Lincoln the Comedian

As most people know, Lincoln was quite humorous. In one section of the February 15, 1869 edition of the Milwaukee Daily Sentinel, one can find two examples of his hilarity.

In the first example, located halfway through the article, recalls the story of Gen. Edwin H. Stoughton, who was famously captured by Mosby's Rangers (led by Confederate partisan John S. Mosby). Upon hearing of his capture, Lincoln replied, "I don't mind the Brigadier -- I can make a new one anytime -- but I'd like to get those horses back, they cost $125 apiece."

In the second example, featured on the very bottom of the article, another tale of Lincoln's wit is displayed when -- another military comander -- Gen. Robert C. Schenck -- declined to sign a military petition on the condition that he was "not asking favors of Abe Lincoln." Upon hearing this, Lincoln sent a letter to Schenck stating, "Ain't asking favors of me, eh? Read this." He then proceeded to show an application in which Schenck formally requested the assignment which he subsequently turned down when he stated that he was "not asking for favors."

(click on the link below to see the article for yourselves)