00:09:24.759 demands of the abolitionists to end slavery. They will fight 175 00:09:24.799 --> 00:09:28.080 and they will win. You'd better go south with me, Lizzie. 176 00:09:28.320 --> 00:09:31.240 I'll take good care of you. Besides, it will go 177 00:09:31.360 --> 00:09:34.120 badly for the colored people here in the North, are 178 00:09:34.120 --> 00:09:34.679 you sure? 179 00:09:35.080 --> 00:09:35.360 Yes? 180 00:09:35.799 --> 00:09:38.360 And when we come back, the Southern people will choose 181 00:09:38.440 --> 00:09:41.519 mister Davis for their president. So it won't be long 182 00:09:41.720 --> 00:09:43.840 until I shall live in the White House. 183 00:09:45.120 --> 00:09:47.919 Lizzie was almost tempted to go south with Missus Davis, 184 00:09:48.279 --> 00:09:50.480 but believing that the people of the North would fight 185 00:09:50.559 --> 00:09:52.879 for the flag that they held in such high regard, 186 00:09:53.320 --> 00:09:56.639 she chose to stay in the North. After the davis 187 00:09:56.679 --> 00:10:00.879 Is left, Lizzie was introduced to several prominent ladies, including 188 00:10:00.919 --> 00:10:03.759 the wife of General McLain, who was more than eager 189 00:10:03.799 --> 00:10:06.120 to have a dress made for a special occasion. 190 00:10:07.279 --> 00:10:10.240 I positively must have a new dress to dine at 191 00:10:10.279 --> 00:10:13.919 the Willard's next Sunday. Here's the material I just purchased, 192 00:10:13.919 --> 00:10:15.600 and you must start on it right away. 193 00:10:15.759 --> 00:10:20.279 But miss mclan, I've already too much work promised. I'm sorry, 194 00:10:20.360 --> 00:10:22.399 but it would be impossible for me to make this 195 00:10:22.519 --> 00:10:23.000 dress for you. 196 00:10:23.960 --> 00:10:27.559 Nothing is impossible, and I must have this dress. But 197 00:10:27.960 --> 00:10:30.039 now don't say no one more time. 198 00:10:30.559 --> 00:10:32.559 Besides, i've heard you. 199 00:10:32.559 --> 00:10:34.600 Say that you'd like to work for the ladies of 200 00:10:34.639 --> 00:10:38.159 the White House. I know Missus Lincoln very well, and 201 00:10:38.320 --> 00:10:41.559 her husband has now been elected president. If you finish 202 00:10:41.600 --> 00:10:44.440 this dress for me by Sunday, I'll introduce you. 203 00:10:45.159 --> 00:10:50.519 To Missus Lincoln. Yes, well, then, Miss mcclan you shall 204 00:10:50.639 --> 00:10:52.240 have your dress. 205 00:10:52.679 --> 00:10:57.159 Lizzie stayed up sewing every night, barely finishing Missus mclin's 206 00:10:57.200 --> 00:11:01.039 dress on time. Soon thereafter, when Missus McLain was visiting 207 00:11:01.039 --> 00:11:04.240 Mary Lincoln, she learned that Missus Lincoln was in urgent 208 00:11:04.320 --> 00:11:07.159 need of address herself, since the ones she had planned 209 00:11:07.200 --> 00:11:10.039 to wear to the inaugural reception had been spoiled by 210 00:11:10.080 --> 00:11:14.200 a spill cup of coffee. Missus Lincoln asked Missus McLain's 211 00:11:14.200 --> 00:11:16.639 advice on whom she might engage to make a new 212 00:11:16.720 --> 00:11:17.440 dress for her. 213 00:11:18.480 --> 00:11:22.399 I can recommend Lizzie Keckley with great confidence, Missus Lincoln. 