When Mr. Greeley was in California ovations awaited him at every
town. He had written powerful leaders in the "Tribune" in favor of
the Pacific railroad, which had greatly endeared him to the
citizens of the Golden State. And therefore they made much of him
when he went to see them.
At one town the enthusiastic populace tore his celebrated white
coat to pieces, and carried the pieces home to remember him by.
The citizens of Placerville prepared to fete the great journalist,
and an extra coach, with extra relays of horses, was chartered to
the California Stage Company to carry him from Folsom to
Placerville--distance, forty miles. The extra was in some way
delayed, and did not leave Folsom until late in the afternoon. Mr.
Greeley was to be feted at 7 o'clock that evening by the citizens
of Placerville, and it was altogether necessary that he should be
there by that hour. So the Stage Company said to Henry Monk, the
driver of the extra: "Henry, this great man must be there by 7
to-night." And Henry answered, "The great man shall be there."
The roads were in an awful state, and during the first few miles
out of Folsom slow progress was made.
"Sir," said Mr. Greeley, "are you aware that I MUST be at
Placerville at 7 o'clock to-night?"
"I've got my orders!" laconically returned Henry Monk.
Still the coach dragged slowly forward.
"Sir," said Mr. Greeley, "this is not a trifling matter. I MUST be
there at 7!"