FROM BOSTON TO CHICAGO.
In the saddle.--Bunker Hill.--Arrives in
Albany.--Reminiscences.--The Soldiers' Home.--Contributions for
erecting Soldiers' Home.--Reception at
Rochester.--Buffalo.--Dunkirk.--Swanville.--Cleveland.--Massacre
of General Custer.--Monroe.--Lectures for Custer
Monument.--Father of General Custer.--Detroit.--Kalamazoo.--An
adventure.--Gives "Paul Revere" a
rest.--Decatur.--Niles.--Michigan City.--Chicago.
From a journal kept by Captain Glazier during his horseback ride from
ocean to ocean, we shall gather most of the incidents of his journey--a
journey, so far as we are aware, without any precedent, and having for
its sole object the acquirement of knowledge. His intention was to
lecture in the leading cities and villages through which he passed, in
the interest of the relief fund of the "Grand Army of the Republic," to
which order he was greatly attached.
The Boston _Globe_ of May ninth, 1876, contained the following brief
notice:
"Boston to San Francisco.--Captain Willard Glazier started from the
Revere House this morning at eleven o'clock, on horseback, for San
Francisco. Quite a gathering of his friends and comrades of the
'Grand Army' were present to wish him God-speed. He was escorted by
Colonel John F. Finley and E. A. Williston, who were mounted; and
Adjutant-General Charles W. Thompson, Department of Massachusetts,
'G. A. R.;' Commander Theo. L. Kelly, of Post 15; Adjutant Grafton
Fenno, of Post 7, and many others in carriages, who will accompany
him to Bunker Hill and thence to Brighton."
[Illustration: Ocean To Ocean On Horseback--riding Out Of Boston.]
The Captain's horse, which he had named "Paul Revere," was a noble
creature, black as jet, of good pedigree, and possessing, in no slight
measure, the sterling qualities of endurance, pace, and fidelity, albeit
occasionally somewhat restive and wilful.
On leaving the "Revere," the party referred to in the above notice
proceeded to Bunker Hill, gazed reverentially at the monument
commemorating the famous battle, and then headed for Brighton. The short
journey had been rendered comfortless by a continuous downfall of rain,
and when the friends halted at the Cattle-Fair Hotel for dinner, they
were all more or less drenched to the skin.
Much cordial interest was manifested in the work the captain had
undertaken and the motives that actuated him; and at length, taking
leave of his friendly escort, he pushed forward through Worcester,
Springfield, Pittsfield, Nassau, and on to Albany, covering a distance
of two hundred miles. At Beckett he found "Paul's" back becoming sore,
and as a good rider is always humane to his horse, he removed the
saddle, washed the abrasion with cold water, and before resuming his
journey put a blanket under the saddle-cloth, which kindly care afforded
"Paul" considerable relief. At Pittsfield, Glazier delivered his fourth
lecture in the Academy of Music, being introduced to his audience by
Captain Brewster, Commander of the Pittsfield Post, "Grand Army of the
Republic."
His journey from Pittsfield was by the Boston and Albany Turnpike, over
the Pittsfield Mountain, passing the residence of Honorable Samuel J.
Tilden, then Governor of New York, and a candidate for the Presidency.
Starting from Nassau at eleven o'clock, he reached the old Barringer
Homestead soon after. It was with this family that he had spent his
first night in Rensselaer County, sixteen years before, when looking for
a school to teach, and he could not resist the temptation to stop a few
minutes at Brockway's, where he had boarded the first week after
entering the school at Schodack Centre as a teacher. At the hotel he
found Mrs. Lewis, the landlady, awaiting his approach, as she had been
told he would pass that way. He also halted for a moment at his old
school-house, where he found Miss Libby Brockway, one of the youngest of
his old scholars, teaching the school. "Thoughts of Rip Van Winkle," he
says, "flitted across my imagination as I contrasted the past with the
present."
On the eighteenth of May Captain Glazier reached the fine old city of
Albany, capital of his native State, and in the evening of the same day
delivered his fifth lecture at Tweddle Hall.
Thrilling memories awaited him in Albany. Here, in 1859, he entered the
State Normal School. It was here his patriotism was aroused by
intelligence of the firing upon Fort Sumter, and he at once formed the
resolution to enter the army in defence of the Union; and it was in
Albany that the first edition of his first book saw the light through
the press of Joel Munsell, in the autumn of 1865. Here, it may be said,
his career in life commenced, when, leaving his country home in Northern
New York, he entered the Normal School.
The erection of a Soldiers' Home having been recently projected, Glazier
called on the adjutant-general at the State House, in relation to his
lecturing in the interest of the fund for that purpose. Colonel Taylor,
assistant adjutant-general, whom he had known for some years, presented
him to General Townsend, and he was recommended to see and consult with
Captain John Palmer, Past Grand Commander of the State, G. A. R.
