Omaha daily bee., 1896-12-27
GRANT AND SHERMAN AT ST. JOE
An Unpublished Incident of Johnson's
"SMInE Arnmnh tic Circle."

An Unpublished Incident of Johnson's
"swing Around the Circle"
In the fall of 1866 President Andrew John
son on his political tour around the circle"
had for his companions General Grant and
General Sherman. 1t is a matter Of history
that the trip became so exceedingly disa-
greeable to both of these distinguished sol
Giers that they abandoned it, and, IL mem
ory serves me right, left the presidential
party and started east via st. Louis.
The route lay down the river on the then
only railroad, the Missouri Valley, which
brought them to st. Joseph, Mo-, in the
early evening. At that time st. Joseph was
a hotbed of disloyalty. 1t was reeonstruc
tion days, and there was much antagonism
between union men, union sympathizers and
the old families who generally represented
the dsloyal element.
Undoubtedly, in consequence of a large
portion of the population being of disloyal
tendencies, the visit of Grant and Sherman
was not relished. When the train arrived
at the station 1t was met by mob who
followed the carriage making their presence
extremely obnoxious by the blowing of tin
horns, by hooting and it was said at that
time that they used unsavory eggs
| recall the circums lances readily. being
at that time guest at the old Pacific hotel
lSOOn aller destroyed Dy nre), ana not only
heard, but saw the mob, and deeply re-
sented their misconduct and insults. 1t was
reported that the mob was led by local
merchant, at that time notorious as rebel
sympahizer. Soon after the arrival of the
party at the hotel | attempted to go to my
room, but was restrained by the guard at
the foot OF the stairs until the landlord
interfered and requested that I might be
permitted to pass.
In the broad hall at the head of the stair
case, and in front of the parlors, a tall,
gri1zled solderly man was impatiently
pacing. Except himself General Grant
being alone in the parlor) there was no one
in sight. Almost Immediately the general
for it was Sherman. spoke and we walked
up and down the hallway, he restless, angry,
impatient and talking constantly.
The toots of horns and the hows of the
mob could be plainly heard. Finally the
general, with resentment rising at each
sound coming in at the open windows,
turned to me and said with great emphasis:
Cd d-n those devils, we whipped them
once; d-n it, we can do 1t again If neces-
sary."
The general was extremely angry We
continued up and down the hall, he with
quick, restless strides, talking rapidly, for
he resented the mdignty. Soon a friend
came and asked If had been presented to
General Grant. We went to the parlor and
found General Grant standing in the center
up in the meantime were paying their re
spects. ! was INTRODUCED and shook the hand
of the "Silent General" The room soon
commenced to fill, so / therefore, retired
early. Although | saw General Sherman
number of times while he resided in New
York, and was tempted to tax his wonderful
memory for faces and incidents. l had no
favorable opportunity without seeming to
intrude upon him. But since the few mo-
ments at-the Pacific hotel, the hero of "the
March TO the Sea" has had warm place in
my heart.
Nor did 1 again see General Grant, except
as the invalid at his Mount McGregor cot
tage, when he was sitting on the porch as
| passed and was enabled to do silent honor
to the soldier statesman and patriot. Only
a little later again saw him in his casket
as he lay in state in the city hall in New
York.
When General Grant died, my son, young
lad was at Saratoga Springs. He was with
me when | passed General Grants cottage.
and to make an impression upon his young
mind wrote him the following letter, which
was printed in a Saratoga paper and had a
large local circulation:
MY Dear Son: General Grant is dead |
and | want TO impress upon your young
mind, now that you saw the general while |
a young boy, so that in future years when |
the memory of Grant is honored and reVered |
more than now you may be proud to recall |
that you saw him. General Grant was a |
great soldier. He commanded more men |
than any general of modern times. He |
never lest a battle. Twice president, pa |
triot and statesman, model husband and !
father, he filled with modesty and honor |
every position in life TO which he was called |
and his name will go down to history as one |
Of the greatest of Americans. Don't ever |
permit anyone to shake your confidence in
Grant. AS we passed his cottage at Mt. |
/ told you to raise your hat. You
little appreciated then that | wanted you to
show respect TO one of Americas greatest
men, Well might you lift your hat in honor
Of such a man and hero.-Papa."
A lICKINGAN