214 00:11:23.039 --> 00:11:25.759 And so Lizzie appeared at the White House at the 215 00:11:25.799 --> 00:11:30.120 scheduled time, only to discover three other dressmakers were also 216 00:11:30.240 --> 00:11:33.759 awaiting an interview with Missus Lincoln. She was the last 217 00:11:33.799 --> 00:11:35.919 to be called into Missus Lincoln's presence. 218 00:11:36.919 --> 00:11:42.039 Ah, Missus Keckley, tell me who else have you worked 219 00:11:42.039 --> 00:11:43.840 for here in Washington, d C. 220 00:11:44.639 --> 00:11:48.240 Among others, Missus Lincoln, one of my best patrons has 221 00:11:48.240 --> 00:11:50.240 been Missus Senator Davis. 222 00:11:50.759 --> 00:11:57.559 Missus Davis, I see very good. Can you do my work? 223 00:11:58.000 --> 00:12:01.639 Yes, Missus Lincoln, I can. Will you have much work 224 00:12:01.679 --> 00:12:02.799 for me to do that? 225 00:12:02.919 --> 00:12:06.720 Missus Keckley will depend on your prices. We are just 226 00:12:06.879 --> 00:12:10.120 from the West, you know, and don't have much money. 227 00:12:10.600 --> 00:12:13.039 I'm sure we can come to an agreement, Missus Lincoln. 228 00:12:13.519 --> 00:12:17.480 Well, then we must get busy. The reception will be 229 00:12:17.679 --> 00:12:18.720 Tuesday night. 230 00:12:22.039 --> 00:12:25.840 Well well, Aunt Nikki, it certainly sounds like Elizabeth Keckley 231 00:12:25.919 --> 00:12:27.639 is well on her way to the White House. 232 00:12:27.879 --> 00:12:31.039 Yes, it does. Soon, Aunt Carol will finish our story. 233 00:12:31.279 --> 00:12:34.120 But first, first, we want to tell you about some 234 00:12:34.240 --> 00:12:36.240 of the free things you'll find to do on our 235 00:12:36.279 --> 00:12:40.879 website at yourstoryour dot org. There's Clubhouse, a funfilled magazine 236 00:12:40.919 --> 00:12:44.320 that's written just for kids. There are great stories to read, 237 00:12:44.480 --> 00:12:49.559 riddles to solve, puzzles, poems, recipes, jokes, brain teasers. Well 238 00:12:49.679 --> 00:12:50.559 you get the ida. 239 00:12:51.399 --> 00:12:55.080 It's an online magazine, but we even provide an easy 240 00:12:55.080 --> 00:12:57.279 print version, so if you want to print it off, 241 00:12:57.320 --> 00:13:00.080 you'll save on your ink supply. 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That's PO Box eight Niles, Michigan, 264 00:14:09.519 --> 00:14:11.200 four nine one two zero. 265 00:14:11.879 --> 00:14:13.919 Well, I see by the clock on the wall that 266 00:14:13.960 --> 00:14:15.879 we'd better get back to our story and see what 267 00:14:15.960 --> 00:14:16.519 happens next. 268 00:14:16.600 --> 00:14:19.679 Aunt Nikki, good thinking, Uncle John. So here now is 269 00:14:19.720 --> 00:14:24.080 the continuation of Missus Lincoln's dressmaker. 270 00:14:25.519 --> 00:14:29.320 Lizzie worked feverishly on Missus Lincoln's dress, and taking the 271 00:14:29.440 --> 00:14:32.840 last stitches. On the very afternoon of the reception, she 272 00:14:33.039 --> 00:14:35.320 bundled up the dress and headed for the White House. 273 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:39.440 When she was ushered upstairs, she found Missus Grimsly, Mary 274 00:14:39.440 --> 00:14:42.399 Lincoln's cousin, in the room with Missus Lincoln, who was 275 00:14:42.440 --> 00:14:44.799 in a terrible state of upset. 