The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1877-08-10
MAcMAHON AND GRANT.
The President of France ON the Ex.
President Of she United States.
[Cincinnati ENQUIRER. |

nervous nature. His dark blue-gr.sy
dibernian eyes are quick, youthful,
passionate, yet sympathetic. His crisp
gray mustache adds to his firm anu
expressive mouth. When he laughs
his whole expression changes, and he
seems disguised boy, so full Of hearty
youth does he appear. In height hi
appears about. five feet ten, though o,,
this occasion his loose, lounging suit ol
gray clothes aud his broad-briln browl,
felt hat served to deceive. one rs to his
exact figure. Every motion and atti
tude of the student of St. Cyr-for that
school never lets its early training pass
away from its oldest scholars. Yet the
French, military student and soldier il
much more tree and easy in his gait
and bearing than n tyro Volunteer
in England. After few preliminary
words we sat down beneath the cool
shade of the grand old trees. Some
letters were brought to him bearing the
superscription of Duke of Magenta. l
never felt the force of this title for
Marshal MacMahOn in the face of the.
proud title of Marshal of France. The
one sounds effeminate, while the other
carries the clang and glory of arms.
His wife, one of the, ablest diplOmates
of France to-day, calls him Marshal,
and, be sure Of it, the woman who
loves and esteems her husband always
calls him by that appeliation which
signifies the most manly traits of his
character. Nour'i nimby -pamby pet
name men and women are always
weak creatures, however good. .'sll 53l
!. $50 you left England at the same
time that Gen. Grant did ?" said tho
Marshal. "Neli,i please God, I hope,
k<N Z -
very interested observer of him as
soldier, and as President of your great
country--and, indeed, what a great
country it is! am always amazed at
its extent, its diversity, and its unity !;
for, say what one will, America can
not but be q unit, be the sectional SEN
timents ever SO strong and France
Europe-sho0ld be most soltcitous in
maintaining this unity, this peaceful,
great nation.'' 3-.F ls.,tt -..-
The Marshal spoke with some degree
Of emotion, yet with that quiet, genial
lGnPreSsiyeneaS so peculiar to the French
gentleman and courtier, and which is
more impressive in the elasticity OF
their language. Resuming his conver-
satiOn, he said: "Ah! the generous
English have given Gen. Grant a grand
welcome. They are supreme as hospit-
able receivers of their guests; it makes
one hungry to read of their banquets
and bOunties. And what a grateful
tribute, too! 1 am. sure Gen. Grant
aud America esteem this as another
link in the chain of amity. It is such
greetings that speak of peace and l
would rather have one peace procla-
nation than twenty declarations OF
war;"
sThat is the disposition, also, of Gen.
Grant," replied.
"Yes,' remarked the Marshal, sssol-
diers are not always as anxious for war
as some people think" 3"
"Were you an officer with Gen.
Grant ?" ,.. ...r ..... a,
"No, Marshal, was not"
stHe had some excellent officers.
There was one Gen. MacPherson-I
presume he was of Scotch or Irish ORR
gin-he was a good soldier, was he
not ?'' ... .i.E.H'
ttHe was SO reputed, Marshall
-ssThen Gen. Sherman is very good
soldier also. He is a serious man, and
1 think he loves his profession" said
the Marshal. .:r.-'
"Yes, think so," replied.
81 was perusing the reports of his
great March to the Sea, as it is called.
IL was Il great Journey buC TAU he
had to battle with Gen. Johnston the
entire time, I imagine he would have
found a more able commander than the
young officer who was so suddenly
placed as his successor. Gen. Johnston
l regard as a very superior officer. Is
he still in America ?"
,ttYes, Marshal; think he is in
Virginia." -.
"Does Gen. Grant retain good
health ?"
"Oh, yes he looks a very healthy
and hearty man, with a long lease OF
life before him" ....rt
tsWhat excellent troops he had in
your Western States, after the first two
years Of your sad war. They grew into
veterans quickly. But III your country
you are all soldiers. You are familiar
with firearms from youth. Organiza-
ton and discipline soon follow with
experienced officers, because your men,
as a rule, are intelligent, and, like the
French, love of country inspires you
very much. When think of it, the
vast number of troops brought into
action under the command of Gen.
Grant as the Chief Of the Army is very
amazing, and particularly SO when
they become such excellent troops in
such little while. 1 view Gen. Grant
with much esteem. Look at the vast
territory he commanded and forces he
1