Nothing can better prove the disinterested motives and objects of
Willard Glazier in undertaking his long and tedious journey on
horseback, than the numerous voluntary offerings he made to certain
military organizations whose claims so forcibly presented themselves to
him. This was simply characteristic of him. He has never valued money
but for the practical uses to which it may be applied in the
amelioration of the condition of others. Simple in his habits, and
unostentatious in his mode of life--indulging in no luxuries--he has
managed by sheer hard work to accumulate a fair fortune, which is of
value to him only so far as he can do good with it--first to those
having the strongest domestic claims upon him, and secondly, to his
comrades of the camp and the battle-field.
The following letters will explain themselves:
Delavan House,
Albany, _May 28th, 1876_.
Captain John Palmer, Past Grand Commander,
Department of New York, G. A. R.
Dear Sir and Comrade: I feel great pleasure in handing you
herewith, forty dollars, which I wish to be applied to the fund for
the erection of a Soldiers' Home, as lately proposed by our
comrades at Brooklyn. Should it be your pleasure to endorse my
lecture tour across the State, I feel confident that I could raise
from five hundred to a thousand dollars for this most worthy
object. Pledging my best efforts in the work, which I hope I need
scarcely add, enlists my warmest sympathies, I have the honor to
remain,
Yours in F., C. and L.,
Willard Glazier.
Captain Palmer, in acknowledging the donation, wrote as follows:
Headquarters Department of New York,
"Grand Army of the Republic,"
Albany, _May 31st, 1876_.
Captain Willard Glazier:
Comrade: Your gift of forty dollars to the fund for the erection of
the "Soldiers' Home" is duly received, and the same has been
forwarded to Captain E. O. Parkinson, Chairman Soldiers' Home
Committee, Brooklyn, New York, for which accept my thanks.
Very truly yours, in F., C. and L.,
John Palmer,
Department Commander.
On the twenty-second of May, "'Paul' being in good condition and the
best of spirits," our soldier-author started for Schenectady, paying his
respects to Captain Palmer on his way up Washington Avenue. Schenectady
was reached at four o'clock P. M. through frequent showers of rain.
Putting up at Gwinn's Hotel he delivered his lecture at Union Hall at
the usual hour in the evening, to a fair audience, notwithstanding the
rain.
The Schenectady _Union_ had heralded his approach by the following
notice:
"Captain Glazier.--This noted soldier, author, rider, and raider,
who raided during the war with General Kilpatrick, will advance
upon this place next Monday, and in the evening lecture upon
'Echoes from the Revolution.' Captain Glazier is a member of the
'Grand Army' in good standing, and will be assisted here by the
members of Post 14, with whom he will divide the profits of the
lecture. The Captain was an inmate of Libby Prison at one time
during the war, and finally made his escape to the Union lines. The
book entitled 'Capture, Prison-Pen and Escape,' and several other
war books, were produced by him."
Reaching Fonda, May twenty-sixth, we find the following entry in his
Journal: "Scenery charming. I saw nothing in Massachusetts equal to the
Valley of the Mohawk, and am surprised that novelist and poet have not
found more material here for legendary romance."
Passing through St. Johnsville, Little Falls, Utica, and Rome--where he
met a large number of his "Grand Army" comrades, and was introduced to
Hon. H. J. Coggeshall, Colonel G. A. Cantine, Hon. W. T. Bliss, and many
others--he arrived in Syracuse June second, registered at the Vanderbilt
House, and lectured at Shakespere Hall in the evening. Rochester was
reached on the eighth, where the tenth lecture was delivered to an
appreciative audience in Corinthian Hall--the introduction being made by
Colonel Reynolds. The Rochester _Democrat_ noticed the lecture in the
following paragraph:
"A very large audience assembled at Corinthian Hall last evening to
listen to Captain Willard Glazier's lecture on 'Echoes from the
Revolution.' The lecture was a very interesting one, and the
audience were agreeably entertained. Captain Glazier proposes to go
to Batavia, and from thence to Buffalo. He is meeting with deserved
success in his journey on horseback from ocean to ocean, which
increases as he becomes better known."
It may here be remarked that during Captain Glazier's stay in Rochester,
an exception was made to the usually courteous reception given him by
the local press. One of the papers threw doubts on the genuineness of
his credentials and the rectitude of his motives. This, however, had
little effect on him. He was conscious of his own integrity of purpose,
and of being guided by a desire to do good while seeking knowledge and
recreation in his own way, and the only notice we find of the
circumstance in his Journal is in a few words under date of June
eleventh: "Was pleased with an article in the _Express_, contradicting
falsehoods in the _Union_."
