Lincoln: dope smoking harmonica player?

[LincolnMan]

This year we have Lincoln the Vampire Slayer-a movie I haven't seen but because of my interest in all things Lincoln-I'm constantly asked about. Oh well. Today I arrived at work in the Emergency Room to find a quote supposed to be by Lincoln as follows: "Two of my favorite things are sitting on my front porch smoking a pipe of sweet hemp, and playing my Hohner harmonica." Watching my reaction, the ER staff broke out laughing. So, I know the answer to this but I thought I'd check with you all-my esteemed Forum friends-any truth at all in this? Is there something written somewhere (credible) that claims Lincoln smoked dope? I'm laughing asking you all this! As far as musical instruments- he may have played around with a "jaw harp" but not a harmonica. Any musical instrument used by him?

[HerbS]

Bill,I don't know the answer,but methinks it's a "set up"

[L Verge]

I agree with Herb. Be a good historian and ask your friends in the ER to cite their sources!

[LincolnMan]

Herb & Laurie: I think you appreciate the humor in this. They all laughed and so did I. Great suggestion Laurie. I just thought I'd consult with the Lincoln buffs here to see if there is anything to it. If you read Roger's post-he cited that Lincoln may have played the harmonica. Keep smiling!

[Craig Hipkins]

Maybe this had something to do with his "Melancholy"

Craig

[LincolnMan]

Well to play good blues one must know sadness and melancholy, right?

[LincolnMan]

So no evidence anywhere that Lincoln smoked anything? I sure don't remember any citation of it.

[Rob Wick]

Interesting that you mention that Bill, because Ida Tarbell was asked that question several times by her correspondents. She always replied that Robert Todd Lincoln told her in no uncertain terms that his father never used tobacco of any form in any way.

Best
Rob

[LincolnMan]

Really? Thanks Rob. I didn't think the question was too off base. I'm asked it frequently.

[L Verge]

Call me naive, but for some reason I cannot envision Mr. Lincoln smoking anything! For one thing, cigarettes did not become popular in the U.S. until after the Crimean War, where soldiers were introduced to them. I can't see Lincoln puffing on a cigar or a pipe.

If he used tobacco in any form (and I doubt that he did), I can only think of him "having a chaw."

[LincolnMan]

Prince Albert in a can?

[Hess1865]

better let him out!!!!

[LincolnMan]

I was wondering if someone would complete the joke. Thanks Hess1865!

[Ashley Norman]

I saw Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter and I honestly think it takes aways from the history of the Lincolns becasue of the vampire thing and it protrays them quite differently . I was unable to enjoy the movie becasue it had the basic pinpoint of Abraham but strayed big time away from who he was and what he could accomplish a man and president.

It was a good movie scifi wise but thats about it . it completely spins the Abraham in to a totaly new person. there are a few senes that have some historaical value but not much. I didnt care for it and i like the joke about it . ( i read that one on here i like it )