Ulysses S. Grant, Former US President, Arrested for Speeding in Horse, Buggy 150 Years Ago

2023-04-04 08:23:01

(MENAFN) Long before former President Donald Trump's indictment, another sitting president had a run-in with the law. Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the United States, was known for his love of horses and driving his buggy at high speeds. In 1872, Grant was stopped by police in Washington for speeding several times, according to Cathy Lanier, chief of D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department.

During one of his speeding incidents, Grant was taken into custody after being caught racing his buggy on M Street. Lanier noted that the police department ended up allowing Grant to pay a fine and walk back to the White House.

The officer who stopped Grant in 1872 was William H. West, a former enslaved person and Civil War veteran, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. At the time, West was one of two Black police officers working for the police department in Washington.

West spotted Grant speeding on two separate occasions. The first time, West gave Grant a warning and sent him on his way. However, West saw the president speeding again the very next day.

"I am very sorry, Mr. President, to have to do it, for you are the chief of the nation and I am nothing but a policeman, but duty is duty, sir, and I will have to place you under arrest," West said, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

After his arrest, Grant was released on a USD20 bond, which is equivalent to around USD430 today. West continued his work as a police officer until his retirement in 1901. The arrest, along with West's background as a former enslaved person and Civil War veteran, was featured in the Washington Evening Star on September 27, 1908, seven years before his death.

The incident involving Grant highlights the long-standing history of law enforcement and its relationship with high-profile individuals. It also sheds light on the role of Black police officers in Washington during the late 19th century. While the incident may seem minor compared to more recent legal troubles involving presidents, it serves as a reminder that even the highest-ranking officials are not above the law.

MENAFN04042023000045014228ID1105943193

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.