S.O.S

[RJNorton]

Laurie, the original source for this story is Francis P. Burke (as told to Tom Pendel). Burke is the same man who drove the Lincoln party to Ford's Theatre on the night of April 14, 1865. One thing I've noticed about Burke is all the differences in spellings depending on which source or book one is reading. He has been referred to as Edward “Ned” Burke, Ned Burke, Francis Burns, Edward Burke, Francis Bourke, and Francis P. Burke. One White House employee referred to him as "Old Edward." John Fazio has studied the situation and concluded the correct name for Lincoln's coachman was Francis P. Burke.

I checked the Fehrenbachers' Recollected Words, and although Pendel is mentioned, this story of what Lincoln said to Forbes is not. Thus, there is no rating for the veracity Lincoln's words. My opinion, for what it's worth, is that the story rings true. (Nevertheless, as a general rule of thumb, I agree 100% with David with respect to employing caution when using Hertz as a source.)