The Shadows Rise

[RJNorton]

I agree with both Mike and Rob. For me this relationship has almost become a no-brainer. If one looks at all the Lincoln stories and legends there are not too many that have this sort of evidence.

Example: the first chapter of Honor's Voice describes a tremendous variance in the details of the Lincoln-Armstrong wrestling match.

Another example: did Nancy Hanks Lincoln die of milk sickness? We're not so sure when we read Ed Steers' two posts here.

In another thread we discussed the wife-beating incident in which Lincoln was allegedly part of a group who dragged a guy to a pole to be beaten by his wife. We are going by one man's word on that one.

However, regarding Ann/Abraham, John Evangelist Walsh cites Douglas Wilson's research among 24 New Salem residents who were contacted by Herndon. Although memories were obviously wavering after the passage of time, 22 of the 24 according to Wilson were favorable to the question, "Did Lincoln love or court Ann Rutledge?"

I mean what more is needed for a Lincoln story to be true? How many Lincoln stories do we have 22 of 24 interviewees agreeing on something?

I am a believer.