Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1865-08-26
Gle NJ CIR "A N Il I
HIS RECEPTION HERE.
Remarks by tho General, Incl
dents, sc.

riotic people of Prescott and st. Paul,
Gen. u. s. GRANT, who il viii be re-
msmbered has been somewhat prominent
in connection with the late war, has Ia.
ken trip cup the river"
His reception here was brilliant be-
yond anything in the previous history of
this city, and must have been fattering
TO the great Chief as it was .creditabie to
ourselves. We can give but brief out.
line of the reception, which occurred
about IL o'clock last night.
A scandalous sdmor having been put
in circulation that the great strategist
would attempt TO flank this town by GO
ing up the channel on the other side of
the island, Mr.. Mescham was detailed to
occupy that channel with barge. Inc
sagacious soldier did not attempt to flank
him, and so the noble Itasea moved
straight for our levee.
As the boat came in sight, the blocks
on the leyee were brilliantly illuminated,
bonfires were kindled, and the cannon
Numbered welcome. The Democratic
levee did itself honor. Eessel had out
two rows of Chinese lanterns the whole
length of his Hotel, with appropriate
notices. Besrdsley and Lyford each held
slOft torch, formerly owned by the Me
CIellan club; while Charley Barnes, his
face radiant with JOY, had his Office gaily
illuminated, and stood on the sidewalk
with kerosene lamp in each hand.
As the boat neared the levee, the Glee
Club, under the lead of Prot. Billings,
sang,
10. the conquering Hero comes"
Mnsic has charms, in fact it is "thc
pls spell of the SOLE" and the music
brought Gen. Grant to the bow of the
boat. As the boat landed and the plank
was run out, he was greeted with three
rousing cheers. He attempted to come
ashore, but had lost his ticket, and Clerk
LEWIS would not let him off with
out paying his fare. so he leaned against
the capstan while the
SPEECH OF WELCOME
was delivered by Mr.. J. NJ. MCKEE,
Esq, formerly prominent officer in
the Home Guards. Mr.. MCKEE stroked
his manly beard with becoming dignity
and said he felt proud to welcome the
great chief to Prescott. He had never
before had the pleasure of seeing the
victorious leader, as imperative business
had kept him from visiting the sunny
South during our recent trouble. He
made some further appropriate remarks,
and closed by telling the General that be
could get cigars of excellent flavor at
the Book d Variety Store.
Gen. Grant made no speech in re-
spouse, but easily and gracefully leaning
against the capstun, he INDUCED in
running talk, the substance of portion
of which We give. He thanked Mr.. Nc.
Kee for the pleasant remarks he had
made, especially about the cigars, and
told him he might send him box as
sample. He said that he had heard of
many of McKee's suggestions about the
war, and they had been of great service
to him. Though he lad never before
seen but few of the manly faces before
him, yet he had been careful reader of
the "Family Paper" and felt well ac-
quainted with US all. He asked to be in
troduced 20 DR.. Beardsley, and told the
DIR. that those Co. Seat resolutions of
bis, were very wrong and wicked thing,
but he supposed his heart was nearer
right than his head, and no doubt be
repudiated them now. He forgave him,
since he had taken Richmond, %. IT, I
The Gen. was then introduced by his
request, to Chas. L. Barnes. Said he,
" Squire Barnes, is it true, as I hear,
that you are going for negro suffrage r.
Chas. replied that it was. The Gen. h
congratulated him, and advised him to
fight it out on that line. Said he, "Esq.
Barnes, you are young Jet, and can still
do great deal to elevate an oppressed
race" t
The Gen. then enquired for Barnard,
and was told that he had gone to st.
Paul. when he replied, "al right. I
shall see him there. I understand be
wa' powerful on recruiting sa
y