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RJNorton · 03-23-2013, 04:09 AM

Donna, have you ever seen the following quote attributed to Mary?

"The public will not tolerate a dog, even the president's dog, if that animal soils the White House carpets, or damages the heritage furniture in that mansion. Those items are public property and are held in trust by the president and should not be despoiled by any animal."

Linda found an article that uses this quote as Mary's reason for not bringing Fido to Washington. I have tried to research the quote but have drawn a blank. I also wrote the author asking his source but have received no reply.

LincolnMan · 03-23-2013, 06:32 AM

(03-22-2013 01:49 PM)DanielC Wrote:
(03-22-2013 01:17 PM)RJNorton Wrote:
(03-22-2013 12:51 PM)DanielC Wrote:
(03-22-2013 11:54 AM)Gene C Wrote: Well.......let's just say they taught me to stay off the upholstery when they were around

And here I had it all wrong Fido. I thought your sensitivity to loud noises was a result of you witnessing many a tirade from Mrs Lincoln, and at a very early age you learned to "duck and cover" from the impending storm. Under the sofa was as good a place as any, right? (Having paws made it virtually impossible to open a closet and seek shelter).

You two gentlemen should collaborate on a biography of Fido.

Great idea Roger! Can you say "dual presenters" at the 2014 Surratt Society conference. As you can see by my picture (avatar) I work better with a partner. Without one it's virtually impossible for me to get around. (Or speak for that matter).

I thinking the same thing Roger-except make it a children's book on Fido. I think it would be a big hit!

RJNorton · 03-23-2013, 07:45 AM

I agree with you, Bill. Some of us grew up with "See Spot Run. Run Spot Run."

Today's youngsters could have "The Adventures of Fido" with phrases such as "See Tad. See Willie. See Fido Run. Run Fido Run. Get on the train, Fido. Get on the train."

DanielC · (This post was last modified: 03-24-2013 09:28 AM by DanielC.)

A "TAIL" OF THREE PICTURES:

My intial research of Fido involves the three known pictures taken of him. I'm a bit of a "dummy" so this thread would work much better if I knew how to upload the three photo's, so you could compare. If you"google" Lincoln's dog Fido, most links will have the three aforementioned pictures. My intial reserach was to determine date and time of the photos, but while doing so I truly could see that "A picture is worth a thousand words". Although unable to determine date and time, I was able to establish chronological order.

Picture #1- Resigned

If you look at the first picture, this is the photo in which Fido is sitting up, looking slightly to the left of the camera. I determined that this was the first picture taken. Abe and his boys probably have walked Fido to the studio to take a few photos for momentos of their four legged freind before they leave him behind for their journey to Washington. It is a somber walk to the studio, but Fido is probably wagging his tail the whole way, because he is with the ones he loved the most. In Picture #1 labled "Resigned", Fido has a relaxed posture and is sitting slightly up. Notice the paws and ears both relaxed, tail fluffly and lying to the side. There is a weariness and sadness in Fido's eyes, as he looks probably at his walking buddy (Lincoln) and his two playmates Tad and Willie standing slightly to the left of the photographer. All seems calm....

Picture #2- Who's here?

If you look at picture number #2 which I have entitled "Who's Here?", it is the first picture of Fido in his lying posture. Notice something, or someone has entered the room and has caught Fido's attention. His head is raised in curiosity, and he is looking slightly to the left. This is when I surmise that Mrs. Lincoln has just entered the room, and the fireworks were going to begin. Maybe it was old Abe taking the boys and leaving her behind, having the photo's taken in the first place, you name it, any of the thousands of reasons that husband's end up in the "Dog House", but Mrs. Linclon has arrived "and hell has no fury than a woman scorned" know what I mean?

