The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-06-16
EX-PRESIDENT GRANT.
A Brilliant Reception in London-Tht
Freedom of the City Presented Him.

LONDON, June 15.-GeD. Grant was present.
ed with the honorary freedom of London at
Guildhall today. The entrance to the hall and
corridors was laid with crimson cloth. and the
walls were decorated with mirrors and exotcs.
The guests began to arrive about half-past II
o'clock and until half-past II o'clock steady
stream of carriages passed into Guildhall yard.
Gen. Grant arrived about o'clock, and was re-
ceiyed by deputation of four aldermen, and
six members of the city land committee. He
was conducted to the library, where he was re-
ceived by the Lord Mayor, and took a seat on
the dais on the left hand of his Lordship, who
occupied the chair as presidento of special
court of the common council, at which, were
assembled most of the members, the aldermen
wearing scarlet robes, and the common council
men their mazarine gowns. The resolution of
the court was read by the town clerk, and Gen.
Grant, after address made by the Chamberlain,
was admitted to the freedom of the city, the
Chamberlain extending the right hand Of fell
lowshp as citizen OF LONDON.
Gen. Grant in his reply, referred to the
pleasant relations existing between the United
States and Great Britain, and said be always
desired peace, even if he had to fight for it, and
was delighted with the reception given him in
England, which he accepted as an honor to the
American people. He expressed the hope that
England and America would always be at
peace, and believed that nothing could occur
to disturb the friendly relations now so firmly
established between the two countries.
He then subscribed his name to the roll Of
honorary freemen, which concluded the busi-
ness of the special court.
Gen. Grant was accompanied by Mrs. Grant,
and Minister and Mrs. Plerrepont Among
the guests present were Stafford Nortbcote,
Chancellor of the Exahequer and MANY mem
bers of parliament. The gold casket contain
ing the freedom of the city has on diverse CEN
trail panel, a view of the Capitol at Washington
and on the right and left are monograms and
Sail nrd n1R
view of the entrance to Guild Hall and appro.
pirate inscriptions. At the ends are two
figures also in gold, finely modelled and chased
representing the city of London and United
States bearing their respective shields, the lat
ter executed in rich enamel. At the corners
are double columns laurel wreathed with corn
and cotton, and on the cover is cornucopia en-
blematical of the fertility and prosperity of the
United States. The rose shamrock and thistle
are also introduced. The cover is surmounted
by arms of the city of London. The casket is
supported by American eagles modelled and
chased in gold, the whole standing on a velvet
plinth decorated with the stars and stripes.
Gen. Grant was then conducted by the Lord
Mayor to Guild Hall, where an elegant dinner
had been provided. After the repast the Lord
Mayor proposed the health Of the Queen which
| was drank 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 gOf
| the General said:
l, Chief Magistrate of the city of London, on
the part of the corporation offer you
as hearty welcome as sincerity OF
language can convey. Your presence here as
the late President of the United States is spec.
tally gratifying to all classes of the community
and we feel that although this is your first visit
| to England it is not stranger we meet but a
| tried and honored friend. Twice occupying as
you did the exalted position of Presi
dent of the United States, and
therefore one of the foremost repre-
sentatives of that country, we confer honor
upon ourselves by honorng you. Let me ex-
press both 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. have the
distinguished honor to propose your health
May you long live to enjoy the best of health
and unalloyedlhappiness.
The health OF U. S. minister Pierepont and
the Lord Mayor was drank and toasts to the
army, navy, &C., followed. Gen. Grant left
about clock, accompanied by the deputaton