Lincoln and Syphilis

[RJNorton]

(04-03-2019 11:27 AM)Rob Wick Wrote:  So, do you think Herndon was lying?
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Rob

Offhand, I can only think of 2 stories. The first is where Lincoln allegedly contracted syphilis, apparently from a prostitute, "during a devilish passion" in Beardstown, Illinois. This was c. 1835. I just cannot believe Herndon on this. Sure, it could have happened, but it just doesn't sound like Lincoln to me. As far as the story of Lincoln walking out on the prostitute because he was short the money...I have trouble believing that one, too. It sounds more like a joke Lincoln might tell rather than a truthful occurrence.

But perhaps my greatest reason for thinking as I do is Lincoln's behavior on the circuit. He was away from home nearly half the year (roughly 3 months at a time), and he apparently did not go home during breaks like the other circuit riders did. And there is no evidence whatsoever (that I know of) that Lincoln ever visited a house of prostitution. He sure had the opportunity. Yes, he was married at that time, but for men whose lifestyle includes visiting prostitutes, this is often no barrier. IMO, Lincoln's lifestyle did not include visits to prostitutes even if it was a common practice on the frontier.

As for Lincoln's reputation at New Salem I agree he had not yet developed much to protect. Yet others tried to protect it for him. Remember Samuel Hill apparently burned Lincoln's book on infidelity. Is there a single New Salem resident who ever said Lincoln visited prostitutes?

Just my opinion, Rob.