Year: 1879

GALENA, ILL.,, Nov. 5.-The train bear


ing the Grant party stopped at Dixon,
Polo, and other points along the line,


reaching Galena at $3.50 this afternoon.


The reception here at his old home was


one to be remembered. The greatest


good will and affection characterized the
meeting. AS the train came in numer-
GUS salutes were fired and the vicinity of
the station was literally packed with en-
thusiastic and delighted people, Militia
from Galena and neighboring towns were
in line at the depot, and band played
Auld Lang Syne, as Gen. Grant descend
ed from the carriage with the mayor of
Galena. Gov. Cullom, Mrs. Grant and
and the rest of the party followed. Every
building was lavishly decorated, and Ella
borate arches were erected in several
streets, The procession made circuit
of the town. School children sang Ameri-
ca in front of Grants family church.
Finally the procession stopped at a plat
form where formal greeting was extend
ed by State Senator Mcclellan, to which
the General replied:


Ladies and Gentlemen, citizens of
Galena:-It is with some embarrassment
that reply. Your welcome is exceed
ingly gratifying to me, but it is difficult
for me reply to what have just heard,
and to what have seen. Since I first
left here eighteen years ago, it has always
been the greatest pleasure for me to re-
turn to Galena, and now, after an alb
sence of two and half years from your
city, during which time I have visited
almost every country in the world, it is
pleasure to be greeted in this manner by
you. During my travels I received prince
ly honors, but they were all due to this
country and to you as citizens and as
sovereigns of so great country. When
| saw during my absence, especially in
the far East, how hard the inhabitants
have to toll, even for maintenance, /
realize more than ever the greatness of
our country where want is scarcely ever
known, and where the question of susie
nance is not daily considered. I will on
ly add that I thank you again for your
reception.


1t was fully five minutes before the
cheers which greeted Grants speech had
subsided. The crowd then called in turn
for Cullom, Gear, Smith, Logan, Allison,
and Washburne, who each made speech
eulogizing Grant. The General then
held a reception at the Desotah House.


There was a perfect jam at Gen Grants
reception this afternoon, and which last
ed until about o'clock. This evening
the town presents a very brilliant and
beautiful spectacle. The main streets
and buildings are bright with the iliumi-
nation, and the houses On the surround
ing hills with the bright light streaming
out of the darkness kfrom their windows
and the rockets and roman candles which
are continually being sent up from them
add greatly to the beauty of the gay scene
The church and fire bells are ringing and
the streets are crowded with people, all
eagerly discussing the Generals return
and the great events Of the day, the like
of which Galena will scarcely ever see
again. Gen. Grant and his family dined
very quietly at their residence, which
they found nicely fitted up for them.
From half-past 8 until 10 there was a
continual stream of people on foot and in
carriages, all bent On paying their re-
spects to General and Mrs. Grant, who
received them all in most hospitable
manner.