The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-06-23
GEN. GRANT in CHICAGO.
CHICAGO, June 10, 1865.

CHICAGO, June ID, 1865.
Editor 81 Paul Pioneer:
On Saturday last as l was quietly walking
through one of the streets in this city, sud-
den excitement arose and everybody started at
once upon the run, and rushed impetuously in
the same direction. My first impression was
that there was fire somewhere in the neigh.
borhood. therefore accosted one of the men
INNING by and asked him what was the mat
err. Without reducing his pace in the slight
est degree. he simply replied-"G Gen
Grant,
I am not much of runner under ordinary
circumstances, but something got into my
legs, and found myself flying along at rate
of speed that would have surprised locomo-
tive, in the general direction of the moving
populace. I reached the corner of Lake and
Clark streets just in time to catch a glimpse of
the greatest general of the age, riding by on
horseback, accompanied by his staff, band, q
military escort, and tremendous concourse Of
the citizens of Chicago. This was indeed
sight worth seeing-one of those spectacles
which happen but once in a life time.
Calm and selfpossesSed, well poised and APP
parently unconscious OF the overwhelming in
terest and admiration that was concentrated
upon him, rode the great Lieutenant General
of the Union army; medium sized, plain
looking man, with short hair and closely
cropped beard with fixed and reSolute eX-
preston of countenance and o modeSty OF
manner that won the golden opinion OF every
beholder. liked his appearance-plain, sim
pie and unobtrusive as it was he looked mel.
no riTrhf To thn lot I'm
eyes straight ahead, and seemed rather to be
annoyed than pleased with the tremendous
plaudits of the crowd. No language OF mine
can give any adequate idea of the popular en-
thusiasm, which rose to height that L never
before saw equalled. The windows on each
side were thronged and waving with handker-
chiefs and flags. Everybody seemed perfectly
crazy to see the man who had taken Vicksburg
and Richmond, and who by his military genius
had achieved far grander results than had ever
been accomplished by Napoleon or Cesar, or
by any military commander of ancient or mod
ern times.
What were the achievements Of Napoleon
compared with the overthrow OF this gigantic
rebellion, and the restoration of this magnif-
cent nation? Parallels are not called for There
never was such colossal strife ever wagcd,
and l doubt if the world will ever see its like
again.
l have seen Gen. Grant on several occasions
since-at the Fair-the Board of Trade-and
last evening at the opera. On the last men.
toned occasion the scene was striking and
magnificent. The house which it is said will
set three thousand, was filled to its utmost ca
pacty. Every one was in full dress. Every
bright color was manifested in the dresses OF
the ladies and perfect garden of flowers
blOOmed in their hair. A thousand jets of
gas shed their radiance through the beautiful
building.
The opera, most appropriately selected was
"Tte Daughter of the Regiment" In a ia
vorite box on one side of the stage sat General
Grant and family-on the opposite side Gener-
al Sherman and family. In 'front.' in the dress
circle, sat Gen. Hooker, fighting Joe,
most soldierly looking officer, with reddish
face and whitsh hair. As these generals in
turn entered their respective boxes, the enter
tainment was for q moment interrupted by
perfect storm of applause, which compliment
was acknowledged On their part merely by
bow.
went to the BOARD of Trade again to.
day and witnessed reception of different
kind of one confess that touched ones heart
more deeply. IL was the reception of two re-
turned regiments of Observation-Disclosures that
had originally been sent out by the . Board of
Trade mine hundred Str0ng-noW returning
with only about one quarter their original
number. Never in my Life did | witness q
scene that made my blood thrill so warmly
through my veins, as when these rough and
battle Scared heroes marched into this grand
hall, with the inspiring strains of marshal mu-
sic and the I'D flag of our Countrywide very
flag which was the first TO mount the heights
of Mission Ridge "a flag which had been
carried by the Eighty eighth Illinois " from
Chicago to Atlanta and from Atlanta to Geor-
gia.
Truly it was moving scene. These brave
boys-the fragment Of regiments complete
three years ago-these old ragged bullet rid
died and splinter torn flags-what thoughts
and associations were called up-mere words
cannot describe the feelings of moments such
as these. There were many moist eyes among
the crowd ofspectators-and, but never mind
my own were not particularly dry.
DOUGLAS.
Chicago, June Is, 1855.