Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1899-09-09
! GEN. GRANTS ASTONISHING )
J EXPERIENCE S
by LRDSdon Lame
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by LaDcdon I.aine-

TN THE spring of 1850 Gen. Grant,
after his memorable tour of the
world, visited the southern states and
brought his triumphal journey to
ielose at New Orieans, where he re-
manned q week or two. There accom-
panied the general to what proved to be
perhaps the most exciting demonstra-
zion of negroes OF those times. dem
s0nstration which Gen. Grant called his
most astonishing experience.
A new generation was entering on
fthe scene. and, although the men who
had been conspicuous in the service OF
the confederate states had cordially
welcomed Grant to the defeated sec
stion, there were people in the Crescent
City who could not bring themselves
TO the point of taking part in the street
demonstration in honor of the hero of
the union army. Many of those who Sc
feluded themselves during the public
ceremonies subsequently called on
orant at the residence of his cousin.
as the hour for the arrival of the
fGrant party approached the streets
sswarmed with black faces, shining with
enthusiasm and hope. Somehow they
sconceived the idea that Grant had
-coUc, not as a private citizen, but as
1heir Noses, TO restore their political
supremacy. They were more serious
and less boisterous than on other pub
.lic occasions, when their loud laugh
distinguishes the southern from the
quiet northern gathering. The escort
NJ the Grant party was first company
sof United States regulars, then a post of
the Grand Army of the Republic, aud
civic society or two. 1t was not impress
sive as procession, but as it came
the fervor of the inflammable negro ma
7ure reached almost the 3imit, and
when ii passed the black mass fell in
behind, filling the street from curb to
NCuT'b-
The general was disposed to be as
quiet as possible without appearing dis
courteous. When first asked to receive
"a delegation Of colored preachers of the
Northern Methodist church he pleaded
Fatigue. After some persuasion he con-
scented 10 meet them at Wesley chapel,
with the stipulation that there should
pbe no general negro demonstration. ''I
had enough of that at Jacksonville, !"
She general explained.
) was asked to go with the general,
Snd Rev. DR.. Hartzell, a northern
preacher then in charge of the church
affairs in the city. 4 northern newspa-
per man, and n veteran northern sol
dier, had no local political ambition
10 be injured, and had lively curiosity
90 see the negroes.
II was long drive, and on the way
Grant was more than ordinarily COM
municative, which is saying good deal.
at was and still is popular fallacy that
he was not in all situations a reticent
man. However self-contained he may
have been in an official capacity, social
Nv he was genial, cheerful and chatty.
AS he lighted cigar, che carriage being
open, he said;
II have the reputation of being a
hnrd smoker. There are people who
say my portraits are bad because there
isn't n cigar in the mouth. That's a
ISLANDER. 1 never in my life smoked to
sexcess, and now I consume only three
sor four cigars n day. 1 am a slow smol-
CT. and a cigar lasts me good while. "
When we were within about two
blocks of the church we were shocked
by the spectacle of a solid mass OF black
humanity. AS they caught sight of the
rious rush, and with yells surrounded
us The two or three policemen in the
neighborhood did all they could, but
were powerless.
Let us get out Of this" exclaimed
the general. Driver, turn about and
go back"
1t was useless, however, TO make the
attempt. 1t was the determined pur
pose of every man, woman and Chile
in the. mass TO shake Grants hand OF
touch his person. The air was filled
with cries. 4 ;all old negro forced
himself between the wheels, REGARDLESS:
OF n busy club, and reached Granti
hand, crushing a new silk hat as he die
at Then, Strengthening himself to hi.
fun height, with hands above his bar,
head. he shouted: Dress Gawd, don,
4huck his han'i"
~For nearly half an hour the scene wa
beyond graphic portrayal. These ig
norant people, long deserted and neg
1ected by their frightened leaders, sin
cerely believed Grant had come TO New
Orleans for the sole purpose of ''leadin
us out oh de wilderness" ashley shout
ed Many of them did not know Grant
face, and so we three were almost equal
1y the object of admiration.
path was made at last from the car
siage to the door. but at every STE
we were INSTRUCTED and crushed by tn
pressure of the crowd. Inside the chap
el door we found matters hardly bet
ter 1t took a long time TO reach tn
altar. Emperor William" an old ne
gro. had charge of the reception. H
stood on the platform, his face beamin,
with fervor and perspiration, obviousi
speaking at the top of his voice, but t
rs his words were inaudible. Then tn
choir of hundred voices burst fort
III. IN -: L. D.