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HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS 



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HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS 






THE GRAND DUKE. ALEXIS 



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IN THE 



UISriTED STATES OF AMEEICA 



DURING THE WINTER OF 1871-72 



'' The friends thou bast, and their adoption tried, 
Grapple them to thy soul with hooks of steel" 



FOR PRIVATE DISTRIBUTION 



CAMBRIDGE 

f^nteti at tl^e iSibev^itie f^re^is 

1872 







■/- V 






The following letters will be read with interest for 
their expression of the feelings of friendship of the 
Emperor Alexander IL, of Russia, for this country, 
and his sympathy in its great struggle for national 
existence. 



ri"! 



ruE j:mperor of Russia 



TO 



THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Peterhoff, } 7 August, 1866. 

I HAVE received by the hands of Mr. Fox the resolu- 
tion of the Congress of the United States of America 
on the occasion of the Providential favor of which I 
have been the object. 

This mark of sympathy has touched me deeply. It 
is not merely personal to me, — it is a new attestation 
of the sentiments which unite the American nation 
to Russia. 

The two peoples find in their past no recollections of 
old grievances, but on the contrary, memorials only of 
amicable treatment On all occasions they add new 
proofs of mutual good will. These cordial relations, 
which are as advantageous to their reciprocal interests 
as to those of civilization and humanity, conform to 
the views of Divine Providence, whose final purpose is 
peace and concord among nations. 

It is with a lively satisfaction that I see these bonds 
continually strengthening. I have communicated my 
sentiments to Mr. Fox. I pray you to express them 
to Congress and to the American people, of which that 
body is the organ. Tell them how much I — and with 



2 LETTER FROM THE EMPEROR OF RUSSIA. 

me all Russia — appreciate the testimonials of friend- 
ship which they have given me, and how heartily I 
shall congratulate myself on seeing the American na- 
tion growing in power and prosperity hy the union 
and continued practice of the civic virtues which distin- 
guish it. 

Accept, at the same time, the assurance of the high 
consideration with which I am 

Your good friend, 

(Signed) ALEXANDER. 



LETTER FROM 

PRINCE GORTCHACOW, 

CHANCELLOR OF THE EMPIRE OF RUSSLl, 

TO 

MR DE STOECKL, 

RUSSIAN MINISTER AT WASHINGTON. 



St. Petersburg, July 10, 1861. 

Sib : From the beginning of the conflict which di- 
vides the United States of America you have been 
desired to make known to the Federal government the 
deep interest with which our august master was ob- 
serving the development of a crisis which puts in 
question the prosperity and even the existence of the 
Union. 

The Emperor profoundly regrets to see that the hope 
of a peaceful solution is not realized, and that Ameri- 
can citizens, already in arms against each other, are 
ready to let loose upon their country the most for- 
midable of the scourges of political society,— Civil 
War. 

For the more than eighty years that it has existed, 
the American Union owes its independence, its tower- 
ing rise, and its progress, to the concord of its mem- 
bers, consecrated, under the auspices of its illustrious 
founder, by institutions which have been able to recon- 



4 LETTER FROM PRINCE GORTCHACOW. 

cile union with liberty. This union has been fruitful. 
It has exhibited to the world the spectacle of a pros- 
perity without example in the annals of history. 

It would be deplorable that, after so conclusive an 
experience, the United States should be hurried into a 
breach of the solemn compact, which, up to this time, 
has made their power. 

In spite of the diversity of their constitutions and 
of their interests, and perhaps, even, because of this di- 
versity. Providence seems to urge them to draw closer 
the traditional bond which is the basis and the very 
condition of their political existence. In any event, 
the sacrifices which they might impose upon them- 
selves to maintain it are beyond comparison with those 
which dissolution would bring after it. United, they 
perfect themselves; isolated, they are paralyzed. 

The struggle which unhappily has just arisen can 
neither be indefinitely prolonged nor lead to the total 
destruction of one of the parties. Sooner or later it 
will be necessary to come to some settlement, what- 
soever it may be, which may cause the divergent in- 
terests now actually in conflict to coexist. 

