Lincoln in the Telegraph Office on April 14, 1865

[RJNorton]

(08-22-2016 07:47 PM)SSlater Wrote:  This is the only mention, that I know of, where Lincoln was concerned with a good defense. (What criteria did they use when they picked Parker

You are right on, John. In fact Ward Hill Lamon became very upset with Lincoln's lackadaisical attitude regarding his own safety. On December 10, 1864, Lamon wrote Lincoln the following letter:

I regret that you do not appreciate what I have repeatedly said to you in regard to the proper police arrangements connected with your household and your own personal safety. You are in danger. I have nothing to ask, and I flatter myself that you will at least believe that I am honest. If, however, you have been impressed differently, do me and the country the justice to dispose at once of all suspected officers, and accept my resignation of the marshalship, which is hereby tendered. I will give you further reasons which have impelled me to this course. To-night, as you have done on several previous occasions, you went unattended to the theatre. When I say unattended, I mean that you went alone with Charles Sumner and a foreign minister, neither of whom could defend himself against an assault from any able-bodied woman in this city. And you know, or ought to know, that your life is sought after, and will be taken unless you and your friends are cautious for you have many enemies within our lines. You certainly know that I have provided men at your mansion to perform all necessary police duty, and I am always ready myself to perform any duty that will properly conduce to your interest or your safety.
God knows that I am unselfish in this matter; and I do think that I have played low comedy long enough, and at my time of life I think I ought at least to attempt to play star engagements.

I am not sure of the criteria used to pick the White House security detail, but I have read a statement by a man who knew one of the other White House police officers (William H. Crook). This person described Crook as an "intrinsically stupid man." Parker was Lincoln's guard that night simply due to the time Lincoln was to be gone from the White House. Parker's shift began at 4:00 P.M. He showed up late but still in time to be at Ford's with the Presidential party.