Things Lincoln never said

[RJNorton]

I am with Roger on the first quote. I've seen the quote (and variations) attributed to Lincoln but don't think I have ever seen an original source for it.

David Herbert Donald's source for the second quote is an article by James Grant Wilson in the February 1909 edition of Putnam's Magazine. Wilson writes:

"I find in my diary, under date of Wednesday, March 15, 1865, the following entries: "Enjoyed an enjoyable afternoon drive with Mrs. S.A. Douglas. In the evening at Grover's Theatre, with the President, Mrs. Lincoln, and Miss Harris, listening to the opera of 'The Magic Flute,' and occupying a comfortable box. The President, alluding to the large feet of one of the leading female singers, which were also very flat, remarked, "The beetles wouldn't have much of a chance there!" When asked by Mrs. Lincoln to go before the last act of the opera was concluded, he said, "Oh no, I want to see it out. It's best when you understand a job to finish it."

Eva, I doubt there's another source for the quote. We just have to rely on Wilson's recollection. I should also note that in the Fehrenbachers' book, the authors write of Wilson, "There may be as much invention as remembrance in his recollected words of Lincoln." However, I would think that if the quote comes from a diary being kept in March 1865 there is a pretty reasonable chance the quote is accurate.