The following is the article referred to:
"On Friday our evening contemporary took occasion to treat Captain
Willard Glazier, who lectured in Corinthian Hall the night previous,
with a degree of contempt and misrepresentation suggestive of
Confederate sympathies on the part of the writer. As to the methods
of Captain Glazier's business we have nothing to do. As a man and a
soldier, he is above reproach. We have examined the original
documentary testimonials to his military character, and no man could
be better endorsed. That he has devoted himself since the war to
illustrate the war of the rebellion in books and upon the rostrum is
to his credit, and certainly to the benefit of the people whose
patriotism he keeps alive by his appeals with pen and tongue. Doubt
was cast upon his services on account of his youth. But the fact
stands that Willard Glazier was a captain of cavalry at the age of
eighteen, certainly a higher record than that of a stay-at-home
Copperhead. He performed his duty, was honorably discharged, and is
a member in good standing of that noble organization of veterans,
the 'Grand Army of the Republic.' We trust that when Captain Glazier
comes again to Rochester, he will have better treatment and a still
better audience. His trip across the continent will result in the
public's having a record of observations which cannot fail to be
valuable and entertaining."
Batavia, Croft's Station, Crittenden and Lancaster were passed through,
the usual courtesies tendered and accepted, lectures delivered with
unvarying success, and the city of Buffalo reached on the morning of the
nineteenth of June.
With a soldier's instinct, Glazier halted here at the parade-ground, and
witnessed the drill of the militia. He then located himself at No. 34
Oak Street, where he was visited by many comrades of the "Grand Army"
and other prominent citizens of Buffalo. Arrangements having been made,
he lectured to a full house at St. James Hall, being introduced to the
audience by Major John M. Farquhar. The following endorsement had
appeared in the Buffalo _Express_ the day preceding his arrival in the
city, signed by prominent members of the "Grand Army of the Republic:"
Buffalo, New York,
_June 18th, 1876._
Captain Willard Glazier served his country with great credit in the
Harris Light Cavalry. He was a brave soldier and has a splendid
army record. His numerous works upon army life, recording his
personal experiences on the battle-field, in camp and in prison,
are exceedingly interesting and of a highly patriotic character;
they are universally commended by the press and by men of army
experience.
He is highly endorsed as a member in good standing of the "Grand
Army of the Republic," and as a lecturer.
The object of his lectures being to add to the fund for a Soldiers'
Home in this State, we most cheerfully commend him to the people of
this city, and earnestly hope he will receive a liberal patronage,
and have a full house at St. James Hall on Monday evening, the
nineteenth of June.
[Signed]
George N. Brown, William F. Rogers,
George W. Flynn, G. L. Remington,
John B. Weber, John M. Farquhar,
James N. Mcarthur, Charles B. Dunning,
G. A. Scroggs, Alfred Lytle,
P. J. Ripont, John A. Franke,
Richard Flash.
The lecture was a success, and the usual offering of the proceeds made
to the fund of the Soldiers' Home.
"Paul" was ordered at eight o'clock the following morning, and, again in
the saddle, Glazier proceeded at a walk to North Evans, distant from
Buffalo fifteen miles. His road laid along the banks of Lake Erie, a
circumstance which he notes in his diary as one of the events of his
journey, the beauty of the scenery, and fresh, cool air from the lake
being exceedingly pleasant and grateful on a hot day in June. He rode
"Paul" down to the beach and into the water up to his girths.
June twenty-fourth, we find the following entry:
"My journey from North Evans to Angola has been unusually pleasant. I
could see the lake, and feel its cool refreshing influence nearly the
whole distance."
Angola is situated on the Lake Shore Railroad, about three-quarters of a
mile from Lake Erie. Here Mr. J. S. Parker, formerly of Malone, New
York, called upon him on business connected with the lecture, and in the
course of conversation, Captain Glazier discovered that his visitor knew
many of his old neighbors and acquaintances in Northern New York. The
events of his early years along the banks of the Oswegatchie were
discussed with much interest, and it doubtless formed a pleasing episode
of his journey. The lecture was delivered with satisfactory results, at
the regular hour, in a building that had once been a church, but was now
used as the Town Hall, and the introduction made by Leroy S. Oatman.
Dunkirk was reached June twenty-fifth, by way of the Buffalo Road. The
beautiful lake, which had been very near the road from Buffalo to
Angola, was now seldom seen, but the haying season had commenced, and
the captain's love of nature was now gratified by the lively spectacle
of the mowers and hay-makers--men, women and children at work in the
fields as he rode past. Putting up at the Eastern Hotel, he was ready
to deliver his lecture in the evening, and at Columbus Hall was
introduced to a respectable audience by the Rev. J. A. Kummer, pastor of
the Methodist church of Dunkirk. The following day being Sunday, he
attended divine service at the Rev. Mr. Kummer's church.