276 00:14:45.600 --> 00:14:49.519 Missus Keckley, you have disappointed me. Why do you bring 277 00:14:49.559 --> 00:14:52.440 my dress at this late hour? I've just finished at 278 00:14:52.440 --> 00:14:54.960 Missus Lincoln. I thought it would be in time, but 279 00:14:55.000 --> 00:14:57.919 you are not in time. I have no time now 280 00:14:57.919 --> 00:15:00.440 to dress. In fact, I will not dress and go 281 00:15:00.519 --> 00:15:01.799 down with the other ladies. 282 00:15:02.000 --> 00:15:04.879 Come now, cousin, there's plenty of time for you to dress. 283 00:15:05.159 --> 00:15:07.639 Let Missus Keckley assist you, and she will soon have 284 00:15:07.759 --> 00:15:10.679 you ready. But and can you help her arrange her hair? 285 00:15:10.720 --> 00:15:13.600 Missus Keckley, certainly, you see Mary. 286 00:15:13.519 --> 00:15:14.600 All will be well? 287 00:15:15.360 --> 00:15:20.639 All right then, I suppose here now, just let me 288 00:15:20.759 --> 00:15:25.759 unbutton the dress, all right there, now, we'll just let 289 00:15:25.759 --> 00:15:29.879 you slip into it. Just so very good. 290 00:15:31.360 --> 00:15:36.440 Oh, it's it's really quite beautiful. 291 00:15:40.000 --> 00:15:44.799 Ah, Willie Tad, Let your old father just sink down 292 00:15:44.919 --> 00:15:45.919 here on the sofa. 293 00:15:46.120 --> 00:15:50.080 We want a story, father, please all right? 294 00:15:50.200 --> 00:15:51.399 Then? 295 00:15:51.559 --> 00:15:59.159 Hmmm, under a spreading chestnut tree, the village smithy stands 296 00:15:59.799 --> 00:16:05.399 the smith. A mighty man, is he with large and 297 00:16:05.639 --> 00:16:11.879 sinewy hands, and the muscles of his rawny arms are 298 00:16:12.159 --> 00:16:14.320 strong as iron bands. 299 00:16:16.639 --> 00:16:18.639 You seem to be in a poetical mood. 300 00:16:18.759 --> 00:16:24.960 Tonight, father, Yes, mother, these are poetical times. Why I 301 00:16:25.279 --> 00:16:30.919 do declare you look charming in that dress? You, Missus 302 00:16:31.000 --> 00:16:36.919 keckleyt Madame Elizabeth, you have met with great success my 303 00:16:37.200 --> 00:16:40.080 wife looks positively elegant. 304 00:16:41.120 --> 00:16:45.039 And in short order, Lizzie watched, almost as if in awe, 305 00:16:45.759 --> 00:16:50.840 Missus Lincoln, now serene, composed and smiling, took the President's 306 00:16:50.879 --> 00:16:54.159 offered arm as Together they grandly departed for the party 307 00:16:54.200 --> 00:16:58.440 in the rooms below. The reception was a success, and 308 00:16:58.600 --> 00:17:01.440 over the next few months, Lizzie, who had now become 309 00:17:01.519 --> 00:17:06.640 Missus Lincoln's official dressmaker and confidante, produced fifteen or sixteen 310 00:17:06.799 --> 00:17:10.559 beautiful dresses for the first Lady. Eventually she would produce 311 00:17:10.640 --> 00:17:14.359 many more dresses for special occasions, dresses which were the 312 00:17:14.440 --> 00:17:19.759 admiration of Washington's most elite society. However, that fall, when 313 00:17:19.799 --> 00:17:22.599 the war between the States was already well under way. 314 00:17:23.000 --> 00:17:26.680 Missus Lincoln, in the interest of economy, persuaded the President 315 00:17:26.720 --> 00:17:29.720 to throw only three receptions in place of the usual 316 00:17:29.799 --> 00:17:34.279 series of expensive state dinners. In preparation, Lizzie made frequent 317 00:17:34.359 --> 00:17:35.640 trips to the White House. 