11 July 1864: “Do you perceive,” said Forrest, “that there is a contrast between my whiskers and the hair on my head?”

Item Description: “Too Good to be Lost,” The Daily Journal (Wilmington, N.C.), 11 July 1864, page 2, column 2.

18640711

Transcription:

Too Good to be Lost.

It is said that when Gen. Forrest, last spring, was en route from Marion to this city, he was accosted in the cars by a loquacious lady, who took a seat by his side and addressed him in something like the following strain, ” I think,” said she, “that all the glory that covers our arms is due singly and alone to private soldiers ; they do the fighting—not the officers—and for my part I will give them all the praise. I have a beautiful home not far distant ; and, as I am blessed with plenty, I desire that whenever private soldiers pass by my residence they should call on me, so that I may feed and otherwise cheer them on their toilsome way. I don’t care whether an epauletted officer enters my house, &c., &c.”

“Do you perceive,” said Forrest, “that there is a contrast between my whiskers and the hair on my head?”

“Yes,” answered the lady, surveying the General, “I see that your head is inclined to be gray, while your whiskers are very black and glossy. Can you explain why this is so ?” asked the lady.

“Certainty, madam,” said Forrest, fixing his keen eyes upon her inquisitive face, “the explanation is easy : I work with my head a great deal, while I use my jaw as little as possible.”

The lady took the hint and said no more.

Item Citation: “Too Good to be Lost,” The Daily Journal (Wilmington, N.C.), 11 July 1864, page 2, column 2. Call number C071 W74j, North Carolina Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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