Many amusing stories are told of President Lincoln and his gloves. At
about the time of his third reception he had on a tight-fitting pair of
white kids, which he had with difficulty got on. He saw approaching in
the distance an old Illinois friend named Simpson, whom he welcomed with
a genuine Sangamon county (Illeenoy) shake, which resulted in bursting
his white kid glove, with an audible sound. Then, raising his brawny
hand up before him, looking at it with an indescribable expression, he
said, while the whole procession was checked, witnessing this scene:
“Well, my old friend, this is a general bustification. You and I were
never intended to wear these things. If they were stronger they might do
well enough to keep out the cold, but they are a failure to shake hands
with between old friends like us. Stand aside, Captain, and I’ll see you
shortly.”
Simpson stood aside, and after the unwelcome ceremony was terminated he
rejoined his old Illinois friend in familiar intercourse.