"Your letter on McClellan reminds me of a story that I (A. Lincoln)
heard in Washington, when I was here before. There was an editor in
Rhode Island noted for his love of fun--it came to him
irresistibly--and he could not help saying just what came to his mind.
He was appointed postmaster by Tyler. Some time after Tyler vetoed the
Bank Bill, and came into disrepute with the Whigs, a conundrum went the
round of the papers. It was as follows: 'Why is John Tyler like an
ass?' This editor copied the conundrum and could not resist the
temptation to answer it, which he did thus: 'Because he _is_ an ass!'
This piece of fun cost him his head--but it was a fact!"--(_Chatauque
Democrat_.)
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