Lincoln and Syphilis

[AussieMick]

(04-05-2019 02:42 PM)Rob Wick Wrote:  Roger,

..........
I'm curious about something else. If some type of documented proof could be produced that Lincoln visited prostitutes, what do those who don't think it's true believe it would say about Lincoln?

Best
Rob

As I said previously, I consider it credible that Lincoln visited prostitutes. But I want to express an opinion as to what it says about Lincoln. Simply that he was a man of his time. Not perfect. A man of his time ... but also a 'man for the ages' ... a very special one.

(As a politician, statesman, and strategist ? Probably the best there has ever been. As a human being, father and husband ... as far as I can see, much better than most.)

I want to point out that
1. He was faithful to Mary (unless someone can prove or even suggest to the
contrary).
2. I can think of several (I think we could all nominate a dozen fairly easily) politicians that achieved fame and acclamation despite being extremely promiscuous (and sometimes whilst being unfaithful to their wives).

[Gene C]

Thanks everyone for the information, this has been interesting.

I need to make a correction of my post # 29
Lincoln does not seem to have told or repeated the story of his meeting with Speed's "female friend", the source is Speed with Herndon repeating it.

So, did it really happen?
Yes and no. The meeting possibly happened, but nothing 'happened'.