The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1879-12-24
Harrisburg and Philadelphia,
Gen. Grants arrival and receptions
The great parade
&C.. &c.
HARRIspuRq. Dec. 10, 1879.

for the next to come, Grant, SO you
will pardon me if my letter is very
"Grantish."
At Harrisburg Monday morning
broke dull and cloudy but by the time
the General arrived, half past one, it
had cleared up beautifully. On Cap
itol Hill two pieces of artillery had
been placed which announced his arri-
val, and from time to time doomed
forth a welcome. He was met at the
depot by the moyor and a committee
Of citizens who conducted him to the
Executive Mansion, where he first
viewed the parade, and afterwards
gave a reception. In the evening
there was a pyrotechnic display, after
which the guest visited the fair being
held By the Grand Army of the Re-
public, where he was presented with
an address, and Mrs. Grant was the
recipient of handsome horseshoe of
flowers from the ladies.
Tuesday morning he left early for
Philad'a where he arrived at half past
ten o'clock. He was met by the
mayor, who conducted him in hand
some barouche, drawn by four bay
horses, to the line of procession. The
houses all along the route were decora-
ted with flags and evergreens, some
having large pictures of the hero
around which were words Of welcome.
Most of the houses had platforms erec.
ted from which to view the procession,
on which seats were let at one dollar
apiece. Some windows commanded
as high as five dollars for a single
chair. Wannamaker had platform
erected in front Of his Grand Depot
which bad seats for fifteen hundred
persons. In the centre was band Of
Emusic which endeavored to make the
guests forget the GOODNESS of the day
while waiting for the column to come
along. Spanning the street in front Of
his Market ST., store there was large
archon both sides which were words of
welcome. In front of his Chestnut St.,
store was large arch which at the
same time was bridge, and accom-
modated quite large party of lockers
on. Both were handsomely draped
with flags and evergreens. Ipdepend-
ence Hall was handsomely decorated,
and at night was Illuminated with cal
cium lights, In front of the hall was
a large beautifully decorated arch.
The day was holiday In every
respect, and the parade was witnessed
by fully a half million of people.
There were between thirty-fve and
forty thousand people in the process.
ion, which was over twelve miles long.
The bead Of the column moved at
precisely half past ten and took five
hours to pass q given point. General
Grant followed the military, of which
there were seven thousand. He has
changed somewhat, but 1 think for the
better. He was received with enthu-
siasm all along the route. A great
deal of amusement was occasioned by
a seedy looking high hat he wore,
many remarking that it was evident
that the old hat had accompanied him
ON all bis travels. Tuesday evening
the General was given dinner at the
residence Of Mr.. Childs, of the Ledqer,
where he met most all the members of
his old cabinet. Wednesday morning
ne was given one reception at Carpen-
ters Hall and another at Independence
Hall. In the evening he was rendered
a banquet at the house Of Mayor Stoke.
ly, which was attended by Generals
Sherman and Sheridan. On Thursday
a grand camp fire was given in his
honor at the Academy Of Music by the
Grand Army of the Republic. Every.
day aad night of his stay, which will
be about two weeks, he will be given
receptions.
The city is still crowded with visi.
tors and wears holiday appearance.
Grant and Christmas has given bust.
ness a good push, and our storekeepers
are reaping harvest. Harrisburg
has resumed its old tranquility, SC
there is nothing of note going on. A