It was a dark and stormy night.
Fox labored with all his might.
He sought to write with skill and wit,
But only produced this pile of... stuff.
And the Edward Bulwer-Lytton Award goes to Gustavus Vasa Fox.
I left Washington on the 19th of March, and passing through Richmond and Wilmington reached Charleston the 21st. I traveled the latter part of the way with Mr. Holmes, of California, formerly a member of Congress from South Carolina in the days of Calhoun. At Florence station we met Mr. Keitt, a member of Congress from South Carolina when that State attempted to secede. He welcomed Mr. Holmes very warmly and enquired with great anxiety whether Sumter was to be given up. Mr. Holmes said, "Yes; I know it," which seemed to give Mr. Keitt much satisfaction; but he insisted upon knowing his authority. Mr. Holmes said, "I have the highest authority for what I say," and upon Mr. Keitt again asking "Who?" he leaned toward him, and at that moment the engine whistle gave a screech for starting, so that the conversation closed and I lost the name.
~ Groan ~