The inauguration of President Grant in 1869—Youngest man who has
occupied the office—His family—Mrs. Grant as hostess, wife and
mother—Personal friends and relatives about her—Her personal
influence—A Missourian by birth—Her father’s social position—Her
brother a West Point graduate—Introduced to his classmate—The
engagement of the young lieutenant and Miss Julia—The match not
pleasing to her parents—The young officer ordered to frontier
duty—With General Taylor in Mexico—Saved the life of Lieutenant
Dent—The family relent—An engagement of five years—Married in
1848—A merry wedding—The bride at her husband’s post—Housekeeping
in Detroit—A vine-covered cottage—The children of this
union—Captain Grant leaves the army—Returns to Missouri—Poor and
without prospects—Tries farming—Not successful in his
efforts—“Hardscrabble”—Enters a real estate office—Years of
adversity—The hope and trust of Mrs. Grant—A visit to his
father—What came of it—In business at Galena—Six hundred a
year—“Hardscrabble” still—His wife maid of all work, nurse and
teacher of her children—An uncongenial business—Hard work and
little reward—His position disagreeable on various accounts—The
outbreak of the war—The turning point in his life—Appointed
Captain—Speedy promotions—Governor Washburne his friend—Is made a
Brigadier-General—Mrs. Grant and her children in Kentucky—His
father’s house her home—Her loyal devotion to her
husband—Predicts higher distinction for him—His defender
always—Much of his success due to her recognition of his
character—With him at Fort Donelson and in Mississippi—Serenaded
in St. Louis after the surrender of Vicksburg—Her appearance
greeted with cheers—Shares with her husband his military
renown—At head-quarters—Mrs. Grant’s opinion of her husband—“A
very obstinate man”—He becomes Lieutenant-General—Resides in
Washington City—Three years of home-life under pleasant
circumstances—The most successful General of the age—Is nominated
for the Presidency—Inauguration of President Grant—Mrs. Grant in
the White House—The domestic life of the President’s family—Three
years of the administration—At Long Branch in summer—Debut of
Miss Nellie—Her tour in Europe—Distinguished attentions shown
her—Their sons at home from school—Marriage of Nellie Grant—The
lover from over the water—National interest in the event—The
sixth wedding in the White House—The ceremony in the East
Room—The groom Algernon Sartoris, of Hampshire, England—The son
of Adelaide Kemble, and grandson of Charles Kemble—His aunt the
famous actress Fanny Kemble—An exceptionally brilliant
life—President Grant’s pride in his daughter—Her wedding the
finest ever known in Washington—Guests present—Departure for
Europe—The President and Mrs. Grant at Long Branch—Colonel Fred
Grant’s marriage—Mrs. Grant’s social administration—Elaborate
entertainments—Notable social events—Royal visitors at the White
House—Eight years in the Executive Mansion—Close of the
administration of President Grant—The recipient of constant
attentions—Guests of the ex-Secretary of State—Preparations for a
tour around the world—The guest of George Washington Childs,
Esq., in Philadelphia—Honors paid to the ex-President—The last
week made memorable—Departure from Philadelphia—The trip down the
Delaware—Enthusiasm of the people—The farewell to friends—Parting
salute—The steamer “Indiana” departs—Welcomed on English soil—The
journey around the world—Two years and a half of sight-seeing—The
return to the United States—In sight of home—Arrival at San
Francisco—Universal rejoicings—Invitations from all the large
cities of the Union—The ex-President surprised at the heartiness
of his reception—Pleasant incidents—A present to Mrs. Grant from
the Chinese delegation—The dinner given her in China—Guest of the
wife of the Viceroy of China—John Russell Young’s description of
the entertainment—She is accompanied by the European ladies in
Tientsin—“What shall we wear?”—They decide in favor of French
fashions—The procession of chairs to the Yamen—Mrs. Grant in the
first chair—An American and a Chinese band—The refinement of the
hostess—The Viceregal family—Costumes of the Chinese
ladies—Crowds of servants in attendance—Tea served in the
library—At dinner—The dining-room and table furnishing—A Chinese
and European feast—The fortitude of the guests—Chopsticks handled
with dexterity—The civility of the hostess—Democratic customs in
China—The crowd about the windows and doors—The toast of the
hostess—Barbarian ladies surprise her—The Viceroy looking
on—Anxious for the success of the entertainment—The singing and
dancing of the guests—Barbarian customs approved by the Oriental
ladies—German music in the Viceroy’s palace—High-bred courtesy of
the hostess—Stands or sits as her guests do—A refined
lady—Accompanied Mrs. Grant to her chair—The adieux—Mrs. Grant
travels—Has received at the hands of foreigners more attention
than any other White House occupant—The guest of the crown heads
of Europe—Her chief pleasure in life—Popular in
society—Untrammelled with cares—The motives governing her public
career—Domesticity her leading characteristic—An excellent
mother—Adored by her children—Identified with her husband’s
public career—Her name a theme of praise—The summer of her
life—The future that yet awaits her 603