Any recommendations on a book about William O. Stoddard?

[LincolnMan]

Here is a funny story provided to us by William O. Stoddard writing of times with President Lincoln:

"There is no end to the mere-fault-finding, nor to the suggestions of plans of campaigns and proposed improvements in management, Here is one now, just opened. It is from a man in Tolono, Ill., and he proposes to open the Confederate blockade of the Potomac from Washington down to Fortress Monroe. He says he has invented a cross-eyed gun, with two barrels, set at an angle so as to shoot in both directions, and he proposes to raise a regiment of cross-eyed men to use the new weapons. "I know enough of cross-eyed men to fill up the regiment, and, by thunder! Mr. Lincoln, I'm cross-eyed enough to be colonel of it. We could march down the river and clean out both banks at once." We take that letter across the hall. "How do you think it would work, Mr. Lincoln?" "Well, I don't know but what's there's about as much in it as there is in some of the other plans they want me to take." He got a laugh out of it, anyhow, and that is something."

Thank you Mr. Stoddard for the story of the proposed cross-eyed gun! I wonder how that would work?

[Rob Wick]

Now that's funny. Thanks, Bill.

Best
Rob

[RJNorton]

Bill, it's 5:22 A.M. as I read your post, and I am laughing so hard I am going to awake my poor wife!

[LincolnMan]

Roger: I know! It cracked me up too. And to think, it wasn't meant as a joke! Glad we can smile.

[L Verge]

I'm not cross-eyed, but there I times when I feel like I could use that type of gun when people are coming at me right and left!

[LincolnMan]

There is what is called an "over and under" shotgun but I've never heard of nor can I conceive of a "cross-eyed" gun. It would come in handy for those flank sneak attacks Laurie.

[mbgross]

There is a biography of Stoddard called Lincoln's Third Secretary edited by William O. Stoddard Jr. Banner Books 1955. I have a copy that is signed by his granddaughter. Hope this helps.

[LincolnMan]

I just ordered it! Thank you.

[Gene C]

Speaking of William Stoddard, I found this item about him interesting. It's about how he came to be one of Lincoln's staff.
From "the Story-Life of Lincoln" compiled by Wayne Whipple.

https://archive.org/stream/storylifeofli...6/mode/1up