Ulysses S. Grant Stops in Glencoe

Glencoe.  President Grant and party passed through this place, en route from Louisville to Cincinnati on the 11th inst., an in some unaccountable way every man, woman, by and girl in the entire country had become aware of his intention, which resulted in an influx of yeomanry which caused a wild look of amazement to distort the usually placid features of the sober citizens of Glencoe.  Never before had such a conglomerate mass of humanity assembled in our streets.  The countenance of each individual was made radiant with the expectation with the eager expectation and desire to see the American citizen “honored of all nations.” 

Some wished to see the warrior who had led them successfully in many a hand-contested battle-field; others desired to catch a glimpse of the man who acted with lofty magnanimity when Lee, as an acknowledgment of defeat, offered his conqueror the sword that was drawn on behalf of the south [which Grant let him keep].  All were intensely – be the cause what it may – to behold the one person, whose seemingly antagonistic qualities, blended together in blissful unison, which contribute to render a man competent to act in any capacity, be it warrior or statesman, traveler or tanner.  Ere the time had arrived for the train to roll in with its precious burden of ex-officials, the crowd was wrought up to such a pitch that it was fairly clamorous.  The minds of all were in doubt as to whether or not the train would stop; but those misgivings were speedily banished when the air was rent with the shrill whistle of the approaching train, which signaled a stop. 

The throng rushed to the platform, yelling for Grant in tones that reverberated through the surrounding valley, and from hilltop to hilltop.  By this time the General had emerged from the palace car and was standing grandly erect when Professor J. F. Williams, in accordance with the previously arranged programme, addressed him thus:  “General Grant – In behalf of the surging populace gathered here to do homage to out Nation’s greatest, I salute you most cordially.  Crowned heads have acknowledged your merits, then why should the people of Glencoe not do likewise.  Imperial caps were doffed in your presence, and in like manner with the common consent of my fellow-citizens, I toss high in mid-air my venerable sombrero. 

Again, General, I, in the name of the people, extend to you a hearty welcome and earnestly wish that your future happiness may be so certain as your past life has been eminently successful and necessary for the welfare of our common country.” At this juncture the applause was overwhelming, and Grant’s reply was made inaudible by the enthusiastic crowd.  Your correspondent regrets much that he can not report to you even the substance of the General’s impromptu speech.  Precisely after the expiration of fifteen minutes from the beginning of ceremonies, the bell tolled the unpleasant tidings that he must hasten to the Queen City.  A hurried adieu, and then he was gone. 

 from the Covington Daily Commonwealth, December 16, 1879.