First a maid and seamstress, Mary Ann Cuthbert replaced the personal maid named Ellen who had accompanied Mrs. Lincoln from Springfield. Mrs. Cuthbert later served as chief housekeeper at the White House.
 
She was charged with confidential assignments for Mary Todd Lincoln. Mrs. Lincoln wired Mrs. Cuthbert from Fortress Monroe on March 24, 1865: “Send a telegram, directed to City Point…”