318 00:17:36.640 --> 00:17:40.839 I suppose, Elizabeth, when you came in, you saw Willie 319 00:17:40.960 --> 00:17:42.599 riding his pony on the lawn. 320 00:17:43.079 --> 00:17:46.039 Yes, Missus Lincoln, he seems quite fond of that pony. 321 00:17:46.440 --> 00:17:47.960 It was a gift, I believe. 322 00:17:48.359 --> 00:17:53.759 Yes, the boys are constantly receiving gifts from mister Lincoln's admirers. 323 00:17:53.880 --> 00:17:56.599 I see Willie riding his pony almost every day. 324 00:17:56.880 --> 00:18:01.079 Indeed, I'm quite beside myself though, to get him in 325 00:18:01.319 --> 00:18:05.839 out of the cold. It's been so chilly lately. He's 326 00:18:05.960 --> 00:18:10.680 such a sweet gentle child. Why you know, he spends 327 00:18:10.759 --> 00:18:15.279 much time here with me, reading, drawing on his sketch pad. 328 00:18:15.640 --> 00:18:18.880 Yes, I've often seen him here. He's a great favorite 329 00:18:18.880 --> 00:18:20.039 of mister Lincoln as well. 330 00:18:20.960 --> 00:18:25.000 But I fear for him out there in this awful weather. 331 00:18:25.440 --> 00:18:28.400 His health is delicate, and I just want to make 332 00:18:28.559 --> 00:18:33.799 sure that well. Never mind, Lissmith, we have a reception 333 00:18:34.079 --> 00:18:36.839 coming up, and we must plan ahead. 334 00:18:37.880 --> 00:18:43.119 Unfortunately, Missus Lincoln's fears about Willie were not unfounded. Soon 335 00:18:43.279 --> 00:18:46.359 he was in bed with a high fever. In spite 336 00:18:46.400 --> 00:18:49.440 of the very best of care, he grew worse instead 337 00:18:49.440 --> 00:18:52.640 of better, and as the date of the reception neared, 338 00:18:53.079 --> 00:18:56.920 Missus Lincoln thought the event should be postponed. A doctor 339 00:18:57.039 --> 00:19:00.039 was consulted, who seemed positive that Willie was beginning to 340 00:19:00.200 --> 00:19:05.200 turn a corner towards recovery. So preparations continued. But the 341 00:19:05.319 --> 00:19:08.440 very evening of the reception, Willie suddenly took a turn 342 00:19:08.480 --> 00:19:11.880 for the worse. Both the President and Missus Lincoln were 343 00:19:11.880 --> 00:19:14.440 by his side. 344 00:19:14.880 --> 00:19:20.000 Oh my dear, dear boy, how feverish you are. 345 00:19:20.559 --> 00:19:26.519 Your hand is so hot? Father, How can we leave 346 00:19:26.680 --> 00:19:27.799 him to go down? 347 00:19:28.480 --> 00:19:31.279 The guests are here, mother, so we must. 348 00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:35.160 Elizabeth, please, will you stay with Willie? 349 00:19:35.319 --> 00:19:39.200 Yes, of course. Let me fix your hair and help 350 00:19:39.240 --> 00:19:42.079 you dress. Then I'll stay by his side while you're 351 00:19:42.119 --> 00:19:43.559 downstairs entertaining. 352 00:19:46.039 --> 00:19:49.480 Throughout the evening, the Lincolns broke away from the festivities 353 00:19:49.480 --> 00:19:52.000 to visit Willie, who was in the big bed in 354 00:19:52.079 --> 00:19:56.759 the guest room. The night passed slowly, and Lizzie watched 355 00:19:56.799 --> 00:20:01.559 as Willie grew worse. Sadly, After lingering only a few 356 00:20:01.599 --> 00:20:07.079 more days, Willie passed away on February twentieth, eighteen sixty two, 357 00:20:07.119 --> 00:20:11.680 from what was probably typhoid fever. Lizzie helped prepare his 358 00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:15.400 body for the funeral. Everyone in the White House, servants 359 00:20:15.400 --> 00:20:18.480 and all were in mourning, and