The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-06-16


Grant was presented with the freedom of
the city of London at Guild Hall today.
About eight hundred ladies and gentle
men, including several members OF the
government, the American Gsnsul, mer-
chants and principal representatives OF
the trade and commerce OF London were
invited to meet the General. Subsequent
to the ceremony the entrance to the hall
and the corridors of Guild Hall were laid
with crimson cloth, and the walls were
covered with mirrors. The guests began
to arrive about half-psst eleven o'clock,
and until halfpast twelve . steady
stream of carriages poured into Guild
Hall yard. General Grant arrived at 10
o'clock. l..".4 ''
General Grant was received at the en-
trance of Guild Hall by four aldermen
and six members of the City Land Com
mission, and was by them conducted TO
the library, where he Was received by
the Lord Mayor and took 0 seat on the
dsis on the left of His Lordship, who oc-
cupied chair as president OF the special
Court of Common Council, at which were
assembled most OF the members OF the
corporation, the Aldermen wearing their
scarlet robes, and common councilmen
their mazarin gowns. The resolution OF
the court was read by the town clerk
and Gen. Grant, after an address by the
Chamb mberlain, was admitted to the freedom
of the city. Tue Chamberlain extended
the right of fellowship as citizen OF
London, which was cordially grasped
amidst renewed applause. Gen. Grant
replied in suitable terms and then sub.
scribed his name to the roll Of honorary
freemeD, which concluded the business
of the special court.
Gen. Grant was accompanied BY Mrs.
Grant and Mir lister and MRS. Pierrepont.
Among the gentlemen present were Sir
Stafford Northcote and many members
of Parliament The gold casket contain.
ing the freedom OF the city, has on
the diverse central panel view OF the
capitol at Washington, and on the right
and left are the monogram and arms OF
the Lord Mayor; on the reverse side
there is view of the entrance to
Guild Hall and an appropriate inscrip.
tlon; at the ends are two figures, also
in gold, finely modelled and chased, re
presenting the city of London and the
United States, and bearing their respec-
tive shields in rich enamel At the
corners are double columns Of laurel
wreated with corn and cotton, and On
the corner cornuopia emblematic OF the
fertility and prosperity OF the United
States. The cover is surmounted BY
arms of the city OF London. TIE cssket
is supported by American eagles, modell-
ed and chased in gold, the whole stand
ing on velvet plinth, decorated with
stars and stripes. Gen. Grant was
conducted by the Lord Mayor TO
Guild Hall where an elegant dejeuner
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"
General Grants health was then pro-
posed amidst tremendous cheering. The
Lord Mayor IN proposing the health OF
Gen. Grant said: 81, as chief magistrate
of the city of London and on the part of
the corporation, offer you as hearty q
welcome as sincerity of language can
convey. Your presence here a. the late
President of the United States Is specially
gratifying to sll classes of the
and we feel that al
though this is your first visit
TO England it is not IS stranger that
we greet, but q tried and honored friend
Twice occupying as you did the exalted
position OF President of the United
States, and therefore one of the foremost
representatives of that country, we con-
fer 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-
.rymen have been lett behind. l have
the distinguished honor to propose your
health. May you live long to enjoy the
best of health and unqualified happiness.
The health of United States Minister
Pierrepont and the Lord Mayor, and
toasts 10 the army and navy followed.
General Grant left about four o'clock, &C.
companied by the deputation who re-
celved him at the entrance TO Guild
Hall.