The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1865-06-10

opera. There was an immense crowd of peo- |
pie assembled previous to his appearance, and |
il was not difficult to perceive that the great
attraction of the evening was not the opera, |
but the distinguished guest who was to be
present.
About the middle of the fret scene kind |
Of fiutter arose among the audience. and
presently the general made his appearance at
the door, with Mrs. Sherman on his arm
He was preceded by Hon.F. c. Sherman and
several ladies and gentlemen, and was ac-
companied by one of his daughters and the
officers of his staff. AS he walked round the
back of the parq1ette circle towards the pri-
vate box, the singers paused. the orchestra
struck up the "Star Spangled Banner" and
audience, by one impulse. rose to their feet
and welcomed him with rapturous applause.
The orchestra made an abortive effort to pro
coed as if nothing had happened, but to no
purpose. No sooner had the general taken
his seat in the private box than one hearty,
ringing cheer burst forth in every part of the
house. Gen. Sherman acknowledged the
compliment by simply bowling to the audi
ence. He then took his seat and the opera
was resumed.
ANOTHER sERENADE AT MIDNIGHT.
At midnight a grand serenade was given
| 10 otu. SutEudh III tue ~
| may have been anticipated by the public, but
it certainly was not so by the general him
self. The whole street in front of the Ire
mont house was crowded with an enthusiast
tic multitude The band was dscoursing all
the patriotic airs Ever and again there rose
cheers with calls for. Gen. Sherman "and he,
meanwhile, was passing to and fro. evidently
wearied of the adulation, of an enthusiastice
populace; wearied with a burden of honor
which he did not desire, yet gratifed by
plaudits which his own heart must assure
him that he has nobly won. He is not a
speech maker-no stump hero--and hence
the task he has now to perform. But when
it became almost imperative that he, should
face the enemy with a speech, he advanced
boldly to the attack. His remarks were
short, sharp and soldier-lke, and when he
concluded, the ringing cheer that resounded
over the street showed the enthusiasm
of the people for their chivalrous leader.
! The general advanced to the balcony when
the band had ceased performing, and was in.
troduced by Hon. F. c. Sherman in appro.
pirate terms.
Gen. Sherman spoke as follows:
GEsTLEMEN-A few days ago left New York
thinking was coming to wild prairie. Laugh
teri Yet fear l was mistaken, for i find her
: all the symptoms OF ety-streets and operas, ans
fine saloons, and a crowd Of people "hollerng''f o
a speech. [Cheers and Laughter Gentlemen,
nothing inspire me to make speech, no
even the fine moonlight night,so that can smpl.
return TO you my thanks for this manifestation o
your favor, and applause. Very few words vii
satisfy you in that respect. Cheers There So
pears to he end to your crowds. tor have seer
: people enough to make half a dozen Choagos
Laughter 1t is midnight, and think that IN
stead or calling me out again, you ought all 60 b,
IN bed. Renewed laughier.l l have asked ever
. man around me TO make 4 speech to you, and
, know there dozen lawyers here, whose bus
inesg At IS TO DO SO. Laughter havc'evel
offered them ice 10 q II. Renewed laughter.
i Is my business TO 'farch and fight, and do othe
4 lad thil-s- Tremendous cheering Anon,
these II NOS classified pubic speaking TGrea
, ches ing !! ielt inclined m GIT touch upon
several topics shat would ntCrss You but 1t i. no
appropriate al this late hour Of the night. there
fore must content n self with ackuowle led ing tn,
call, and thanking you for this mani estatIon O
your kindness. lCheers.l propose TO remain
IN Chicago for i week, and will be glad to SCI
each of you at your leisure. Good night. IGrea
eheering.l
The general retired from the balcony amid
. perfect storm of cheering and the GROVE
then separated.