- Joined
- Aug 27, 2011
- Location
- Central Massachusetts
Grant loved speed, and also to drive his own carriage. While President, he was stopped four times and given citations for speeding in Washington. On the third occasion, African-American Metropolitan Police officer William West flagged him down:
According to one account:
http://mentalfloss.com/article/65855/cop-who-gave-ulysses-s-grant-speeding-ticket
http://dcist.com/2012/10/dc_police_once_gave_the_president_a.php
“Mister President,” said West, “I want to tell you that you were violating the law by driving at reckless speed. Your fast driving, sir, has set the example for a lot of other gentlemen. It is endangering the lives of the people who have to cross the street in this locality. Only this evening a lady was knocked down by one of the racing teams.” Duly reprimanded, Grant apologized and promised that it wouldn’t happen again.
Less than twenty-four hours later, it did.
West again caught the Commander in Chief flying at breakneck speed over the same stretch of road. “Do you think, officer, that I was violating the speed laws?” asked Grant.
“I certainly do, Mr. President,” replied West. After reminding Grant of his broken vow, he added, “I am very sorry, Mr. President, to have to do it, for you are the nation’s chief executive, but my duty is plain, sir: I shall have to place you under arrest!”
Once at the station, the police began to wonder whether they had the authority to arrest a sitting President. But, amidst further apologies, Grant agreed to pay the standard $5 fine, and walked back to the White House ... his team and carriage were impounded.Less than twenty-four hours later, it did.
West again caught the Commander in Chief flying at breakneck speed over the same stretch of road. “Do you think, officer, that I was violating the speed laws?” asked Grant.
“I certainly do, Mr. President,” replied West. After reminding Grant of his broken vow, he added, “I am very sorry, Mr. President, to have to do it, for you are the nation’s chief executive, but my duty is plain, sir: I shall have to place you under arrest!”
According to one account:
There were no hard feelings on either man's part. A fellow horse-lover, West ultimately befriended the president. The pair would often get together and, during one of their many chats, the lawman made an awkward admission: before joining the force, he’d been a speed demon himself.
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/03/04/ulysses-grant-arrested-speeding/
http://mentalfloss.com/article/65855/cop-who-gave-ulysses-s-grant-speeding-ticket
http://dcist.com/2012/10/dc_police_once_gave_the_president_a.php
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