The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-06-21
Honors to Gen. Grant.

The visit OF Gen. Grant to England has
been the occasion of the manifestation OF
English sentiment respecting him. Higher
honors were never conferred upon any for.
cigncr than are being bestowed upon him.
On the 10Th inst. the ex-Presidenh was
presented with the freedom OF the city oil
London at Guildhall. About eight
hundred ladies and gentlemen, including
several members Of the government, the
American COnsuls, merchants, and princi.
pal representatives Of the trade and COM
merce OF London. were invited to meet the
General at a dejeuner subsequent to the
civic ceremony. The entrance to the hall
and the corridors Of Guildhall were laid
with crimson cloth, and the walls were Gov
cred with mirrors.
The guests began to arrive about llalf-past
II, and until half-past IL steady stream OF
carriages poured into Guildhall yard. Gen.
Grant arrived at o'clock. He was received
at the entrance Of Guildhall by four Alder
men and six members of the City of London
Committee, and was by them conducted to
the library. where he was received by the
Lord Mayor, and took seat on the dais on
the left Of his Lordship, who occupied the
chair as President OF the Special Court
Common Council, at which were assembled
most of the members of the Corporation,
the Aldermen wearing their scarlet robes
and the Common Councilmen their maza-
rine gowns. The resolution of the Court
was read by the town clerk, and Gen. Grant,
after an address by the Chamberlain, was
admitted to the freedom of the city, the
Chamberlain extending the hand of fellow
ship as citizen OF London, which was cor
daily grasped, amid renewed applause.
Gen. Grant replied In suitable terms. and
then subscribed his name to the roll of hon.
orary Freemen, which concluded the bust
ness of the Special Court.
Gen. Grant was accompanied by Mrs.
Grant and Minister and Mrs. Pierrepont.
Among the gentlemen present were Sir Stat
ford N0rthc0te, Chancellor of the Exche-
The gold cnsket containing the freedom OF
the city has on one of its central panels
view, OF the Capital at Washington, aud on
the right and lefe are the monographs and
arms OF the Lord Maypr, view of the en-
trance TO GuilGhan and appropriate inscrip-
tions. At the ends are two figures, also in
gold, finely modelled and chased, represent.
ing the city Of London and the United
States, and bearing their Representative
shields in rich enamel. At the cotners are
double columns of pearl, wreatbed with
corn and cotton, and on the cover Is cor
nucopia, emblematlcal Of plenty, and the
prosperity Of the United States. The rose,
shamrock, and thistle are also introduced.
The cover is surmounted by the arms of the
city OF London. The casket is supported
by American eagles, modelled and chased in
gold, the whole standing on velvet plinth,
decorated with stars and stripes.
Gen. Grant was conducted by the Lord
Mayor to Guildhall, where an elegant de-
jcuner had been provided. After the repast,
the Lord Mayor proposed the health Of the
Queen, which was drank silently. with the
music Of s'GOd Save the Queen" General
Grants health was then proposed, amid tree
mendous cheering. The Lord Mayor, in
proposing the health Of Gen. Grant, said:
81, as Chief Magistrate Of the city Of Lon
don, and on the part Of the corporation, Of
fer you as hearty a welcome as the sincerity
OF language can convey. Your presence
here as late President of the United States
is specially gratifying to all classes of the
community, and we feel that, although this
is your first visit to England, it is not a
stranger we greet, but tried and hOnored
friend, twice;occupying, as you did, the ex-
allied position OF President of the United
States,- and therefore one Of the foremost
representatives Of that country. We confer
honor upon ourselves by honoring you. Let
me express both the hope and belief that
when you take your departure you will feel
that many true friends OF yours personally,
and also of your countrymen, have been
left behind I have also the distinguished
honor to propose your health Nay yeu long
live to enjoy the best Of health and unquali-
fled happiness ,z p
The healths Of United States Minister
Pierrepoint and the Lord Mayor, and toasts
to the Army and Navy followed. General
Grant left about o'clock, accompanied by
the deputati0n who received him at the en-
trance to Guildhall. t
LONDON, June 16.--Gen. Grant and fami-
ly visited the Crystal Palace yesterday. A
grand concert and display Of fireworks
were the principal features OF the entertain-
ment. The likeness OF Gen. Grant and .
representation Of the Capitol at Washington
were exhibited in fireworks.