Though a Democrat, Member of Congress John Ganson, of New York,
supported the President, and he thought himself entitled to enjoy what
no one had surprised or captured--the confidence of Abraham's bosom, as
was the current phrase. He, calling, insisted that he ought to know the
true situation of things military and political, so that he might
justify himself among his friends. Ganson was bald as the egg and was
the most clean-shaven of men. The "Northern Nero" eyed the presumptuous
satrap fixedly, and drawled:
"Ganson, how clean you shave!"
He had escaped another inquisition by his close shave. (Told by Senator
C. M. Depew.)
* * * * *