That may be because McPherson, like anyone in his profession is limited in what he can write, or because he would rather not write the ugly truth. Look up the Baltimore Plot in BCoF. You will find a rather mysterious short paragraph about it. There was word of an assassination plot to be effected in Baltimore so Lincoln changed trains to avoid notice in Baltimore. McPherson reports that Lincoln "regretted the decision." Hmm? What's wrong with this picture? Die in Baltimore, or arrive alive in DC? What's to regret? There is a "rest of the story," as Paul Harvey might call it, and it doesn't reflect very well on "Honest" Abe's character. Leaving it out is such an honest omission.
ML/NJ
“McPherson reports that Lincoln “regretted the decision.” Hmm? What’s wrong with this picture?”
What’s wrong with this picture is that you omit important facts. Pinckerton detectives who guarded Lincoln told him of the plot and urged him to switch trains. He did it but it led to all kinds of speculation by anti Lincoln newspapers that he snuck into town in a disguise, and it became lore over time. In fact, he came into town in his regular clothes and there was nothing sneaky about it. Lincoln regretted giving his detractors ammunition to insinuate he was a coward.
“That may be because McPherson, like anyone in his profession is limited in what he can write”
Ya know, this is insulting to anyone with half a brain, not to mention the many historians who write what they believe to be the truth. The idea that men like McPherson write what they don’t believe because there are forces out there that prevent them from writing what they want is just plain ignorant. It’s what people who can’t defend their position say about people they don’t agree with.