Before leaving Dunkirk the following testimonial was handed him:
Dunkirk, New York,
_June 25th, 1876._
Captain Glazier:
We desire to express to you our warm appreciation of your highly
instructive and most entertaining lecture delivered here this
evening. We trust success beyond your most sanguine expectations
will attend you in your journey; and we cheerfully recommend you
and your lecture to any and all whom our endorsement might
influence.
[Signed]
J. M. McWharf, M. D.,
J. A. Kummer, _Pastor_,
P. B. Morrell
Dunkirk, with its pleasant associations, was left June twenty-seventh,
and, continuing along the Buffalo Road, our cavalier stopped for dinner
at Silver Creek. Here he found the farmers of Chautauqua County largely
engaged in the cultivation of fruit and grain. The flourishing vineyards
near Fredonia had also arrested his attention, giving promise of the
extensive cultivation of the grape which has since marked this locality.
At Westfield he lectured in the Metropolitan Hall, being introduced by
George Wilson, Esq., and on the following day passed through a fine
fruit and grain region, stopping at a village named State Line for
dinner. Here he had some trouble in finding the landlord of the
caravansary, who, combining the business of "mine host" with that of a
farmer, was at the time some distance away, industriously employed at
hoeing corn.
At five o'clock P. M., Captain Glazier reached the flourishing little
town of North East, where he found a large crowd of people in front of
the Haynes House awaiting his arrival. He was taken by surprise when
told that he had been announced to deliver a lecture there that evening.
The band of the place escorted him to the "Hall," and, taking position
in front of the audience, played "Hail Columbia" before, and "The Sword
of Bunker Hill" after the lecture. This was a voluntary and quite an
unexpected compliment to Captain Glazier, who was sensibly affected by
it. The "Hall" was so crowded that many were compelled to stand
throughout the lecture, and if applause is any evidence of the
satisfaction of the applauders, he might fairly consider his effort to
entertain the "North Easters" a decided success. Captain Bronson Orton
introduced him to this audience, a gentleman who, although now in the
peaceful practice of the law, had been with Sherman's army in its
memorable march through Georgia.
Arrived at Erie, Pennsylvania, June twenty-ninth, Captain Glazier was
cordially welcomed by Colonel F. H. Ellsworth, proprietor of the Reed
House, who showed him many attentions while his guest. The lecture was
delivered to a full house at the Academy of Music, the introduction
being made by Hon. C. B. Carter.
At Swanville he became the guest of John Jacob Swan, an old and worthy
resident, after whom the village had been named. Everything was done for
his comfort by the Swan family, of which we find some pleasant
reminiscences noted in the Journal. Mr. Swan's son, Andrew, was a
lieutenant-colonel of cavalry during the civil war, and the patriarch
himself had participated in the war of 1812. "Mr. Swan was one of the
first settlers in Erie County," Captain Glazier notes, "and although
more than fifty years have passed, this old veteran still remembers
distinctly, and describes minutely, the scenes and events of his former
life. He saw the first steamer launched on Lake Erie, and says it was
regarded by the Indians as an evil omen: they styled it 'the devil's
canoe,' were greatly frightened, and ran from the lake.... Took a stroll
with Mr. Swan over his farm. He found great pleasure in showing me the
wonderful changes which a half century has wrought upon his estate."
Taking leave of this amiable family, he left for Girard, and found P. J.
Farrington, his advance agent, awaiting him at the Central House. At the
lecture in the evening he was introduced by Jacob Bender, Esq., a brass
band adding to the entertainment, and afterwards serenading him at his
hotel. The Girard _Cosmopolite_ came out on the next morning with the
following notice of the lecture:
"Captain Willard Glazier, the soldier-author and lecturer, now on a
journey on horseback from Boston to San Francisco, reached this
place on Saturday evening, and delivered his lecture, 'Echoes from
the Revolution,' to a highly respectable audience, at Philharmonic
Hall. He speaks with a soldier's enthusiasm of those stirring times
when our forefathers 'walked through a baptism of blood and of
fire, their only purpose liberty; their only incentive duty; their
only pride their country; and their only ambition victory.' He
traces, in a very eloquent manner, the movements of the
Revolutionary heroes from that day in April, 1775, when the
undisciplined militia at Concord put the red-coats to flight and
forced them to retire to their intrenchments at Boston, onward to
the surrender of Cornwallis to Washington.... We are credibly
informed that one of the chief objects of Captain Glazier's journey
is to make observations and collect material for another book,
which will no doubt be a very interesting one to read, and will add
still greater honors to one who, though still a young man, has
already acquired an enviable reputation as an author. After a very
cordial shake of the hand from some comrades and citizens, the
captain left the Central Hotel on his fine black horse, 'Paul
Revere,' which has brought him safely thus far from Boston since
the ninth of May, and which he proposes to ride to the Golden Gate
by the first of December next."
