Presidential Puns

Mr. Lincoln, in his happier moments, is not always reminded of a “little story,” but often indulges in a veritable joke.  One of the latest reported in his remark when he found himself attacked by the varioloid.  He had been recently very much worried by people asking favors.  “Well,” said he, when the contagious disease was coming upon him.  “I’ve got something now that I can give to everybody.”  About the time when there was considerable grumbling as to the delay in forwarding to the troops the money due them, a Western paymaster, in full major attire, was one day introduced at a public reception.  “Being here, Mr. Lincoln,” said he, “I thought I’d call and pay my respects.”  “From the complaints of the soldiers,” responded the President, “I just that’s about all any of you do pay.

It is told by a general correspondent who is probably “reliable” that Mr. Lincoln was walking up Pennsylvania avenue the other day, relating a “little story to Secretary Seward, when the latter called his attention to a new sign bearing the name of “T. R. Strong.”  “Ha!” says Old Abe, his countenance lighting up with a peculiar smile, “T. R. Strong but coffee are stronger.”  Seward smiled, but made no reply We don’t see how he could replay after so atrocious a thing as that.

SOURCE: New York Daily Herald, New York, New York, Friday, February 19, 1864, p. 5, and copied from the New York Evening Post, New York, New York, Wednesday, February 17, 1864.