Lincoln in the Telegraph Office on April 14, 1865

[RJNorton]

(08-23-2016 08:25 AM)L Verge Wrote:  I think we need to remember that the MPD officers assigned to the White House (as well as much of the force) were men who had not entered military service for a variety of reasons. Many of them were not "quality" candidates for heavy duty as bodyguards.

Very true, Laurie. Mr. James O. Hall writes:

"Parker's spotty record was not unique. Several personnel files for this period were examined, including those for four officers who served on the White House detail in 1864-1865. These are replete with such allegations as: mistreating prisoners, violent language to citizens, intoxication on duty, brawling in the station, refusal to assist other officers, discharging firearms in a public place, and the like. The Metropolitan Police took what men it could get in wartime and did the best it could to maintain some semblance of discipline."

(08-23-2016 08:25 AM)L Verge Wrote:  The broken poker analogy might have just been a facetious statement at that moment in time, which the ever-cautious Stanton took seriously (if the situation even occurred)???

As far as I know David Homer Bates' reminiscences about Eckert's ability to break pokers are the only ones. And Bill Binzel's research casts doubt on the veracity of Bates' words.

Has anyone ever seen the "pokers' story" where it was reported by someone other than Bates?