July third found Captain Glazier at Ashtabula, Ohio. The people
everywhere, during his ride from Girard, were engaged in preparations
for the celebration on the following day of the glorious Centennial
Fourth. It was his intention to have lectured at Ashtabula, but he was
counselled not to do so, as almost every man and woman in the place was
upon some committee preparing for the next day's festivities, and he
would consequently get but a scant audience. He therefore concluded not
to deliver his lecture here, but to push forward on his journey.
Under date July fourth, he writes:
"Mounted 'Paul' at nine o'clock this morning in front of the Fisk
House, Ashtabula. Thousands upon thousands of country people were
pouring into the town as I rode out. The booming of cannon, blowing
of engine whistles, ringing of bells, and the discharge of
fire-arms of every variety and calibre, welcomed the dawn of the
One Hundredth anniversary of American Independence."
Willard Glazier suffered no occasion to pass that presented a chance of
picking up useful information on topics connected with the localities he
rode through--their population, industries, features of the country,
prominent men, etc., his capacity for absorbing such knowledge being
large, and the intention of utilizing it in the interest of the public
having been his chief motive in undertaking the adventurous journey. The
large amount of information thus collected has been reduced to system,
and will, we trust, be shortly in the hands of the publisher.
Cleveland--the "Forest City"--was his next destination, and on July
sixth he registered at the Forest City House, and delivered his lecture
in the evening at Garrett's Hall. He was introduced by Major E. M.
Hessler, of the "Grand Army of the Republic," who, in the name of many
citizens and in testimony of their respect for the soldier, author, and
lecturer, proposed a banquet on the following day. This, however, was
modestly and respectfully declined. The result of the lecture is shown
in the following letter:
National Soldiers' Home,
Dayton, Ohio, _July 27th, 1876_.
Captain Willard Glazier:
My dear Comrade: We have received through Major E. M. Hessler your
generous donation to aid in erecting the Soldiers' Monument at the
"Home." You have the hearty thanks of three thousand disabled
veterans now on our rolls; and a cordial invitation to visit us
whenever it is your pleasure to do so. Again we thank you. Please
find receipt from our treasurer,
Very respectfully,
William Earnshaw,
President, Historical and Monumental Society.
While in Cleveland the terrible news of the massacre of General Custer
by the Indians reached Captain Glazier, who, as a cavalry officer, had
seen service with him in the late war, and felt for him that respect and
love which only a true soldier knows for a brave leader. The stunning
intelligence left a deep impression, and in due time he showed his
respect for the dead general by substantial aid rendered in the erection
of a monument to his memory.
The following letter was received before leaving the Forest City:
Headquarters, Post No. 1,
"Grand Army of the Republic," Department of Ohio,
Cleveland, O., _July 12th, 1876._
Comrade: Through your unsolicited generosity I have the pleasure to
acknowledge the receipt of the net proceeds of your lecture on
"Echoes from the Revolution," delivered in our city July sixth,
1876, and by your direction have forwarded the amount to Chaplain
William Earnshaw, President of the "Soldiers' Home Monumental
Fund," at Dayton, to assist in erecting a monument to the memory of
the veterans, who by the fortunes of war await the long roll at the
National Military Home: and may your reward be no less than the
love and gratitude of our unfortunate comrades.
By order of
General James Barnett, Commanding.
E. M. Hessler, Q. M.
Leaving Cleveland and the many friends who had flocked around him in
that hospitable city, offering encouragement in his undertaking, Glazier
proceeded on his route, accompanied a short distance on horseback by an
old scholar named Alexander Wilsey, whose affection for his teacher had
not diminished by years of separation. Keeping along the lake-shore all
day, and not a little tormented by the shoals of mosquitoes as the
evening advanced, he rode into Sandusky City, July thirteenth, and
delivered his lecture the same evening to a fair audience. He was
introduced in a humorous and effective speech by Captain Culver, Judge
of the Probate Court.
Fremont, the pleasant home of President Hayes, was visited, and then on
through Elmore to the flourishing city of Toledo, where he registered
at the Boody House, July seventeenth. Introduced by Dr. J. T. Woods, G.
A. R., he lectured at Lyceum Hall, to an interested audience, who
frequently signified their approval by applause.
