Gettysburg Address ... easy question? maybe

[L Verge]

Welcome to the forum, Michael. It's wonderful to have a member from Australia. I will say 272 words. I am a retired teacher, and when students write me and ask this question, I say 272 in my reply. Does the correct answer have to do with whether or not Lincoln said the words "under God" in his actual speech at Gettysburg?

I'm with Roger on this one. It all boils down to two versions written by Lincoln before the speech and three versions written by him after the speech in which "under God" has been inserted.

I did hear that credence is being given to the latter because at least three reporters were taking notes and quoted "under God" in their telegraphs. Has this been authenticated?