Lincoln and Syphilis

[RJNorton]

(04-02-2019 05:21 AM)AussieMick Wrote:  However, he was teetotal (I'm being serious) so he was able to resist peer pressure and he could have controlled his desires.

Michael, your comment reminded me of the following alleged incident; it may be apocryphal. I do not know the source (possibly Herndon or Speed?). But I have definitely seen the story in books.

"Lincoln visited a prostitute. He was still a poor man at this point in life. When he made it in and found out that the night would cost him $5.00, he had to admit that he only had $3.00.

"I’ll trust you, Mr. Lincoln, for $2.00," the prostitute tried to reassure him. But Lincoln wouldn’t do it.

"I do not wish to go on credit,” Lincoln said. "I’m poor, and I don’t know where my next dollar will come from, and I cannot afford to cheat you."

Not wanting to waste the prostitute’s time, Lincoln tried to give her the $3.00 he had. But she wouldn’t take it. He left, refusing to accept her services if he couldn't pay an honest rate.

As he walked out, the prostitute said, "You are the most conscientious man I ever saw."