The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1899-09-30
GEN. GRANTS ASTONISHING
EXPERIENCE,
by Lanedon Lame.


brought his tr1umphal journey to a
close at New Orleans, where he re-
manned week or two. There accom-
panied the general to what proved to be
perhaps the most exciting demonstra-
ton 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 his cousin.
AS the hour for the arrival of the
Grant party approached the streets
swarmed 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 first company
of United States regulars, then a post of
the Grand Army of the Republic, and
civic society or two. 1t was not impress
sive as procession. but as it came
the fervor of the infiammable negro ma
ture reached almost the limit, and
when it passed the black mass fell in
behind, filing the street from curb to
curb.
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 to meet them at Wesley chapel,
with the stipulation that there should
be no general negro demonstration. 81
had enough of that at Jacksonville"
the general explained.
was asked to go with the general,
and Rev. DR.. Hartzell, a northern
preacher then in charge of the church
affairs in the city. A northern newspa-
per man, and veteran northern SOL
der, l had no local political ambition
to be injured, and had lively curiosity
to see the negroes.
1t was long drive, and on the way
Grant was more than ordinarily COM
municative, which is saying good deal
It was and still is popular fallacy that
he was not in all situations reticent
man. However self-contained he may
have been in an official capacity, social
" he was genial, cheerful and chatty.
Al he lighted cigar, the carriage being
open, he said:
II have the reputation of being
hard smoker. There are people who
say my portraits are bad because there
isn't cigar in the mouth. That's a
SANDER. / never in my life smoketfto
excess, and now / consume only three
or four cigars day. lam slow smok- |
er, and cigar lasts me good while"
When We were within about two |
blocks of the church we were shocked |
BY the spectacle of solid mass of black |
humanity. AS they caught sight of the
approaching carriage they made fu-
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 child
in the mass to shake Grants hand or
touch his person. The air was filed
with cries. A tall old negro forced
between the wheels, regardless
Of q busy club, and reached Grants
hand, crushing new silk hat as he did
It. Then, Strengthening himself to his
FULL height, with hands above his bare
head, he shouted: "Bress Gawd done
shuck his han'!"
For nearly half an hour the scene was
beyond graphic portrayal. These ig-
norant people, long deserted and neg
ected by their frightened leaders, sim
,erely believed Grant had come to New
Orleans for the sole purpose of ''leadin
us out OBJ de wilderness" as they shout
ID. Many of them did not know Grants
lace, and so we three were almost equal
y the object of admiration.
A path was made at last from the car
-iage to the door, but at every step
We were obstructed and crushed by the
pressure of the crowd. Inside the chap
i door we found matters hardly bet
er. 1t took long time to reach the :
lltar. Emperor William. an old ne
gro, had charge of the reception. He
stood on the platform, his face beaming
h fpr nj 1