"Stump the Yankee"

[RJNorton]

I have always read that Lincoln quit the blue pill regimen about five months into his presidency. That story from Mary Lincoln I have not seen before. I believe William Thompson (druggist) testified at the John Surratt trial. He said Herold was connected with only one prescription of Lincoln's, and that was a small vial of castor-oil, not blue mass. Offhand I cannot disprove the Wikipedia story, but I'd like to see more evidence of its veracity. My initial reaction is to be skeptical.

Bill, what you mentioned about Booth was also said of Lincoln. I have read that some of Lincoln's Illinois friends and colleagues noted that the Lincoln was prone to sudden mood swings and angry outbursts. This could be due to mercury poisoning from taking the blue mass.