Cette image peut avoir des imperfections car il s’agit d’une image historique ou de reportage.
Entitled: "Willie Lincoln, third son of President Lincoln. Died February 20, 1862, at the age of 12. From a photograph taken by Brady, at Washington, shortly before the death of Willie Lincoln." William Wallace Lincoln (December 21, 1850 - February 20, 1862) was the third son of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln. Upon their father's election as President both Willie and Tad moved into the White House and it became their playground. Willie and Tad both became ill in early 1862, and although Tad recovered, Willie's condition fluctuated from day to day. The most likely cause of the illness was typhoid fever, which was usually contracted by consumption of fecal contaminated food/water. Gradually Willie weakened, and both parents spent much time at his bedside. Finally, on Thursday, February 20, 1862, at 5:00 p.m., Willie died. Both parents were deeply affected. His father did not return to work for three weeks. Willie's younger brother, Tad, cried for nearly a month because he and Willie were very close. Lincoln generated no official correspondence for four days. Mary was so distraught that Lincoln feared for her sanity