Passing through Erie, Michigan, Captain Glazier reached Monroe, July
twenty-fourth, the committee of the Custer Monument Association
receiving him at the City Hall. Arrangements were made for the delivery
of a lecture in the interest of the fund for the erection of the
monument. This was of course most congenial to Glazier's feelings,
Custer being his _beau ideal_ of a soldier, and he therefore at once
placed himself in the hands of the committee, offering them the entire
proceeds of the lecture. The Monroe _Monitor_, of July twenty-sixth,
noticed the proposal thus:
"The lecture announced to be given for the benefit of the Custer
Monument Fund, on Monday evening at the City Hall, was postponed
for various reasons until Thursday evening at the same place. On
Monday evening several members of the association met Captain
Glazier, and were most favorably impressed with him. They are
convinced that he is thoroughly in earnest, and his proposition is
a most liberal one. He offers to give the entire proceeds of his
lectures to the association; and not only in this city but
throughout the State, he generously offers to do the same thing.
This is certainly deserving of the warm recognition of our own
people at least, and we hope on Thursday evening to see the City
Hall filled. Captain Glazier comes with the strongest endorsements
from well-known gentlemen in the East, both as to his character as
a gentleman and a soldier, and his ability as a speaker and writer.
The captain served under the late General Custer in the cavalry,
and has something to say regarding his personal knowledge of the
dead hero...."
The lecture was duly delivered, and the following certificate placed in
his hands:
Headquarters,
Custer National Monument Association,
Monroe, Mich., _July 28th, 1876_.
This is to certify that the proceeds of the lecture by Captain
Willard Glazier in this city on Thursday evening, July 27th, 1876,
have been paid into the treasury of this association; for which the
members hereby tender him their sincere thanks.
T. E. Wing,
Treasurer.
The following also is evidence of the benevolent aims of Captain Glazier
during his journey in the saddle:
Headquarters,
Custer National Monument Association,
Monroe, Mich., _July 28th, 1876_.
_To Auxiliary Societies and Associations of the
Custer Monument Association:_
Captain Willard Glazier having kindly and generously volunteered to
devote the proceeds of his lectures through Michigan to the fund
being raised by this Association for the erection of a monument to
the memory of the late General George A. Custer, he has made
arrangements to remit to our treasurer here the money derived from
such lectures, and we bespeak for him your earnest endeavors in aid
of our common, glorious cause. Respectfully,
J. M. Bulkley,
Secretary.
Before leaving Monroe, Glazier called upon Mr. E. J. Custer, the father
of the deceased general, whom he represents as nearly crushed by the
melancholy news of his son's tragic death. The worthy old gentleman was
very courteous, and showed him some photographs and an oil-portrait of
the late general, together with some relics from the Indian country
which the general had sent him at different times. Mr. Custer seemed
greatly interested in the journey on horseback, and asked the captain
many questions concerning his plans for crossing the plains. Finally, he
accompanied Captain Glazier as far as Strong's Hotel, and witnessed his
start from Monroe. During his stay in Monroe our soldier-author was
introduced to several prominent gentlemen of the place, and plans were
discussed for availing themselves of his proffered services in behalf of
the monument. The lecture was a financial success, and the whole of the
proceeds were turned over to the Treasurer, Judge T. E. Wing. "I gave
them all, although they generously offered to divide with me," is the
simple entry in his journal under date July twenty-eighth.
Passing through Rockwood, Trenton, Wyandotte, and Ecorse, all in the
State of Michigan, he reached Detroit on the thirty-first of July, and
was met by General William A. Throop at the Russell House, as one of a
committee appointed to confer with him on the subject of his lecture. At
the usual hour the lecture was delivered to a full house at Saint
Andrew's Hall, General L. S. Trowbridge introducing the lecturer to the
audience in very complimentary terms.
The next morning the proceeds were turned over to the monument fund as
indicated in the following letter to the treasurer, and its
acknowledgment by the local committee.
Detroit, Michigan,
_August 1st, 1876_.
T. E. Wing, Esq., Treasurer, Custer National Monument Association:
Dear Sir: I send you through General L. S. Trowbridge of this city
the net proceeds of my lecture delivered at St. Andrew's Hall last
night, the same to be applied to the fund of the Custer National
Monument Association, for the erection of a monument to the memory
of the late General Custer at Monroe. I hope and expect to be able
to send you much larger contributions as soon as the lecture season
is fairly open. My horse is still in excellent condition, and I
anticipate a delightful and successful ride across the Peninsular
State. Promising to write you again from Ypsilanti, I am
Ever truly yours,
Willard Glazier.
Detroit, Michigan,
_August 1st, 1876._
Received of Captain Willard Glazier, forty dollars, for the benefit
of the Custer Monument Association, as the proceeds of his lecture
at Detroit on the evening of July 31st, 1876, in aid of such
association.
[Signed] L. S. Trowbridge,
William A. Throop,
Committee.
While in Detroit, Captain Glazier visited all the public buildings and
places of note, enjoying the courtesies and hospitality of many of its
leading citizens; and, encouraged by the success he had met with so far
in contributing to the Custer Monument Fund, he determined to devote the
net proceeds of all his lectures delivered between Detroit and Chicago
to the same object.
