Lincoln and Ann Rutledge

[Gene C]

Is it equally remotely possible that Derickson was there to help protect Lincoln's life? There had been attempts on Lincoln's life as he traveled back and forth to Washington.
(You could say he was working under cover )

You forgot to mention this one. I've read that Lamon sometimes used to sleep outside of Lincoln's bedroom at the foot of the door as he was concerned about Lincoln's safety. Now that's a bit out of the ordinary. Maybe he slipped inside when everyone else was asleep?

Sometimes we see what we want to see.