So horrible a breach of honor did this seem to him that he called the
day when it occurred the "fatal first of January, 1841," and months
afterward he wrote to his intimate friend Speed: "I must regain my
confidence in my own ability to keep my resolves when they are made.
In that ability I once prided myself as the only or chief gem of my
character; that gem I lost--how and where you know too well. I have
not yet regained it, and, until I do, I cannot trust myself in any
matter of much importance."
[Illustration: ROBERT S. TODD.
Robert S. Todd, father of Mrs. Lincoln, came of distinguished
ancestors. He was the seventh son of Major-General Levi Todd, and was
born at Lexington, Kentucky, February 25, 1791. He was prominent in
the politics of Kentucky for nearly thirty years. For many years he
was clerk of the Kentucky House of Representatives; he was three times
elected Representative from Fayette County, and was a State Senator
at the time of his death, which occurred July 15, 1849. He was twice
married--the first time to his near relative, Eliza Ann Parker, the
mother of Mary Todd.]
[Illustration: MISS JULIA JAYNE, ONE OF MISS TODD'S BRIDESMAIDS.
From a photograph loaned by Mr. Jesse W. Weik. Miss Jayne afterward
became Mrs. Lyman Trumbull.]
The breaking of the engagement between Miss Todd and Mr.
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