f my story. Let it answer to say, that we returned to the hotel
more disgusted than ever with the business in which we were engaged.
There was much curiosity at the hotel in relation to us, as our
movements were watched, and we were regarded with suspicion. Our trunks
in the main hall below were examined daily, and curiosity was more
keenly excited when the argus-eyed reporters for the press traced Mrs.
Lincoln's name on the cover of one of her trunks. The letters had been
rubbed out, but the faint outlines remained, and these outlines only
served to stimulate curiosity. Messrs. Keyes and Brady called often, and
they made Mrs. Lincoln believe that, if she would write certain letters
for them to show to prominent politicians, they could raise a large sum
of money for her. They argued that the Republican party would never
permit it to be said that the wife of Abraham Lincoln was in want; that
the leaders of the party would make heavy advances rather than have it
published to the world that Mrs. Lincoln's poverty compelled her to sell
her wardrobe. Mrs. L.'s wants were urgent, as she had to borrow $600
from Keyes and Brady, and she was willing to adopt any scheme which
promised to place a good bank account to her credit. At different times
in her room at the Union Place Hotel she wrote the following letters:

CHICAGO, Sept. 18, 1867.

"MR. BRADY, _Commission Broker, No. 609 Broadway,
New York_:

"I have this day sent to you personal property, which I am
compelled to part with, and which you will find of
considerable value. The articles consist of four camels' hair
shawls, one lace dress and shawl, a parasol cover, a diamond
ring, two dress patterns, some furs, etc.

"Please have them appraised, and confer by letter with me.

Very respectfully,
"MRS. LINCOLN."

"CHICAGO, ----.

"MR BRADY _No 609 Broadway, N.Y. City_

"**** DEAR SIR:--The articles I am sending you to dispose of
were gifts of dear friends, which only urgent necessity
compels me to part with, and I am especially anxious that
they shall not be sacrificed.

"The circumstances are peculiar, and painfully embarrassing;
therefore I hope you will endeavor to realize as much as
possible for them. Hoping to hear from you, I remain, very
respectfully,

"MRS. A. LINCOLN."

"Sept. 25, 1867.

"W.H. BRADY, ESQ.:--My great, great sorrow and loss have