"Herndon was born mediocre"

[Donna McCreary]

Let us not forget Robert Lincoln's comments about Herndon, for they bring another aspect to the story.
In a letter to Emilie Todd Helm, dated July 26, 1918, Robert wrote:
"As you know, the blackguard Herndon after my father's death in revenging himself for being prevented by his drunken habits from receiving any Government patronage, conceived the idea of casting all sort of aspersions upon Nancy Hanks." He then proceeds to discuss Herndon's lies regarding Nancy and her marriage to Thomas Lincoln.