Letter from Lincoln to Samuel S. Marshall, November 11, 1842

A Profound Wonder

Written a week after his wedding, Lincoln’s letter to Samuel Marshall acknowledging a payment of five dollars for legal services concludes with, “Nothing new here, except my marrying, which to me, is a matter of profound wonder.” Over the next ten years, the Lincolns would have four children — Robert Todd, Edward Baker (Eddie), William Wallace (Willie), and Thomas (Tad). Eddie’s death at age three deeply grieved both parents.