Middletown transcript., 1877-06-09
written Tor ne lliddlei0vn transcript.

W NAsib OttAlttc, anu tiiC NAeiSSAS etAAH
military companies intended to give
him grand reception. Thinking this
would probably be the best opportuni'
ty would have, while in the State, tC
Judge Of the political feeling that exist.
ed there, l started in the train at 7.3C
P. NJ, for Dallas, distance of sixty
three miles. On the morning Of the
18th the South bound train, which ar
rives in Dallas, at Z A. NJ, brought
General johnson, and he was met al
the depot by the reception committee
consisting of General Cabell, Judge
Good, and other prominent men that !
do not now remember. The bands,
military companies, and a large crowd
Of citizens we're present to welcome
and receive him. Every one seemed
anxious to catch a glimpse of the hero
He was escorted to the Legrand Hotel.
where he remained until $50 P. NJ.
when the sound of the fife and drum.
and the band playing "Hail Colum-
Bis" notified the military companies
at their respective armories to fall
into line. The procession was led by
Professor Parker's magnificent band,
and then followed the Stonewall Greys,
who marched in front, and bore in adj
dition to their own colors, the battle
flags presented to them by various per
sons. No doubt the scars these old
relics bore, and the steady tramp Of
the men brought back to memory the
DAYS when they bore the musket, not
for parade and muster, but for the
deadly fight and dangerous charge.
Arriving in front Of the Legrand Ho-
tel, it was found densely packed, and
thestreets crowded with people eager to
see and hear what the ''hero of a hum
dred battles" had to say. A great
many of the fair daughters of Texas
graced the occasion with their pres
ence. In order to gain an entrance
into the building the military were
obliged to trail arms and force their
way into the rotunda, when they form
ed into three sides of a square and wait
ed the appearance Of the General, who
soon appeared, escorted by General
Cabell, who introduced him to the as
in substance, as follows:
"FellotU- Citizens | have the honor
to introduce to you one whose name is
familiar to all within the sound of my
voice, General Joseph E. Johnston.
(Great cheering.) He is the guest of
our city, and we hope his stay among
us will yield him as much enjoyment
as it affords us sincere pleasure to have
him in our midst"
The General then stepped forward
and addressing himself to the military,
spoke in substance, as follows:
Friends: l thank you for this COM
pliment I am glad to see Texas vol
unteers organized and under arms.
During the late war it was for some
time matter of discussion as to which
were the most Observation-Disclosures or
regulars. Both sides had the test ap-
Piled, and it was conceded by all mill
tary men that the volunteers were the
most efficient. Late political events
have increased our partiality for vol
and such organizations as
yours are important to any State.
Peace throughout the United States is
more Grmly established when volun-
teers are organized like yours. The
best and highest courage and valor has
been achieved by Texas troops, not
only in the wars of years ago, but in
he last one-the greatest of all mod
srn wars. Texas troops, wherever they
nave fought, have equalled those led
'y European generals. Napoleon's
old Guard" never exceeded them in
and valor, and the Texas
roops are second to none" !"
He said much more which | do
lot remember, but he finished by tell
ng them that he would be pleased to
personally acquainted with
hem. The band played the "Star
Spangled Banner" and the General
hen shook hands with all that could
ret near him.
General johnson, | think, is about
ixty or sixty-fve years old, five feet
en- inches high, weighs probably $50
" 10 pounds, good countenance, and
in good health.
The city Of Dallas is situated on the
Houston and Texas Central Railroad,
T3 miles from Denison, ~ from Red
2iver-the Texas State line; the pop
llation is about seventeen thousand.
The principal part Of the town lays
West of the Texas Central, and South
# the ns-Continental the city has
hree lines Of street cars-fare five
the line running from
San Jacinto Park to the river-it costs
en- cents. AT this point the Trans
Continental crosses the Texas Central |
md runs to Fort Worth, a distance of |
10 miles. Dallas seems to be live |
,lace, with some as fine stores as you
an find in any city everybody busy |
Who wants work there are seventy
hree houses in course of construction
It this time; all kinds of mechanical
work carried on the same as in the
Eastern cities provisions, except hams
md -four, very low; land good and
heap; farmers cutting wheat first |
ar load Of new wheat shipped from
lere to-day; heard very little swear
ng saw but one man drunk and he
vas from Illinois, and no one paid any
to him hotels have no bar |
-ou cannot get a glass Of any thing to
rink at the hotels no billiard tables
10 disturbance of any kind /; you can
it in the hotel as quiet as you would
n your own parlor, and if you should
'isit Dallas, my word for it, you will
'e treated right if you behave yourself.
You may hear from me again, more
,articularly about the customs and bu-
iness. Yours, respectfully,
MIDDLETowN.