Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation Owes Big $$$

[Rob Wick]

I have to echo what Dave said. James and I first met when we were paired together as presenters for a session at the Conference on Illinois History. We've corresponded on several occasions, and I could tell at times that he was frustrated by what was happening in Springfield, but I have to add that not once did he ever say anything disparaging about anyone there. He was always professional.

As for the hat, I don't have any evidence to back this up, but I've always believed about 1/4 of the items that collectors believe to be Lincoln-owned or related are spurious. Oliver Barrett once told Carl Sandburg something to the effect that he knew he had been taken several times, but he continued to spend on his collection in the hopes that what he bought was real.

I hope James lands on his feet.

Best
Rob