Tarbell on Otto Eisenschiml

[Gene C]

Bill, I don't know much about Stanton. He certainly doesn't seem the most likeable fellow, but what examples are there of him being dishonest. Would Lincoln have picked him for such a responsible position if he thought he was dishonest? Was he dishonest in a different way than Cameron was dishonest?

[JMadonna]

(11-05-2012 02:12 PM)william l. richter Wrote:  He can disagree off the record but if he cannot carry out his boss' policies, an honest man resigns. Stanton was anything but honest.

Stanton did resign after the Union took Richmond but Lincoln begged him to stay through reconstruction so that Lincoln could avoid short-sighted decisions like this one.

I disagree with your statement that "Stanton was anything but honest". Considering that he took a significant pay cut to serve his country and returned millions to the treasury without benefiting himself or members of his family like is so often the case today (ex: Harry Reid), I'd say he was honest. Brutally honest to be sure but I can't think of anyone who claimed that he cheated anyone for his own benefit.

[Bill Richter]

Jerry,

I am not talking about monetary honesty. Let's face it you and I will never agree on Stanton. I still have a soft spot for the notion that he killed Lincoln, even though I have written extensively otherwise. I am still buying you that beer at the annual meeting!

[JMadonna]

Damn unreconstructed rebel!
Ok, I'll accept that.

[Laurie Verge]

Can I sit in on the conversation when the two of you have that beer at the Surratt conference?

[Bill Richter]

Well, if I am willing to drink with Yankee, I guess everyone ought to get in on the act!