The Afro-American advance., 1899-09-02
SUeXeVeVeVeNeEeNesAo
( GEN. GRANTS ASTONISHING !
J EXPERIENCE,
By Lanadon I.aine.
en.0n.1n0aAa1a1A1A1aJ
N THE spring of 1850 Gen. Grant,

nf0Hght MS =tfluHtpHdi Journey 10 a
close at New Orleans, where he re-
maiued a week or two. There | accom-
panied the general to what proved TO be
perhaps the most exciting demonstra-
tion of negroes of those times, dem
onstration which Gen. Grant called his
most astonishing experience.
A new generation was entering on
the scene, and, although the men who
had been conspicuous In the service of
the confederate states had cordially
welcomed Grant To the defeated sec
ton, 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
cluded themselves during the public
ceremonies subsequently called on
Grant at the residence Of bis cousin.
As the hour for the arrival Of the
Grant party approached the streets
Bwarmed with black faces, shining with
enthusiasm and hope. Somehow they
conceived the idea that Grant had
come, not as a private citizen, but as
their Moses. to restore their political
supremacy. They were more serious
and less boisterous than on other pub
lie occasions. when their loud laugh
distinguishes the southern from the
quiet northern gathering. The escort
OF the Grant party was iirst a company
Of United States regulnrs, then a post Of
the Grand Army of the Republic. and a
civic society or two. II was not impress
Hive as a procession, but as II came
the feTvor Of the inflammabie negro nn-
ture reached almost the limit, and
when IL passed the black mass fell In
behind, filing the street from curb TO
curb.
The general was disposed 10 be as
quiet as possible without appearing dis
courteous. When first asked TO receive
n delegation of colored preachers OF the
Northern Methodist church he pleaded
fatigue. After some persuasion he con
scented 10 meet them mt Wesley chapel,
with the stipulation that there should
be no general negro demonstration. Il
bad enough of that at Jacksonville" /"
the general explained,
! was asked to go with the general
and Rev. Dr. IIhrtlell, northern
preacher then in charge Of the church
affairs In the city. A northern newspa-
per man, and a veteran northern sol
dier. I had no local political ambition
To be injured, and had lively curiosity
tn see the negroes.
II was n long drive. and on the way
Grant was more than ordinarily com.
munlcative, which Is saying u good deal
I, was aud ntill Is a popular fallacy that
he WIS not in all situations rctirent
man. However sclf.containrd he may
have been in an official capacity. social
~ he was genial, cheerful and ohntty.
As he lighted cignr, the carriage being
open, he said;
II have the reputation of being n
hard smoker. There are people who
say my portraits are bad hechuse there
isn't cigar Ia the mouth. That's q
SANDER. never In my life smoked To
excess, and now consume only three
or four cigars n day. lam slow smok.
er, and cigar lasts ma a good while. "
As we passed the university build
inRp the general said that IL the war
had not come when Il did he should have
been a resident of the south. professor
In Il southern college.
Gen, sherman" he explained. "had
been the professor Of mathematics In a
college in Mississippi think IL was
Mississippi "and decided 10 give II up.
he wrote 10 me NJ Galeua. asking II |
cared To take his place. always liked
mathematics. II was the study | had
done best la. aad thought ! might en-.
joy the work II was decided that |
should 20. but then the rumblings Of
impending war caused me 90 change
my mind. aud with some reluctance |
finally declined H."
When VIC were within about two
blocks OF the church wr were shocked
by the spectacle Of a solid mass of black
humanity. As they caught sight ot the
approaching carriage they made fu-
rious rnsh, and with ycllS surrounded
us. The two or three policemen in the
neighhorhood did all they could. but
were powcrless.
Lat us get out Of this" exclaimed
the general Driver. turn about aud
go back"
II was useless. however, to make the
attempt. IL was the determined pur-
pose of every man, woman aud child
In the mass TO shake Grants hand or
touch his person. The air was allied
with cries 4 tall old negro forced
himself between the wheels, regardless
Of busy club, and reached Grants
hand, crushing new silk hat as he did
a. Then straightrntng himself To his
full height. with hands above his hare
head. he shouted; "Brcss Gawdl done
xhnck his ham"
For ueariy half an hour the scene was
beyond graphic portrayal These iR
norant people. long deserted aud neg
leetsd by their frightened headers. slrs
eerely believed Grant had coms 10 New
Orleans for the sole purpose sf "leadiu
ua uut Oh lie wilderness, as they shout.
ed. Many oi them did rot know Grants
face. aud - We three we're almost equal.
III the object of admiration.
a. - A.. a.. A.