Presidential security

[Rhatkinson]

After reading so much about how Lincoln had to practically be begged to let guards protect him, I was under the impression that no prior presidents utilized guards to any great extent. However, in reading the excellent book "The President's House" by Seale (which I highly recommend), I read this may not have been the case.

To wit, in the chapter on Mornroe, Seale notes that Monroe, "In response to the assassinations of political figures taking place across Europe" did the following to protect himself:

- hired guards in civilian dress for ALL public events. Monroe said that he would have used uniformed soldiers except that this was seen as "un-republican" at the time;

- a guard was posted at the front door of the White House day and night "with ready access to arms" in order to protect the President;

- on public days where the White House was opened to the public (July 4th, New Years Day) the number of civilian guards was greatly increased (but hidden among the grounds so as not to be visible) and sharpshooters were placed on the White House roof, hidden behind the roof balustrade.

I realize this was protection at the White House, and Seale doesn't mention protection that traveled with Monroe (although he mentions that Monroe was the most traveled acting President by far of the time, so the omission may not mean there was no protection.) still, it surprises me the level of protection afforded the President some 47 years before Lincoln was assassinated.

Does anyone have more information on presidential security during this time?

Heath