Leaving Detroit and passing through Inkster, he reached Ypsilanti
through torrents of rain, and the same evening--August fifth--received
calls at the Hawkins House from a large number of patriotic gentlemen
interested in the Custer monument. The lecture was duly delivered in
Union Hall and the proceeds handed over to the fund.
Arrived at Jackson, "a most enterprising little city," as Captain
Glazier notes, August ninth, and delivered his lecture in the evening at
Bronson Hall, to a very full house. The Jackson _Citizen_ said on the
following morning:
"Captain Willard Glazier lectured last evening in the interest of
the Custer Monument Fund. His lecture was a good historical review
delivered with graceful rhetoric and at times real eloquence. The
captain is still in the city giving his horse--a noble Kentucky
Black Hawk, whom he has ridden all the way from Boston, and whom he
expects to carry him to San Francisco--a rest. He starts to-morrow
morning for Battle-Creek, where he lectures on Saturday evening."
Through Parma, Albion, and on to Battle-Creek, which was reached August
twelfth. Lieutenant Eugene T. Freeman here took the role of host and
welcomed Captain Glazier to the city, introducing him to many admirers
and friends of the late General Custer. Arrangements were completed for
the lecture, which took place at the usual hour in Stuart's Hall before
a numerous and attentive audience--the introduction being made by
Lieutenant Freeman, and the proceeds applied to the monument fund. The
following day being Sunday the lieutenant's invitation was accepted to
accompany him to church, where an introduction to the pastor, Rev. Mr.
Palmer, and others, took place. In the afternoon Captain Glazier was
agreeably surprised by an invitation from Lieutenant Freeman to ride
with him in his carriage to the delightful summer resort of that
region--Goguac Lake; and in many other ways Lieutenant Freeman
manifested a very friendly and cordial feeling for him.
Contrary to Captain Glazier's intention on setting out from Boston he
yielded to invitations to lecture at Albion and Marshall, and, in the
interest of the Custer Monument, also determined to visit South Bend,
Indiana; and Grand Rapids, Michigan; which cities were not included in
the route he had originally marked out for himself.
At Kalamazoo he delivered his lecture to a crowded house, being
introduced by Major Judson, late of General Custer's staff. Nearing
Comstock, Captain Glazier met with a serious adventure. His horse "Paul"
becoming frightened by the approach of a train on the Michigan Central
Railway, dashed over the embankment into the Kalamazoo River--a fall of
nearly forty feet, and the captain came very near losing his life. No
bones were broken, however, the result being happily confined to a
considerable ducking and a no less considerable scare; "Paul" having
fared as ill as his master.
The following letters and press notices will show the nature of the
reception our soldier-author met with in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and
South Bend, respectively:
Kalamazoo, Michigan,
_August 18th, 1876_.
J. M. Bulkley, Esq.,
Secretary C. N. M. Association,
Monroe, Michigan.
Dear Sir:--I have the pleasure of transmitting to Judge Wing,
through Major R. F. Judson, the net proceeds of my lecture
delivered in this place on the evening of the sixteenth instant. I
desire to accompany my gift with an acknowledgment of many
courtesies extended by the press and band of this patriotic
village. I resume my journey this afternoon and shall speak at
Niles, South Bend, and Laporte before the close of the present
week. Hoping that your brightest anticipations for the "Monument"
may be most fully realized, I remain,
Always sincerely yours,
Willard Glazier.
Kalamazoo, Michigan,
_August 19th, 1876_.
Received of Captain Willard Glazier the net proceeds of his lecture
at this place, which sum is to be applied to the fund for the
erection of a monument to the memory of the late General Custer, at
Monroe City, Michigan.
We take great pleasure in speaking of Captain Glazier in the
highest terms, not only on account of the self-devotion he has
manifested in a noble cause, but of his indomitable perseverance
and energy. We trust he will, wherever he goes, receive the
unanimous support of the citizens whom he addresses.
F. W. Curtenius,
Late Colonel U. S. Volunteers.
I take great pleasure in fully endorsing the above and recommending
to public confidence and support, Captain Willard Glazier, in his
efforts in behalf of the Custer Monument Association.
R. F. Judson,
Late aide to General Custer.
From the South Bend _Herald_:
"As heretofore announced in these columns, Captain Glazier
delivered his lecture 'Echoes from the Revolution' at the Academy
of Music last evening. Promptly at eight o'clock, the lecturer,
with Mr. J. F. Creed, appeared on the platform. Mr. Creed, in
introducing the lecturer, stated the object of the lecture to be in
aid of the Custer Monument Association of Monroe, Michigan. He also
read several letters introducing Captain Glazier to the public,
from well-known citizens of Michigan, and acknowledging receipts of
the proceeds of the lectures delivered in Detroit and Kalamazoo.
