ON the month of May, 1877, the Department of State issued to its representatives in foreign countries the following official note:

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WASHINGTON, May 23d, 1877. S

"To the Diplomatic and Consular Officers of the United States.

GENTLEMEN: General Ulysses S. Grant, the late President of the United States, sailed from Philadelphia on the 17th inst., for Liverpool.

"The route and extent of his travels, as well as the duration of his sojourn abroad, were alike undetermined at the time of his departure, the object of his journey being to secure a few months of rest and recreation after sixteen years of unremitting and devoted labor in the military and civil service of his country.

"The enthusiastic manifestations of popular regard and esteem for General Grant shown by the people in all parts of the country that he has visited since his retirement from official life, and attending his every appearance in public

from the day of that retirement up to the moment of his departure for Europe, ind cate beyond question the high place he holds in the grateful affections of his countrymen.

"Sharing in the largest measure this general public sentiment, and at the same time expressing the wishes of the President, I desire to invite the aid of the Diplomatic and Consular Officers of the Government to make his journey a pleasant one should he visit their posts. I feel already assured that you will find patriotic pleasure in anticipating the wishes of the Department by showing him that attention and consideration which is due from every officer of the Government to a citizen of the Republic so signally distinguished both in official service and personal renown.

"I am, Gentlemen,

"Your obedient servant,

"WM. M. EVARTS."

This action on the part of the Government was a fitting manifestation of its esteem and regard for one among the most illustrious of its citizens. These sentiments had been still further emphasized by the people of one of our chief cities, this homage serving to introduce General Grant to the nations of the Old World. General Grant had been from the hour of his retirement on March 4th, 1877, the recipient of more flattering testimonials of respect and admiration than had perhaps ever before fallen to the lot of any American. The successful conducting and victorious termination of the late war between the opposing sections of the country; the judicious direction of the Executive branch of the Government for eight years; the re-establishment of peace and harmony with a great foreign power, when these relations had been seriously threatened; these acts had secured for General Grant a hold upon the heart of the nation which could hardly be too strongly manifested.

Having, as President of the United States, extended to the representatives of foreign states the welcome of America to its Centennial Anniversary Celebration, General Grant was now, in the capacity of a private citizen, about to visit those countries to obtain needed rest, and to inform himself concerning the characteristics and customs of the people of the Old World. It will be generally conceded that no more appropriate occasion could occur for a special recognition of great public services.

General Grant selected as a medium for the transportation

of his party to Liverpool the "Indiana," one of the only American line of steamships crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Having thus chosen this particular steamship line, it was natural that the Philadelphians should take pride and pleasure in extending their hospitality to General Grant; and accordingly, from the hour of his arrival in Philadelphia, its citizens. vied with each other in doing him honor.

During the week which elapsed before his departure, the General was the guest of George W. Childs, Esq.

On May 10th, the day following his arrival in Philadelphia, General Grant visited the "Permanent Exhibition" Building, on the occasion of its opening. The 11th, 12th, and 13th were passed in the enjoyment of the hospitalities of prominent Philadelphians, and on the 14th a reception took place at the Union League Club, the reception closing with a review of the First Regiment Infantry of the National Guard of Pennsylvania. On the 16th a very pretty ceremony took place, when the

soldiers' orphans-wards of the State-marched in procession past Mr. Childs' residence. Generals Grant and Sherman stood on the steps of the house, extending to each little one, as they passed, a pleasant word. On the same day

General Grant received the veteran soldiers and sailors, to the number of twelve hundred, in Independence Hall, after which he lunched with Governor Hartranft at Mr. Childs', where in the evening he was serenaded, the house being brilliantly illuminated. On the 17th, the day appointed for the departure of the "Indiana," Mr. Childs entertained at breakfast, to meet his distinguished guest, the late Secretary of State, Hon. Hamilton Fish, Governor Hartranft, General Sherman, and Hon. Simon Cameron. After the breakfast the party proceeded on board a small steamer and visited the Russian corvette "Cravasser." After a brief stay the steamer proceeded down the river. The party on board now included Mayor Stokley, Henry C. Carey, Esq., General Stewart Van Vleet, Colonel Fred. D. Grant, Major Alexander Thorpe, Hon. Isaac H. Bailey, of New York, U. S. Grant, jr., General Horace Porter, the members of the City Council of Philadelphia, and others. Mrs. Grant and a party of friends were taken down the river to the "Indiana" by the United States revenue cutter "Hamilton," on board of which were Admiral Turner, George W. Childs, Esq., and Mrs. Childs, Hon. A. E. Borie, and Mrs. Borie, A. J. Drexel, Esq., and Mrs. Drexel, Mrs. Sharp-Mrs. Grant's sister-Hon. Morton McMichael, A. Bierstadt, the artist, Hon. John W. Forney, and others.

The wharves on the Delaware were lined with people, who made the air resound with their cheers. Steamers and small craft filled the stream, all decorated with bunting and crowded with enthusiastic people.

A brief stoppage was made at Girard Point, and the following telegraphic dispatches were received by General Grant:

"GENERAL GRANT, Philadelphia :

"NEW YORK, May 17th, 1877.

"Mrs. Hayes joins me in heartiest wishes that you and Mrs. Grant may have a prosperous voyage, and, after a happy visit abroad, a safe return to your friends and country.

R. B. HAYES."

"DEAR SIR: Mrs. Grant joins me in thanks to you and Mrs. Hayes for your kind wishes and your message received on board this boat just as we are pushing out from the wharf. We unite in returning our cordial greetings, and in expressing our best wishes for your health, happiness, and success in your

most responsible position. Hoping to return to my country to find it prosperous in business, and with cordial feelings renewed between all sections,

"I am, dear sir, truly yours,

"U. S. GRANT."

On board the Magenta" luncheon was served, General Grant occupying the head of the table. The first toast of the occasion, offered by Mayor Stokley, was, " God-speed to our honored guest, Ulysses S. Grant." The General responded briefly, being evidently affected by the warmth of the greeting and the compliments which were being showered upon him.

The health of General Sherman was next toasted, and he replied: