Lincoln the "rail splitter" not so skilled at dancing?

Abraham Lincoln had many skills and talents, among them were those that involved physical adeptness. His wrestling prowess was well-known. His rail splitting skills were legendary. Even on his death bed the physicians attending him were amazed by his well-toned muscles. Apparently, he was not so good at one thing- as the story below illuminates: 

“If Lincoln’s hand could pen elegant prose, his long legs lacked a similar grace. At a Springfield soiree, the courting Lincoln edged over to the silk-gowned Mary Todd and offered, “Miss Mary, I’d like to dance with you in the worst way.”  After a spin on the floor, Mary said, Abraham, you wanted to dance in the worst way and you certainly did!”

From: “The Wit & Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln” by James C. Humes

I don’t know that Lincoln ever learned to dance in a more skillful manner. As President he attended balls where dancing was an expected and enjoyed activity. Perhaps he just finally exclaimed to Mary: “I can’t dance!”

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