Lincoln & Herndon

[RJNorton]

(07-18-2014 08:59 AM)Eva Elisabeth Wrote:  As for Abraham Lincoln's opinion of the Todd family - though we've argued that he might have appreciated into this "aristocratic" clan, what was his opinion of such "status"? As often, I don't recall where and I'm not sure whether he really said this, but he's quoted saying: "One 'd' was enough for God's name, but not for the Todds." If he said this it sounds he was somewhat opposed to the Todd family's self-image?

Hi Eva. Here is the story as I understand it:

One evening Abraham Lincoln mentioned the fact that David Tod, the wartime Governor of Ohio, who had declined Lincoln's invitation to succeed Salman P. Chase as Secretary of the Treasury, had occasion to visit Washington in 1863 on government business. During an interview with President Lincoln, the President remarked, "You are perhaps aware, Governor, that my wife is a member of the Todd family of Kentucky, and they all spell their name with two d's. How is it that you use but one?"

David Tod replied, "Mr. President, God spells his name with one d, and one is enough for the Governor of Ohio."