The theme of the lecture afforded a fine field for the display of
Captain Glazier's talents as a speaker. Possessing a fine
imagination, good descriptive powers, and the real qualities of an
orator, he could not fail to please the really intelligent audience
which greeted him last evening. Probably one hour and a half were
consumed in its delivery, but the interest and attention of the
audience did not flag nor tire, and when the speaker took leave of
his audience, he was greeted with several rounds of applause."
About this time his Boston friends were notified of his progress toward
the setting sun in the following paragraph of the Boston _Inquirer_:
"Captain Willard Glazier, who undertook in May last to ride from
this city to the Golden Gate on horseback, has reached Michigan,
and has discoursed to large audiences at the various points along
his route. The profits of his lecture at Cleveland, Ohio, were
donated to the fund at Dayton, to assist in erecting a monument to
the memory of the veterans who by the fortunes of war are destined
to await the long roll-call at the National Military Home."
To return to his present point of departure, South Bend, Captain Glazier
having found his horse "Paul" suffering from the accident previously
recorded, and also from sore-back, had left him with a veterinary
surgeon at Michigan City for treatment, and sped on his way by rail to
Grand Rapids. Here he lectured with favorable results, having been
introduced by General Innes.
Said the Grand Rapids _Eagle_:
"A very large audience gathered at Luce's Hall last night to hear
Captain Willard Glazier. The speaker was earnest and impassioned,
his lecture was delivered with a force and eloquence that pleased
his hearers, and all who were in the hall went away glad that they
had been there, and ready to add to the praises that have been
bestowed on Captain Glazier as a soldier, author, and orator."
Decatur, Dowagiac, Paw-Paw, Niles, and Buchanan, were all reached by
railway, for the purpose of giving "Paul" a rest and an opportunity of
recovering from his sore back. At Decatur, Glazier met an old comrade of
the "Harris Light," named George L. Darby, with whom a pleasant exchange
of reminiscences took place, and a cordial intercourse was renewed.
"Thirteen years," says Captain Glazier in his Journal, "have slipped
away, since the day of our capture at New Baltimore, which led him to
Belle Isle, and me to Libby Prison.... Darby called this afternoon with
fishing tackle, and proposed that we should go out to 'Lake of the
Woods,' a small lake not far from the village, and try our luck with
hook and line. We went, and a delightful boat-ride followed, but in the
matter of the fish which we tried to lure with tempting pieces of fresh
meat, they are still enjoying their native freedom." We suspect the
friends were too intent on fighting their battles o'er again to give due
attention to their occupation.
The lecture here was delivered September fourth to a crowded house, over
two hundred persons being compelled to stand for want of room to seat
them. Captain Glazier was accompanied to the platform by several leading
citizens, among whom were Hon. Ransom Nutting, Rev. Mr. Hoyt, Professor
S. G. Burked and Albert W. Rogers, Esq., Mr. Nutting presenting him to
the audience. The following will show the opinion entertained of the
lecturer:
Decatur, Michigan,
_September 4th, 1876._
Captain Willard Glazier,
My Dear Sir:--We take this means of expressing to you our
appreciation of the highly instructive and very entertaining
lecture delivered by you at Union Hall this evening.
Truly we admire your plan, and your generosity in giving the entire
proceeds to the Custer Monument Fund. Our endorsement is the
expression of our village people generally. You have made many
friends here.
May success attend you throughout your journey.
Very respectfully,
S. Gordon Burked,
Ransom Nutting,
Albert W. Rogers.
Having lectured successfully at the several intermediate towns before
mentioned, Captain Glazier with "Paul" now directed his course to
Rolling Prairie, Indiana (a place romantic only in name), and thence to
Michigan City. From the latter point he journeyed by railway to Chicago,
arrangements having been made for the delivery of his lecture in that
city for the benefit of the monument fund. A very full house greeted him
at Farwell Hall. Major E. S. Weedon in introducing the lecturer alluded
in an eloquent and touching manner to the record of the gallant Custer.
The lecture throughout its delivery was much applauded by the audience,
who appeared greatly interested; and the proceeds reached a handsome
sum.
The following entry occurs in the Journal under date, Chicago, September
12th, 1876:
"I shall now push on to Omaha and Cheyenne as rapidly as possible, in
the hope of passing Sherman at the summit of the mountains before the
snow is too deep to interrupt my progress. There are nine steps in my
journey from Boston to San Francisco, namely, Albany, Buffalo, Toledo,
Chicago, Omaha, Cheyenne, Salt Lake City, Sacramento, and San Francisco.
I have now taken four of these nine steps, and shall undertake to pass
the five remaining points by the first of December."