August 16, 1858

Posted on August 16, 2020 by Joel Byers

On August 16, 1858, telegraphed messages were sent over the newly laid trans-Atlantic cable between Britain’s Queen Victoria and US President James Buchanan. The first messages were the usual, flowery prose between 19th Century world leaders. But much later in the day, Queen Victoria received another message from Buchanan that just said, “Knock Knock”. Curious, she sent back, “Perchance, who is there?” Buchanan replied, “Cow says”. Intrigued, Queen Victoria sent back, “Cow says who?”, to which Buchanan answer, “No, a cow says MOOOOOO!” Queen Victoria sent back, “I am not amused.”

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About Joel Byers

Born in North Georgia and educated at some very fine public institutions. Real education started after graduating from college and then getting married and raising two boys. Has the ability to see the funny and absurd in most things and will always remark on it, even if it means getting the stink-eye from his victims.
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