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solved with rare patriotism and intelligence the many complicated and difficult questions that confronted him, and his place in history will ever be among the foremost.

The foregoing were the principal events of General Grant's administration of the Government during eight years. During the time he undoubtedly made many mistakes, but they were errors of the heart rather than of the mind. During the heated campaign of '72, notwithstanding the vituperation heaped upon his head by his enemies and the split in his own party, the people's faith in him was undisturbed, he being re-elected by an overwhelming popular majority, the greatest ever given to a presidential candidate. This was regarded as a complete vindication and refutal of the aspersions which had been cast upon his character. In his second inaugural address he refers to this subject in these words:

"From my candidacy for my present office in 1868, to the close of the last presidential campaign, I have been the subject of abuse and slander, scarcely ever equaled in political history, which to-day I feel I can afford to disregard in view of your verdict, which I gratefully accept as my vindication."

To one who has read what General Grant has done, little need be said as to what manner of man he is. The outline of his life shows his ability. Such achievements are not the result of luck or accident. They are seldom seen in history. He has not only shown great ability, but wisdom, practical sagacity and independence in the whirl of extraordinary and important events which have occurred at Washington and in the South since the close of the war

For some months previous to the expiration of General Grant's second term of office, he felt the need of absolute rest, and that he might be entirely relieved from all cares

and annoyances that would necessarily reach him, even in retirement, he planned a tour of the world, to occupy at least two years, hoping to find the relief sought for. The history of this trip, with its unprecedented and unlookedfor ovations and triumphal tour will be found of intense interest to every American.

The following pages, descriptive of this journey, were originally issued by the publishers of this volume, immediately after the General's return. Its insertion here will not detract from the interest the reader has in this subject. One of the most, if not the most, important eras in General Grant's life was this absolutely unique tour. To trace this journey step by step the reader is taken through the palaces and courts of royalty, and within "sacred walls" where no other American traveler ever penetrated. To witness the pomp and parade of armies, exhibited for General Grant's special pleasure, and to see all that is most beautiful in nature and art, will be found to possess an interest and fascination that cannot be resisted, and is as readable as a

romance.

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CHAPTER XIX.

OFF FOR EUROPE.

On May 17th, 1877, ex-President U. S. Grant, his wife, and son Jesse, sailed from Philadelphia for Europe, via American Line steamer Indiana. His departure was made the occasion of a great parting demonstration, in which all classes of the community seemed to take a hearty and enthusiastic share. The courtesies extended to him in every city through which he had passed since his retirement from the Presidency were alike creditable to those who proffered, and to him who received them, and were the outburst of a people who recognized his great military and civil services. Before leaving the steamer that conveyed the General to the Indiana, a very interesting ceremony took place on board. In the ladies' cabin a private table was spread for the distinguished guests, among whom were General Grant, at the head of the table; General Sherman, on his right; Mayor Stokley, of Philadelphia, on his left; Honorable Hamilton Fish, Colonel Fred. Grant, Honorable Zach. Chandler, Honorable Simon Cameron, Honorable Don Cameron, and other prominent military and civil officers. After luncheon, Mayor Stokley arose and toasted the "honored guest of the day" in a few appropriate and eulogistic remarks. General Grant replied:

“MR. MAYOR and GentlemeN: I had not expected to make a speech to-day, and therefore can do nothing more than thank you, as I have had occasion to do so often

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