Jasper County Democrat, Volume 12, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 June 1909 — GRANT CHEERED BY MEN IN GRAY [ARTICLE]

GRANT CHEERED BY MEN IN GRAY

Ovation For Son of General at Memphis Reunion. TEARS MOISTEN HIS EYES Old-Time Rebel Yell Given and Those Who Fought Against the Father Jostle One Another In a Rush to Grasp the Hand of the Son—“ God Bless You All, Boys; God Bless You All,” His Word to the Veterans. Memphis, June 11.—A frenzied demonstration of welcome by the men in gray for the son of the man who defeated them marked the final scene of the nineteenth annual reunion of the United Confederate Veterans. It took place during the parade. In the reviewing stand stood General Frederick Dent Grant of the United States army. A cavalry division approached and its commanding officer, old and grizzled, peered steadily at General Grant a moment. Then he turned in his saddle and yelled: "Come on, you kids; here’? General Grant come to life again in hi's.son.” With one of the old time rebe) yells, the division charged upon the'stand and jostled one another for an opportunity to shake the hand of the son of their old-time enemy. From that moment, every gray clad veteran who could reach the stand rushed up to shake hands with General Grant. The stocky army officer’s cold gray eyes filled with tears, and his shoulders shook with emotion as he murmured: “God bless you all, boys; God bless you." - Battle torn banners were grouped at his feet and waved over his head in salute. More than one veteran was in tears as they saw the famous federal chieftain’s son so touched by the situation. It is doubtful if any other northern man, even a president, ever received such an ovation.