The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1866-08-09
in Hour ,oith General Gramt.

communicable Chief was passing few
days at West Point, crossed i'm a ferry
boat, on Thursday morning last, and
climbed the hill to the hotel. On learn
ing there that General Grant was visit
ing the Superintendent of the post, l
walked over to the mansion, where l
found the distinguished leader seated on
lum and professor Church. Mrs. Grant
and her son, Cadet Grant, were in the
hall.
General Grant arose as l advanced,
and shook hands with as much cordiali-
ty and heartiness as though he were
a mere line officer. There lisa frankness
and freedom in his manners which al
ways makes him popular wherever he
is seen. He is plainly dressed, wearing
a soft, loW-croWned felt hat, small
turn-down collar, black neck-tie, and
sack coat of the most easy cut. His coun-
tenance had lost their intensely serious
expression it had when saw him ''In
the Wilderuess,' where not only the
lives of thousands of our best soldiers,
but the whole safety of our country
were dependent upon his Judgment and
determination. Far from being taciturn,
he was ready to talk on any subject, and
did not hesitate to express his sentiments
freely on political and other matters.
While talking in the most pleasant
manner with the General, Mrs. Town
send-the mother Of Mrs. General Mea-
gher-and her daughter called on Mrs.
Grant. The conversation thereupon
naturally took that turn most accepta-
BILE to the ladies, and | was pleased to
observe that the gallantry, invariably
learned by all West Point cadets, was as
fresh in the Generals mind as though
he had been one OF the graduates of the
present year. Mrs. Grant is easy and
affable in her manners, and makes no
attempt to be Impressive.
The visitors having all left the house,
the General took a seat in the hall with
self by his side with the af1ectionate IA
milliarity of unrestrained liberty, and
caressed his whiskers. He placed his
arm gently around her, without SEEM
ing conscious that this simple home-like
picture told the whole story of a happy,
contented and united family. Cadet
Grant stood by his mothers side and
plainly showed that he was Il loving son
and good-hearted lad.
ssWhat are you doing noW?' inquired
the General.
Charming +" l replied.
"Ah," said he, sit is a pleasant kind
of life, but very slow way to make
money. l can speak from experience,
for have followed the pillow, and can
use any kind of farming utensil."
"Can you swing flail?' asked.
Eyes. as we'll as any one,o was the
Generals reply.
II then weni into a description of my
first attempt, and crack | received on
the back cfthe head, from aWkWardness,
which seemed to amuse him very much.
Speaking of Washington, the General
remarked: "Fhat it was the best place
in the country to keep away from
Il like it very much" said Mrs. Grant
"The best society in the United States
is to be found there"
81 don't think So" responded the
General; ''certaniy there are some great
statesmen there, but that is about ALL"
The General then spoke OF the dishoil-
esty Of many politicians With tie noal
earnest disgust, and mentioned insttll-
ces which l do not feel at liberty to re.
peat.
The General expressed desire to pur,
chase a cottage near West Point or Colo
Spring. and said he did not want a large
house. but cottage. He said he would
try to drive over to our side Of the river
before he left the Point, as he wanted
to make some visits, and would then
honor our old homestead with call.
At parting he shook hands heartily
and expressed himself glad to meet one
who had known him when he was but q
ouartermaster in the army.
was only too much pleased to find
that the honors which surrounded his
ilustrious name as COMMANDMENTS HE
have not spoiled the kindly nature o
the man.-( Cold Spring Recorder.
w. IL. Nj.