the Lincolns were beside 360 00:20:18.519 --> 00:20:22.799 themselves with grief. The President completely broke down. 361 00:20:23.799 --> 00:20:31.079 My poor boy, he was too good, too good for 362 00:20:31.319 --> 00:20:36.640 this earth. God has called him home. 363 00:20:37.960 --> 00:20:42.559 Black crape was hung everywhere, and Mary Lincoln's grief utterly 364 00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:47.079 overcame her. She was even unable to attend Willie's funeral, 365 00:20:47.160 --> 00:20:49.599 and for the next two years her days were in 366 00:20:49.640 --> 00:20:55.319 the continual shadow of sadness. Meanwhile, adding to the presence burdens, 367 00:20:55.559 --> 00:21:01.000 constant bad news about the war made life extremely difficult. Finally, 368 00:21:01.039 --> 00:21:04.119 in eighteen sixty four, receptions that the White House were 369 00:21:04.160 --> 00:21:07.640 again resumed, and Missus Lincoln began to prepare for what 370 00:21:07.720 --> 00:21:09.960 she hoped would be a second term in office for 371 00:21:10.000 --> 00:21:14.279 her husband. Her worries, however, were not entirely about the 372 00:21:14.319 --> 00:21:15.319 needs of the country. 373 00:21:16.519 --> 00:21:21.160 Elizabeth, do you think mister Lincoln will be re elected? 374 00:21:21.440 --> 00:21:24.920 Yes, he has now proven himself faithful to the best 375 00:21:24.960 --> 00:21:26.079 interests of the country. 376 00:21:26.640 --> 00:21:31.839 Your confidence gives me hope, because Elizabeth more is at 377 00:21:31.880 --> 00:21:33.160 stake than he knows. 378 00:21:33.920 --> 00:21:34.599 What do you mean? 379 00:21:35.359 --> 00:21:38.480 The people of society here in the East continually look 380 00:21:38.559 --> 00:21:41.720 at my wardrobe with a critical eye, and I have 381 00:21:42.039 --> 00:21:45.000 run up considerable debts. 382 00:21:45.440 --> 00:21:47.039 How much debt, missus Lincoln? 383 00:21:47.720 --> 00:21:52.240 About twenty seven thousand dollars. It's just that mister Lincoln's 384 00:21:52.240 --> 00:21:55.200 salary is not sufficient, and he happily looks upon my 385 00:21:55.400 --> 00:21:58.480 rich dresses. But he has no idea. 386 00:21:58.880 --> 00:22:01.960 Mister Lincoln does not even suspect how much you owe. 387 00:22:02.119 --> 00:22:05.559 Oh no, I don't ever want him to know. And 388 00:22:05.640 --> 00:22:07.319 if he is re elected. 389 00:22:07.000 --> 00:22:09.920 I won't have to tell him. It's just that I 390 00:22:10.039 --> 00:22:15.440 value his happiness so much. But if he is defeated then, 391 00:22:16.319 --> 00:22:20.960 and what if his enemies learn of it? Well, many 392 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:23.960 of his fellow Republicans are rich, and they can well 393 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:31.039 afford to They cannot refuse to advance whatever money I require. Oh, Lizabeth, 394 00:22:31.519 --> 00:22:35.279 do you really think we shall remain in the White House? 395 00:22:35.559 --> 00:22:36.079 I do. 396 00:22:36.440 --> 00:22:39.480 In fact, I'm so confident of it that I'm tempted 397 00:22:39.519 --> 00:22:45.039 to ask a favor of you, A favor, Yes, I 398 00:22:45.039 --> 00:22:45.640 would like. 399 00:22:45.880 --> 00:22:46.480 What is it? 400 00:22:47.000 --> 00:22:50.160 What can I do for you. You have been such a 401 00:22:50.200 --> 00:22:50.839