The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1867-12-18
Gen. Grant and the Bchemians.

Forney before his eyes, gives the following
amusing burlesque on an interview be-
tween himself, as correspondent, and Gen.
Grant, on the all-absorbng topic of the
latter's political sentiments:
1t seemed full half hour, and it doubt
less was that long, before the General APP
peared. He WAS clad in full uniform,
and had buckled on his last sword from
the sanitary fairs, to do honor to the oc-
cason. AS he entered, / rose and intro
duced myself as Hon. Scurpcr Nong, late
OF New York, presenting my credentials
from your office. He bowed me to Il seat
very formally. and took my papers, say
ing not word. l thought he did not
seem very happy, nor as cordial as an old
friend could have wished But attribu-
ted it to an early hour and the possible
lack of his morning coffee. After g)anc,
ing at my papers, lie sat down aud looked
at me as if to say, '.Well, what do you
want p though he actually said nothing.
Whereupon l spoke: "It is fine morn.
ing" said 1. He merely glanced out OF
the window, but sat pensively silent. lie
did not appear to be in his usual commu-
nicative mood, and felt my ardor rather
damped. Thinking the shortest way to
be the quickest, after twisting my thumbs
and crossing my feet and putting on my
most winning and fraternal expression |
came sideways to the point. General
Grant" said I, "the whole country, in
deed l may say the world, is very anxiols
to know just what you think on the Re-
construction question and on politics gen
orally. The nation is breathlessly wait
ing to hear you speak. Now l am Il friend
of yours. / have no personal ends in
view. l have always been friend Of
your family. You may speak to me in
perfect confidence. Let me humby
llhere l laid my hand on my dicky mad
vcrtcntly soiling and dsplacing it, let me
humbly suggest that you say something
to relieve this immense pressure on the
minds of men in general and Of myself in.
particular. Just say one word, single
word DO you sustain the President or
do YOU stand by Congress p L thought
it was time for me to pause for reply.
He twitched ncrvously in the chair for 4
minute, pushed his hands down deep into
his pockets and looked as if he was alb
sorbed in thought After sitting few
moments he looked up at the desk still
unopened before him and said, "Have you
seen the jeff Davis pony? l captured it
at ycllsburg." l was disappointed, and
looking him full in the face said, General
Grant you needn't think to put off an old
friend, who sincerely desires your welfare,
with talking horse. know nothing OF
horses have only my country (rolling
my eyes lovingly to an American flag
which hung over the mantel,) my dear
country in view-I may say Ilove it. l
would have willingly died for it, only /
had small contract for furnishing blank
cts to the army which made my life dear
to me, and occupied all my spare time
during the lato temporary alienation
among brethren" Seeing | would not
be put off, he reached out his hand to 81
side drawer and took out a couple of very
promising Havanas. surely thought he
would have given me one; but putting one
in each corner Of his expressive mouth, he
proceeded to light both at once with IL
single match and to puff away as if he
loved to smoke. Then my spirit was
stirred within me and returned to the
attack General" said /, Twill you not
answer me explicitly?'' Then he knew
his man, and turning around and looking
at mo as if were Gen Lee, and VIC We're
settling the terms of anicablc adjustment,
he responded as follows: ''Have You had
YOUR breakfast % may say that | waS
somewhat discouraged. But knowing
that he admired pluck, and remembering
that he once said (though | suppose
others may not have heard cf it) about
fighting it out on that line, | resolved to
die there on that spot before would give
it up. SO l merely replied: "Wont you
trust me, General? Can't you contidc in
friend who would fain be your bosom
companion? I'll tell you all that l
know, if you'll only ask. me. Then an
swer my question: He seemed to re
moved. Indeed, he moved himself rather
easily upon his chair, smoking still more
vigorousl y and after a painful silence Of
ten minutes ho spoke again Have yon
seen Mr.. Forncy ?' said he. no" | re-
piled. "Northc editor from down South
No" "Then | would advise you to SEQ
them. "But they KNOW hothllS. az
swcred. Neither do l." said he. and he
smiled until his left cigar fell, and he
caught it, only spillng the ashes over bis
vest. felt badly. My confidence had
been misplaced. My feelings were wound
ed in the house of II friend. ! was going
to tell him So But on second thought
determined not, and came fresh to the at
tack. "Gen. Grant," said |, edo you not
mean to tell me what You think Reflect
upon the wants OF the people. They are
all looking to you. The nation is waiting
Tor your nod Won't You speak speak
once; speak for ALL" | was conscious OF
speaking in an imrloring manner \
waited for momcnt-tor five minutes.
Then l said, rising "Gen Grant. this is
-. i...4 nall nosiliyely lhird and last call !;