Here are a few interesting bits of gossip I learned from reading the book A Treasury of Great American Scandals. At least, Eldest Daughter says it’s gossip; I say it’s only gossip if they’re still alive.

*John Adams called Benjamin Franklin “that Old Conjurer,” and the two men cordially hated one another. Of course, most people got tired of John Adams after a while–except for Abigail.

*Andrew Jackson was an ardent duelist. He once was shot through the chest in a duel, and then, bleeding profusely, he calmly took aim, fired, and shot the other guy dead. The bullet remained lodged near Jackson’s heart for the rest of his life.

*Patrick Henry’s wife, Sarah, apparently suffering from extreme psychosis, was confined to the basement of the family home for years, sometimes requiring a straitjacket.

*The children and family of Theodore Roosevelt couldn’t stand Franklin Roosevelt and compaigned against him.