Five Funny Stories About Past Presidents

Most of our past presidents were not noted especially for their wit and humor many of the things they said and did were amusing to their contemporaries and still seem funny today. Some of the incidents recounted tell us a lot about our common history and our chief-executives.

1 The Charm of Bullets

George Washington had a reputation being seemingly immune to being hit by bullets during battle. In 1954 a London newspaper quoted a young Washington after a battle with the French and Native Americans at Great Meadows. “I heard the bullets whistle, and believe me, there is something charming in the sounds”.

2 Worst Way

Abraham Lincoln attended his first ball in Springfield Illinois because he wished to see Mary Todd. “Miss Todd” he said, “I should like to dance with you in the worst way.” Afterward Mary told a friend: “He certainly did!”

3 Grants Whiskey

Lincoln was known to tease the Temperance ladies that occasionally come to visit him. One time in 1863 they asked him to fire General Grant. When Lincoln asked why they replied, “he drinks too much whiskey”. Lincoln said “Well I wish some of you would tell me the brand of whiskey that Grand drinks. I would like to send a barrel of it to everyone of my other generals.”

4 Freedom of the Press

During a visit to Thomas Jefferson, a German scientist saw a newspaper in the Presidents’ study filled with abusive articles about him. The German scientist questioned why this was allowed and not suppressed with its editor fined and imprisoned. Jefferson replied “Put that paper in your pocket and should you heard the reality of our liberty, the freedom of the press questioned, show them this paper and tell the where you found it.

5 Polo

In 1888 Theodore Roosevelt organized a polo team in Oyster Bay, Long Island where he lived. To get more action in the game he reduced the team from four men to three. He got more action and so many injuries he was on one occasion knocked senseless. At first his wife was upset by his accidents. Gradually however, she came to understand his zest for rough riding and began accepting in injuries. When he came home on day with a cut on his forehead she said: “Theodore, I do wish you’d do your bleeding in the bathroom. You are spoiling every rug in the house.”