Envy of a Humorist
It is difficult for the present generation to perceive the streak of fun in “the Petroleum V. Nasby Papers” which regaled our grandfathers, and Mr. Lincoln above others, who waited eagerly for the next letter in the press. He requested the presentation of the author, John Locke, and thanked him face to face—neither, like the augurs, able to keep his face—for such antidotes to the blues. He said to a friend of “the Postmaster at Confedrit X-rodes”:
“If ‘Petroleum’ would impart his talent to me, I would swap places with him!”