Lincoln and Syphilis

[Rob Wick]

Roger,

Certainly it is not impossible that Lincoln might have been a virgin, but I think it's unlikely. There seems to be anecdotal evidence that he could seriously flirt with young women and he did ask Speed if Speed knew where he could "get some." To be honest, I think it's generally more in character that Lincoln could have visited prostitutes with his shyness. After all, it's more a business transaction than an attempt to get to know someone deep enough to form a romantic attachment. I can't sit here and say that Lincoln was a weekly customer somewhere (there is no evidence that I'm familiar with to suggest that), but I find it difficult to accept that someone under the thumb of a strict Baptist father might not find it the ultimate in rebellion to "sow his wild oats" once he was out on his own in New Salem. It is also quite possible that after Lincoln believed himself to have syphilis he might have curtailed his visits out of guilt.

So, do you think Herndon was lying?

Best
Rob