A President Caught Skinny Dipping

John Quincy Adams
looked a little more dignified
while dressed.

A number of U.S. presidents have been fans of skinny dipping over the years, so much so that it became something of a tradition. Some think with modern values the way they are, that only 20th century presidents would have taken it up (Harry Truman was a fan and so was Lyndon Johnson), but the actual tradition goes as far back as John Quincy Adams, an enthusiastic swimmer who used to go skinny dipping in the Potomac every day before starting work.

Although we didn't have social media back then (or even television or radio) the situation was still ripe for exploitation, and indeed, exploited it was. Anne Royall, considered by many the first female journalist in the U.S., had been wanting an interview with the president for quite some time and hadn't yet succeeded.  When she heard about his habit of going skinny dipping, she tracked the President down, hid herself out of view, and waited patiently for the President to enter the water. Once Adams was submerged, she quickly sat down on his clothes.

When Adams returned, he was quite puzzled by the appearance of a very determined young lady on top of his clothing. When he inquired, she promptly stated her intention to have an interview with the President. Adams replied that he'd be happy to if she let him get dressed first. But Anne hadn't become the first female journalist through meekness.  She coolly replied she had no intention to move until the President satisfactorily answered all her questions. Additionally, she let the President know that if he dared to get out of the water, she would scream out loud enough for all to hear. Adams, aware that there were some fishermen around the next bend, was nervous about the embarrassment this could cause.

Anne Royall got the interview of her life, while the President stayed decently submerged in the water throughout their entire time together.