James Garfield Tomb

[RJNorton]

(05-30-2019 11:48 AM)Anita Wrote:  It's a mystery why Robert called for Bliss.

I totally agree with you.

I disagree with journalist Fred Rosen when he writes that Doctor Bliss was ever at the Petersen House. One of the absolute best sources of who came to the Petersen House is W. Emerson Reck's Abraham Lincoln: His Last 24 Hours. There is no mention whatsoever of Bliss ever coming to the Petersen House. Even if Bliss were sent for by Dr. Leale, no eyewitness (that I know of) ever saw him show up. I say this despite some sources saying he was there.

I think the idea that Robert Lincoln called for Bliss because he was at the Petersen House is wrong, plain and simple; even Robert himself said he summoned Bliss because he thought Bliss was Garfield's personal physician (which seems to be incorrect, but that is what Robert claimed in a letter to his friend, Norman Williams). There is no mention of Robert remembering Bliss from being at the deathbed of his father. IMO, some writers have put thoughts into Robert's head that did not exist.

Why Robert called for Bliss is indeed a mystery.