Dr. Hovey, of Dansville, New York, thought he would call and see the President.
Upon arriving at the White House he found the President on horseback, ready for a start.
Approaching him, he said:
"President Lincoln, I thought I would call and see you before leaving the city, and hear you tell a story."
The President greeted him pleasantly, and asked where he was from.
"From Western New York."
"Well, that's a good enough country without stories," replied the President, and off he rode.