than accomplished a duty, and one, too, for which no par ticular honor is due. But the world, as you do, will accord otherwise." The Doctor then proposed, at General Grant's request: "The officers of the different staffs, and the non-commissioned officers and privates of the Army of the Tennessee." "The Federal Union-It must and will be preserved." Responded to by Major-General S. A. Hurlbut. "The Old Flag-May its extinguished stars, rekindled by the sacred flame of human liberty, continue to shine forever undiminished in number, and undimmed in splendor." Brigadier-General Veatch. "The President of the United States-He must be sustained." Colonel J. W. Fuller. "The Star-spangled Banner" was here sung, the whole party joining in the chorus. "The Loyal Men of Tennessee-Their devotion to the Union, the cause of republican government and constitutional liberty, is like gold tried seven times by fire." Mr. J. M. Tomeny. The remainder of the toasts were of a local character, with the exception of the closing one, which was as follows: "General Grant-Your Grant and my Grant. Hav. ing granted us victories, grant us the restoration of the 'Old Flag;' grant us supplies, so that we may grant to our friends the grant to us." The festivities were kept up until near three o'clock in the morning, when General Grant withdrew from he room. A poem was also read by Dr. Morris, of which are given the lines referring to General Grant's work on the Mississippi: The Mississippi closed-that mighty stream One thought to chain him! Ignominious thought! The heights were crowned with ramparts sheltering those A thousand miles told mournfully the tale, The Mississippi closed. Not long. From the Lord God of Hosts was sent A leader, who with patient vigil planned A great deliverance. Height by height was gained, Our children's children, noble Grant, shall sing CHAPTER XVIII. General Grant at New Orleans-His simplicity in Dress-Reviews the Thir teenth Army Corps-Sad Accident-Recovers from the serious Injuries -He cares for the Soldier in little things-A new and larger CommandChickamauga and Chattanooga-An amusing Incident-The feelings of the Rebels-General Grant at Chattanooga-Clearing the Track-Jeff. Davis on Lookout. HE first day of autumn, 1863, General Grant was sailing toward New Orleans—was near the Crescent City, so recently cut off from his dis tant Vicksburg. September 3d, the announcement was made that the Father of Waters was opened for trade, limited only by the determination to prevent any traffic that would help the rebels. The next morning lights up a splendid pageant. From St. Charles Hotel, mark that cavalcade of officers mounted amid the gathering thousands anxious to look on the central object of universal interest. Away the horsemen dash! But which is the hero of the day? Turn your eye from dazzling uniforms, to that man of ordinary aspect, "in undress uniform, without sword, sash, or belt, coat unbuttoned, a low-crowned black felt hat, without any mark upon it of military rank," and you see Major-General Grant. Through streets lined with spectators, they gallop into the country toward Carrollton, to review the Thirteenth Army Corps. While passing back and forth on the field of splendid military display, his strange steed makes a sudden dash, and throws the illustrious rider. Consternation passes over the multitudes. It was no trivial accident. Bruised, and with broken bones, he is borne on a litter to the steamer " Franklin," and carried to New Orleans. A whole month he was in the surgeon's care. It was well that he escaped with no more serious results of the fall, and an occasion for gratitude to the God of our fathers, who spared him to the endangered land they gave us. While only partially recovered, with the aid of a crutch and cane, he embarked on his voyage up the Mississippi. He, like Washington, was careful in little things. Who but himself would have thought it worth the while to regulate the fare from Cairo to New Orleans, to save the soldiers from unjust charges? Not only so, but he ordered that "enlisted men be entitled to travel as cabin passengers, when they desire it, at the same rates." The "boys" were not to be thrust into the hold, or on deck, but must be treated like men. He required the "officers in the inspector-general's department to report any neglect " to pay the soldiers promptly. He went further still. Be sides a just and kind jurisdiction established in and around Vicksburg, he had General McPherson issue a general order, beginning thus: "In order to encourage and reward the meritorious and faithful officers and men of this corps, a 'Medal of Honor,' with appropriate device, has been prepared, and will be presented by a 'Board of Honor,' of which the Major-General commanding is the advisory member, to all those who, by their gallantry in action and other soldierlike qualities, have most distinguished themselves, or who may hereafter most distinguish themselves during the war." It was an appropriate expression of his regard for distinguished bravery. "The design of the medals was a blending of the crescent, a star, and a shield; the base being formed of the crescent, to the two extremities of which was fixed the star, while pendent from its lower point was suspended a shield. Upon the crescent the words, 'Vicksburg, July 4, 1863.' The object in the presentation of these badges was to reward the meritorious members of the Seventeenth Corps for conspicuous valor on the field of battle or endurance in the march. This famous corps, since its organization, had been foremost in duty and deeds of glory throughout the entire campaign against Vicksburg, and no better method could have been adopted to continue in the future the same excellent spirit of emulation for which it has always been celebrated, both on the part of officers and men." |