Robert Todd Lincoln --The vitals

[RJNorton]

Good question. I checked the Fehrenbachers' book, and all three people are given mostly C's and D's regarding their quote recollections. Lamon, the exception, is even given some E's. (E = "a quote that is probably not authentic"). Neither Mrs. Keckly nor Carpenter ever receive any grade below "D."

Regarding Mrs. Keckly's story of the large white building, they give it a "D." (D= "a quotation about whose authenticity there is more than average doubt"). This is because they use Jean Baker's assessment that the building was not visible from the White House. Otherwise, my guess is that it would have received a "C."

Quotes given a "C" refer to ones that are recorded noncontemporaneously.

I once talked to Tom Schwartz about quote verification, and it was Tom's opinion that the Fehrenbachers' book is the second best resource after The Collected Works.