Better Looking Than Expected
(Related by the President to Grace Greenwood):
“As I recall it, the story, told very simply and tersely, but with inimitable drollery, ran that a certain honest old farmer, visiting the capital for the first time, was taken by the member of Congress for his ‘deestrict,’ to some large gathering or entertainment. He went in order to see the President. Unfortunately, Mr. Lincoln did not appear; and the congressman, being a bit of a wag, and not liking to have his constituent disappointed, designated Mr. R., of Minnesota. He was a gentleman of a particularly round and rubicund countenance. The worthy agriculturist, greatly astonished, exclaimed:
“Is that old Abe? Well, I du declare! He’s a better-lookin’ man than I expected to see; but it do seem as how his troubles have druv him to drink!’”