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525. John Lightfoot (William H. Herndon Interview).

Septr 13th '87

Saw John Lightfoot to day: he says that Oliphant wrote the poetry about the Talisman — the Steam Boat of '32 — Says that Pollock was the Commander — remembers one verse of the poem — the same one that Matheny does — remembers the ball given in honor of the occasion — Mrs. Pollock — the mistress of Polic got tipsy & played the devil — so report said at the time in '32. The Elite and Cultured ladies of the city were in high dudgeon — highly offended. &c. &c.

Lightfoot further Says that it was currently reported in 38 — 40 that Lincoln Courted Sarah Rickard — that she flung him high & dry (Rember Speeds letter about the word Sarah H) Don Matheny and Susan Rickard were Engaged to be married — Don died about '34 — 5 — Susan in subsequent years married Dav Talbott, whose wife went deranged because of the loss of any only daughter —

640

She is too bad to be Examined now as to the fact of Lincoln's Courtship with Sarah — now Mrs Barrett of Kansas — will See John Rickard — Miss Butler & others.

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 3417

nts

Notes.

1. Ethelbert P. Oliphant.

2. See §318. Marginal note: See Speeds letter wherein he says scratched out a certain word & that word is Sarah.

3. Three lines of text were stricken.