“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.
I'm sorry too have insulted you then.
You see, I know some of these guys. Not McPherson, but some in his circle and with nearly the same standing. Obviously I cannot name names. But I have been told face to face, following a class where I commented that the winners write the history, by someone with standing: "You know that is still true. If I tried to write about some of the things you said today, it wouldn't be good for my career."
Regarding the Baltimore Plot, I see you too omitted any mention of Mrs. Lincoln and the children. And BTW, it wasn't Pinkerton detectives. It was Pinkerton himself.
ML/NJ