Robert Todd Lincoln --The vitals

[kerry]

(01-12-2018 08:18 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  According to Jean Baker, in 1863 Mary told Senator Ira Harris:

"Robert is making his preparations now to enter the Army; he is not a shirker – if fault there be it is mine, I have insisted that he should stay in college a little longer as I think an educated man can serve his country with more intelligent purpose than an ignoramous."

That's from the Helm book, I believe.

Yes, Keckley's book also says it. The 'official story' is definitely that it was Mary's objection. I just find it likely that Lincoln found her objection convenient, as Susan wrote. If he really wanted him in there, he could have found him a relatively safe position earlier.