"I have introduced General Cass' accounts here chiefly to show the
wonderful physical capacities of the man. They show that he not only
did the labor of several men at the same time, but that he often did it
at several places many hundred miles apart, at the same time! And at
eating, too, his capacities are shown to be quite as wonderful. From
October, 1821, to May, 1822, he ate ten rations a day in Michigan, ten
a day here in Washington, and near five dollars' worth a day besides,
partly on the road between the two places. And then there is an
important discovery in his example: 'The art of being paid for what one
eats, instead of having to pay for it.' Hereafter, if any nice man
shall owe a bill which he cannot pay, he can just board it
out!"--(Speech, House of Representatives, July 27, 1848.)
(A tilt at a general drawing rations for himself and staff.)
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