All great points Doyle, A few years ago David and I and others brought up the story of Alexander T. Stewart, he was without a doubt the richest man in America during the War. In 1864 for example he paid 5 million dollars in income tax and NO doubt did NOT come close to paying his full amount.

In the book by Elizabeth Kleckly (Mary Todd's dress maker) Mrs. Lincoln spent more the $25,000 just in 1863 with A.T. Stewart and Company. That is amazing since Lincoln only earned $25,000 a year as President. Mrs. Kleckly also wrote in her book that she and Mary Todd went to New York City, after Lincoln's death (Mrs. Lincoln assumed an alias) and tried to sell back some of the items to Alexander Stewart who would NOT even see her.

If anyone wants to follow the money then I suggest A.T. Stewart, at times Mr. Stewart would give Mary Todd a gift and then ask Mrs. Lincoln to deliver a letter to the President or for him to do him a favor. Some of the letters still exist.

It has been said that 50% of the freight coming into New York Harbor during the War had A.T. Stewart's name on it.

Likewise after the War, General Grant was as popular in the North as anyone. He carried every state that could vote at the time in his 1868 election. Yet his request to have A.T. Stewart in his cabinet was refused.

When Stewart died, I think in the 1870's one of his managers received a fair share of A.T. Stewart's wealth. That man's last name was Hilton.