Picture #3 "Duck and Cover"

The last photograph taken I believe is the one I call "Duck and Cover". It is the one where Fido is looking straight ahead (notice his head is slightly blurry) he's recognized who has just entered, and as all dogs do, they avert their eyes to staring at a subject as it is seen as a sign of agression. Notice the body expression of Fido. He looks like a torpedo ready to be shot. Paws gripping the table, back legs in launching postion, head down, tail straight. Fido can not get out of here fast enough. Old Abe is getting earful at this point. I call this "Duck and Cover" as I had alluded to in the earlier post, because this was probably the position Fido probably assumed at home quite often when he hid under the sofa when the "fireworks" broke out.

Although I do not have factual evidence to support any of these series of events "A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words".

Gene C · 03-23-2013, 08:39 AM

Wow, Daniel, you spent more time thinking and analyzing this than I did. Being a dog lover, I thought Fido would make a nice avitar, and I liked the "Duck and Cover" photo the best.

LincolnMan · 03-23-2013, 08:41 AM

(03-23-2013 07:45 AM)RJNorton Wrote: I agree with you, Bill. Some of us grew up with "See Spot Run. Run Spot Run."

Today's youngsters could have "The Adventures of Fido" with phrases such as "See Tad. See Willie. See Fido Run. Run Fido Run. Get on the train, Fido. Get on the train."

Yes, I remember those books very much! LOL. I think with the popularity of Lincoln right now it would go well. The story could also include the other animals involved with the Lincolns-the cats-goats -veritable barnyard!

RJNorton · 03-23-2013, 08:53 AM

Dan, I know you once considered a bio of George Atzerodt, but your Fido writings are incredibly impressive, descriptive, and analytical. Kudos. Maybe put 'ol George on the back burner for now as it appears you have an intriguing new topic.

P.S. Please excuse any blatant errors in my writing today as I am operating on little sleep. FGCU, which is a 10-15 minute drive from our home and has a wonderful Lincoln collection in its library, upset Georgetown last night. Unreal. It took me about 4 or 5 hours to settle down after the game and get to sleep; also, I tried emulating some of the dunks in our living room - a huge mistake for someone my age.

L Verge · 03-23-2013, 09:53 AM

Roger - You should see the drooping heads on sportscasters, Georgetown team members, and fans on the morning news shows here. Don't you love it when little David beats Goliath?

DanielC · 03-23-2013, 10:33 AM

Gene, you Avatar inspired me.

Roger, I meant to send you a note of congratulations. Good for Florida! (although I must admit to be a fan of the Hoya's) particularly in the 80's. I have hit a roadblock with George so maybe you are right, and I will take the "Road less Traveled". How history could have been changed if Fido made the trip east. I.E. Lincoln stays at home rather than attend the theatre to console an old friend who is having terrible flashbacks as result of the illumination and merriment of the last few days.... Catch up on your sleep my friend. Being a fan of the Red Sox and Patriots I usually have restless nights sleeping. Usually the result of another heartbreaking loss.

03-23-2013, 10:59 AM

So when are they gonna start selling 'Fido' t shirts and other related items???

Gene C · (This post was last modified: 03-23-2013 12:51 PM by Gene C.)

I'll see if I can get some coffee cups made up in time for the next Surratt Conference. Maybe some sock puppets for the kids and Dave Taylor.

RJNorton · 03-23-2013, 12:56 PM

DanielC · 03-23-2013, 02:08 PM

Roger, sign me up. I want one!

03-27-2013, 07:27 AM

(03-23-2013 12:56 PM)RJNorton Wrote:

Donna McCreary · 04-03-2013, 01:45 PM

(03-23-2013 04:09 AM)RJNorton Wrote: Donna, have you ever seen the following quote attributed to Mary?

"The public will not tolerate a dog, even the president's dog, if that animal soils the White House carpets, or damages the heritage furniture in that mansion. Those items are public property and are held in trust by the president and should not be despoiled by any animal."

Linda found an article that uses this quote as Mary's reason for not bringing Fido to Washington. I have tried to research the quote but have drawn a blank. I also wrote the author asking his source but have received no reply.

I have not seen this quote, and it reads like pure fiction. If Mary thought one word of this to be true, she would never have allowed goats in the bedrooms of the White House. I have every reason to believe that Mary was at home shedding tears while Lincoln and the boys took Fido to his new home.