Oak Grove Coburn High School - Oak Leaves Yearbook (Vassalboro, ME)

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OAK LEAVES 1947 Mrs. Abraham Lincoln, Washington, D. C., U. S. A., My dear Mrs. Lincoln: You will not know me, of course, and it is not necessary for you to even know my name. I lwrite to you on behalf of future generations, to which I belong. I live in Eternity. But I shall be born in the twentieth century, and since I shall live in the United States, I take a deep interest in its leaders and presidents. I am writing to you because I feel so sorry for your husband. Do you realize how miserable you are making him? If you knew how he hates to come home and how tired he is, you would try to control your temper. I realize that he must be difficult at times, with his sloppy clothes, his un- trained manners fespecially at the tablej and his dreaminess. I don't suppose you understand these things, being in a different class, having been brought up so differently, and being basically diiferent from him. COf course, you must know no-w that you should never have married him. Why did you not stick to Mr. Douglas? Oh, but he would not have had you, not being so good and kind as dear Mr. Lincoln.J I am certain that you have the ability to make the best of these things, to cease from nagging about them and to praise him for the wond-erful things he does and is. He needs your help now. He has overlwhelming responsibility on his shoulders. Often the wives of famous men have been their source of cour- age and strength. I could tell you what will happen in the future but I don't want you to know now. I rwant you to be a good and loving wife, for if you are not you may regret it later. In the next century, your husband will be considered one of the greatest men who ever lived. I beg you to support him and be proud of him. In the hope, Madam, that this letter may touch some vulnerable spot in your cold heart, I have 'Written Very sincerely, PATRICIA DODGE. Washington, D. C., January, 1892. My dear Miss Dodge: I received your letter yesterday, and make haste to reply. In the first place I have no idea what you are talking about. Mr. Lincoln and I are very happy together, and I have often heard it said that if he had never married me, he would not be President now. It is I who am ambitious for him, and have spurred him on to greater heights. Should not fame be the goal of every man? Alone, he would be but a lazy dreamer. Perhaps it is true that he is not often home, but he tells me himself that it is because he has so much work. As for nagging him constantly, I never nag-and I think it audacious of you to suggest it. I merely prod him on when he forgets himself, as he often does, being quite stupid in many ways. Naturally, I appreciate his good points. Who is in a better position to rec- 16

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OAK LEAVES 1947 cgnize them than I? He has many-excellent taste in Women, willingness to follow my suggestions Qgenerallyh, and an even though dull temper. I am happy to hear that some day he will be considered a great man. I only hope that credit will go Where credit is due-to me. I must confess I am grieved at the tone of your letter and its open accu- sations, all of 'which I deny. I trust you will realize how mistaken and rude you were, and I shall forgive you as a good Christian should. Yours very truly, Mrs. Abraham Lincoln. 3 Maple Grove, Primevil Forest, Barnstead, N. H. My dear Daddy, When are you coming back to our nest? Mommy, brother and I all miss singing with you at night. Today a snake tried to steal Mrs. Chicadee's eggs but my brave brother, fyour sonj pecked at it and finally we were all safe again. Gee, Daddy, when I saw that snake crawling over the edge of the nest, shivers went up and down both my wings. Mrs. Redwing came over yesterday and brought us some choice worms. They were delicious. CI wish that you could have been here.J Mrs. Red- wing is the new bird who lives in the maple tree next to ours. The other day, Mommy took me to a party at Dottie Bluebird's. There was a speaker called Oscar Barnswallow who talked about The New and Speedy way to Build a Nest. Mommy copied down some of his ideas and she says it will help me to build my first nest next spring. Oh Daddy, you'll be surprised when you see me again. I have a wing spread of eight inches already. Mommy says I have to find some string and mud now to patch the nest so I'll have to stop writing. I love you Daddy, Your Daughter. fFrom a bahv robin to her father who is away on a trip., 33 Elm Street, Burton's Forest, Barrington, N. H. My loving daughter, I received your cheery letter this morning and I shall answer it quickly. My goodness, but you are growing fast! I lwill hardly know you when I come back. When I come home, a week from Thursday, I hope you will have a nice worm pudding all ready for supper because I'1l be hungry after that long trip. I have been spending my time mainly by going to lectures at the Big Elm. It is only three trees from where I'm staying, so it's a very short fly. 17