Lincoln and Syphilis

[Gene C]

I was thinking the same thing Roger.
It has been mentioned that Lincoln enjoyed humor of all kinds, a self deprecating story or joke (including one such as not having enough money to pay Speed's friend) was not beneath him.
Sometimes a funny joke or story doesn't translate to the printed page very well.

Consider Herndon, at the age of 70, repeats Speed's story of Lincoln meeting Speed's lady friend 25 years after he heard it, which is another 25 years after Speed indicates it occurred. Herndon is depending on his memory because prior to this letter to Weik, he had not written it down?
Herndon is also living with the cumulative effects of alcoholism for roughly 20? years.
These may or may not be factors regarding the accuracy of the story Herndon relates to Weik.

Would someone who has the 'Herndon On Lincoln : Letters' book start a thread in the book section and tell us more about it. I'm interested, but my book shelf is overflowing.