Presidents and First Ladies Trivia

[RJNorton]

I found the story in a source that I have found is not always reliable. It is on p. 257 of Emanuel Hertz' Lincoln Talks, a source which needs to be used with a great deal of caution.

“So you want to be a doorkeeper of the House, eh?”
“Yes, Mr. President.”

“Well, have you ever been a doorkeeper? Have you ever had any experience of doorkeeping?”
“Well, no-no actual experience, sir.”

“Any theoretical experience? Any instructions in the duties and ethics of doorkeeping?”
“Umph–no.”

“Have you ever attended lectures on doorkeeping?”
“No, sir.”

“Have you read any text on the subject?”
“No.”

“Have you conversed with anyone who has read such a book?”
“No, sir, I’m afraid no, sir.”

“Well, then my friend don’t you see that you haven’t a single qualification for this important post?” said Lincoln.

Hertz gives his source as The Lincoln Scrapbook, New York Public Library. I am not familiar with that source.