"Stump the Yankee"

[Rob Wick]

Bill,

I've got Tarbell's handwritten notes for that article. Sometime when I've downed a few beers, I'll try to decipher them.

Best
Rob

[RJNorton]

Great! Maybe that will cure my blepharitis (if you post them).

[J. Beckert]

Scoreboard : Rebels 4
Yankee 1

Good afternoon and welcome back to another fascinating installment of "Stump the Yankee". I'm so excited about this particular round, if we don't get going right now, I'm gonna just bust! Let's get started.

First, we have a few things to discuss. Unfortunately, the Prize Vault is empty. Everything I've given away has been something I collected over the years that I had good intentions for that never materialized. I hope everyone who has won something has enjoyed it.

Next - the scoreboard. I'm much chagrined at my performance as of late. That's about to end! Today's question comes from deep in my assassination - facts - I - know - that - nobody - else - cares - about - file. Here it is, you Rebels....

Robert Todd Lincoln was a bit of a pack rat. He was a careful steward of his father's papers and possessions. He kept three items (one is actually several by itself) that were very close to Lincoln on April 14th., 1865. Name all three, and although I haven't ironed out all the details yet, you will win a three night stay at Roger Norton's house in sunny Florida. Good Luck!!

[L Verge]

Jason Emerson - Tell me, don't tell the forum!!!

[RJNorton]

The only things that immediately come to mind are the items in his dad's pockets on April 14. Am I on the right track?

[LincolnMan]

Not sure if I want to be in Florida right now. Has the massive storm bypassed you Roger?

[RJNorton]

Bill, Hurricane Sandy just gave us a couple of windy days. We are the lucky ones.

[LincolnMan]

Wow-thank goodness. Pray for everyone's safety.

[L Verge]

Since Jason hasn't gotten back to me, and before Sandy takes my computer away: Joe, I'm taking a stab at the one collection of items (?) being first drafts of the Emancipation Proclamation, his inaugural addresses, and the Gettysburg address.... I'm still thinking on the other two.

[J. Beckert]

Sorry, Laurie, it's none of those things. Score one for the politest man on the internet! One of the things I was looking for that was actually several items, were the contents of Lincoln's pockets.

The last two are much simpler. I think it's time for crappy hint # 1 - Every one of you have these things in your home. (And no- one is not a Rebel flag, Laurie.)

I'll check back later. I have to start packing for my trip to Florida. If it's not asking too much, Roger, see if Vicky can line up a date for me for next weekend. I think the only thing that could mess this up for me is if Rich Smyth shows up..........

[L Verge]

Darn! I thought about the pocket contents, but figured that was too easy. And, believe it or not, I do not own and never have owned a Rebel flag. There goes my reputation as an unreconstructed Southerner. Now Bill and Rick won't speak to me!

[J. Beckert]

You're thinking too hard, Laurie. These last two things are everyday household items.

[RJNorton]

If it's not asking too much, Roger, see if Vicky can line up a date for me for next weekend. I think the only thing that could mess this up for me is if Rich Smyth shows up..........

Joe, I think you may already know Denise Richards was a student in my classroom in 1984. Would she be OK?

[J. Beckert]

Sure - as long as Rob doesn't get mad at me.

[Rob Wick]

Don't worry Joe. Denise stopped returning my calls after Ida Tarbell entered my life. She's all yours.

Best
Rob