The New York herald., 1879-11-06
WARM RECEPTION AT GALENA.

GALENA, ILL.,, Nov. b, 1879.
The train bearing General Grant and party stopped
at Dixon Polo and other points along the lne reach
ing Galena at halfpast three o'clock this afternoon
The reception ut his old home here was remarkable
The greatest good will and affection character.
lied the meeting. AS the train came ill numerous
salutes frcd. and the vicinity Of the station
was literally packed with enthusiastic and delighted
people. Militia from Galena ard neighboring towns
was in line at the depot and tho band played Auld
Lang Syne" General Grant descended from the
carriage. with the Mayor of Galena Governor Cul-
lom, Mrs. Grant and the of the party following.
The procession formed in the following order:-
Galena. Freeport and Dubuque Militia.
Old Soldiers of Galena
Dubuque Veteran Corps.
General Grant and party in carriages and distin-
guished citizens of Galena
Every building was decorated and elaborate arches
erected in several streets. The procession
made circuit of the town. The school children
sang "America" in front OF General Grants family
church. Finally the procession stopped at plat
form, where q formal greeting was extended by
State Senator Mcclellan. in answer to which the ex-
President said:-
"CITlzENs GALENA'-It is with some embar-
rassment that reply that your welcome is exceed
ingly gratifying to me but 1t is difficult for me to
reply to what have just heard to what have seen
Since first LETT here eighteen years ago it has always
been the greatest pleasure tor to return to
Galena; and now, after an absence Of two and half
years from your city, during which time have
visited almost every country in the world, it is
pleasure to be greeted in this manner by you. Dur
ing my travels l received princely honors, but
they all due to this country and to you
citizens and as sovereigns of great country.
When saw during my absence, especially in the far
East, how hard the inhabitants had to toll even for
o maintenance, realized more than ever the great
ness ofsour country where want is scarcely ever
known and where the question of sustenance is not
daily considered. I viii only add that thank you
again for your reception"
1t was fully Ave minutes before the cheers which
greeted the Genel ais speech had subsided. The
crowd then called in turn for Cullom, Gear, Smith.
Logan, Allison and Washburne, who each made a
speech eulogzing General Grant. The General then
held reception at tho De Soto House.
There perfect jam this afternoon ut the re-
cepton, which lasted until about six o'clock. This
evening the town presents brilliant ana beautiful
spectacle The main streets and buildings bright
with the illumination. and the houses ON the sur
rounding hills with the light streaming from their
windows, while the rockets and Roman candles,
which continually being set off from thcm add
greatly to the brilliancy or the scene. The
church and fire bells are ringing, and the streets
crowded with people eagerly discussing the Gen.
erals and reception. the like Of which Galena
will scarcely see again.
General Grant aud his family dined quietly at
their residence, which they found nicely fitted up
for their reception. From haf-past eight until ten
O'Clock there q continuous stream OF people on
foot aud in carriages. all intent upon paying their
respects to the General and Mrs. Grant, who re-
ceived them in most hospitable manner.