The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1871-09-30
Presidential Literature.

On yesterday week a monument to the
memory of Abraham Lincoln was dedicated
with proper ceremonies In Fairmount Park,
Philadelphia. Grant was invited TO be pres
ent on the occasion, but of course the press
ing necessities of his numerous other engage
nlents in the pursuit Of pleasure prevented
him from attending. So intent is he ia pur-
suing his daily routine Of sight seeing and
amusement, that he could not appropriate
even one day for the purpose of paying be-
coming and grateful respect to the memory of
the man who. more than all others, by his
kindness and generous nature enabled him
to win military renown and thereby attain
the highest Office in the gift OF the people.
1t is not creditable act to contemplate in
the successor of Abraham Lincoln.
We publish below Grants letter to his obe-
dent henchman, John w. Furney, in which
be sets forth his excuse for not attending.
We give it verbatim ct literatm," as one
of the literary curiOsities Of the age-a paral-
lei to which never did before and it is to be
hoped never will hereafter emanate from
Presidential pen. 1t is sipgulary fat and
stale, and remarkably characteristic of the
Statesman" and ''hero" from whose teens
ing and prolific brain it proceeded. If For
ney had the least regard for Grants reputa>
ton, he would instinctively have consigned
this discreditable epstle to the oblivion of
the waste basket. We think that no intelli-
gent Republican can read this letter without
blushing for 1.-THE party of great moral ideas''
and feeling how utterly untitled for his post
is the man who now fills the Presidential
chair:
LEBANON, Pennsylvania Sept. 12-Celonel;
Mr.. u. ID. Coleman, at whose house | arrived
an hour ago, has just handed me your letter of
yesterday urging upon me to accept an invita-
ton to be present at the unveiling of the mon
ument to Abraham Lincoln, in Fairmount
Park. on the 22d inst. / regret that l cannot
be present on so interesting an occasion. Had
l known of this event before other arrange
ments, which cannot well be changed. had been
made, certainly would have entered into no
engagement which would prevent my presence
But I'm now on nv way with my family to
visit relations and friends among whom | was
raised. and whom left thirty two years ago
and who have been advised of the time of my
coming. l do not see how can make change
now but permit me to express, through you,
the regret feel for it.
There are no patriots dead or alive, who
will be remembered more gratefully for their
loyalty and services to their country, than tho
man whose memory will be commemorated at
Fairmount Park. Philadelphia, the 22d of
this September, nor none whom l more honor
as a good as well great man.
know the occasion will be an interesting
one, and one long to be remembered by those
who witness it, and by posterity through the
accounts of it which will be published.
With the expressions of regret that | am to
be debarred the duty Of being with you on the
22d instant, and of the kindest regards for the
Committee who have invited me- and for YOUR
self. / subscribe myself, with great respect
your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT.
Col. j. W. Forney, Phila, Pa.