Stevens County tribune. (Morris, Minn.) 1877-1880, 1877-06-21
A GOLD CASKET.
which Gives Gen. Grant the Freedom of
LOm0ou.

which Gives Gen. Grant tine Freedom of
London.
Ex-President Grant was was presented
with the freedom of the city of London,
at Guildshall, on the 18th. About 800
ladies and gentlemen, including several
members of the government, American
consuls, merchants and the principal
representatives of the trade and commerce
of London, were invited to meet the gen.
eral subsequent to the civic ceremony.
The entrance to the halls and corridors of
Guildhall were laid with crimson cloth,
and the walls were covered with mirrors
The guests began to arrive about half
past eleven, and until half past twelve a
steady stream of carriages poured into
Guildhall yard. Gen. Grant arrived at
ten o'clock. He was received at the en-
trance of Guildhall by four aldermen
and six members Of the city land commit
tee, and was by them conducted into the
library, where he was received by the
lord mayor, and took seat on dais on
the left Of his lordship, who occupied the
chair as president of the special court of
common council, at which were assem-
bled most Of the members of the corpora
ton, the aldermen wearing their scarlet
robes, and common councilmen their
mazarine gowns.
the town clerk, and Gen. Grant, after an
address by the chamberlain, was admitted
to the freedom of the city, the chamber
lain extending the right hand of fellow
ship as a citizen, which was cordially
grasped amidst renewed applause. Gen.
Grant replied in suitable terms, and then
subscribed his name to the roll OF honor
airy 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 Stafford
Northcote, chancellor of exchequer, and
many members of parliament.
The gold casket containing the freedom
of the city, has on the diverse central
panel view of the capitol at Washington
and on the right and left are monograms,
the arms of the Lord Mayor. On the re
verse side is view of the entrance to
Guildhall and an appropriate inscription.
At the ends are two figures. also in
gold, finely modelled and chased, repre-
senting the city of London and the United
States, and bearing the respective shields
of rich enamel. At the corners are dou-
BILE columns of laurel wreathed with corn
and cotton, and on the cover a cornucopia
mathematical of the fertility and prosper
ity of the United States. The rose, sham
rock and thistle are introduced. The
cover is surmounted by the arms OF
the city of London. The casket is sup
ported by American eagles, modelled and
chased in gold, the whole standing on a
velvet plinth, decorated with stars and
stripes. Gen. Grant was conducted by the
lord mayor to Guildhall, where an elegant
dejuener had been provided. After the
repast the lord mayor proposed the health
of the queen, which was drunk silently,
with the music of God Save the Queen
Gen. Grants health was then proposed
amidst tremendous cheering. The lord
mayor in proposing the health of Gen
Grand, said, 81 as chief magistrate ofthe
city of London and ON the part of the
corporation, offer you as hearty welcome
as the sincerity of language can convey
Your presence here as the late Presi-
dent of the United States is specially graf.
flying to all classes of the community
and we feel that although this is your
| first visit to England it is not as stranger
we greet you, but as a tried and honored
friend. Twice occupying as you did 9Ql
exalted position of President of the Uni
ted States, and therefore one of the fore,
most 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 coun-
trymen, have been left behind. I have
the distinguished honor to propose your
health. May you long live to enjoy the
best of health and unqualified happiness.
The healths of United States Minister
Pierrepont and the Lord Mayor and toasts
to the army any navy followed. General
Grant left about 4 o'clock, accompanied
by the deputation who received him al
the entrance to Guildhall.