The American nation would then give a proof of 
high political wisdom in seeking in common such a 
settlement before a useless eflTusion of blood, a barren 
squandering of strength and of public riches, and acts 
of violence and reciprocal reprisals shall have come to 
deepen an abyss between the two parties to the con- 
federation, to end definitely in their mutual exhaustion, 
and in the ruin, perhaps irreparable, of their commer- 
cial and political power. 

Our august master cannot resign himself to admit 
such deplorable anticipations. His Imperial Majesty 



LETTER FROM PRINCE GORTCHACOW. 5 

still places his confidence in that practical good sense 
of the citizens of the Union who appreciate so judi- 
ciously their true interests. His Majesty is happy to 
believe that the members of the Federal government 
and the influential men of the two parties will seize all 
occasions and will unite all their efforts to calm the 
effervescence of the passions. There are no interests 
so divergent that it may not be possible to reconcile 
them by laboring to that end with zeal and persever- 
ance in a spirit of justice and moderation. 

If, within the limits of your friendly relations, your 
language and your councils may contribute to this 
.result, you will respond, Sir, to the intentions of his 
Majesty the Emperor in devoting to this the personal 
influence which you may have been able to acquire 
during your long residence at Washington, and the 
consideration which belongs to your character as the 
representative of a sovereign animated by the most 
friendly sentiments towards the American Union. This 
Union is not simply, in our eyes, an element essential 
to the universal political equilibrium. It constitutes, 
besides, a nation to which our august master and all 
Russia have pledged the most friendly interest; for 
the two countries, placed at the extremities of the two 
worlds, both in the ascending period of their develop- 
ment, appear called to a natural community of inter- 
ests and of sympathies, of which they have already 
given mutual proofs to each other. 

I do not wish here to approach any of the questions 
which divide the United States. We are not called 
upon to express ourselves in this contest The preced- 
ing considerations have no other object than to attest 
the lively solicitude of the Emperor in presence of the 



6 LETTER FROM PRINCE GORTGHAGOW. 

dangers which menace the American Union^ and the 
sincere wishes which his Majesty entertains for the 
maintenance of that great work, so laboriously raised, 
which appeared so rich in its future. 

It is in this sense, Sir, that I desire you to express 
yourself as well to the members of the general gov- 
ernment as to influential persons whom you may meet, 
giving them the assurance that in every event the 
American nation may count upon the most cordial 
sympathy on the part of our august master during 
the important crisis which it is passing through at 
present. 

Receive, Sir, the expression of my very distinguished 
consideration. 

(Signed) GORTCHACOW. 

Mr. de Stobckl, etc., etc., etc. 



\ 



INTRODUCTION. 



The following narrative of the visit to the United 
States^ of His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke 
Alexis, during the winter of 1871-72 is chiefly com- 
piled firom the newspapers of the day, with such alter- 
ations as were necessary to make the account con- 
nected, and free from details of only local interest 

As the representative of the Emperor Alexander 11. 
of Russia, whose friendship for this country was timely 
expressed at the saddest period of our history, the 
Grand Duke everywhere, amongst all classes, met with 
a spontaneous and affectionate welcome. His manly 
bearing, and the simplicity of his manners, awakened 
a lively sentiment in his favor and strengthened those 
cordial relations, which, in the interest of peace, it is 
the policy of Russia and America to cultivate. 

The distinguished personnel who accompanied him, 
wholly or in part, were His Excellency the Russian 
Minister to the United States ; His Excellency Yice- 
Admiral Possiet, R I. Navy ; His Excellency W. F. 
Machin, Councillor of State ; Count Olsonfieff ; Count 
Schouvaloff ; Mr. Bodisco, Russian Consul General at 
New York ; Doctor Koudrine ; Lieutenant Tudeer, R 
I. Navy ; and Mr. Shirkoff, of the Russian Legation at 
Washington. 



\ 



ms IMPERIAL lUGHNESS, 

THE GRAITD DUKE ALEXIS 

IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



NEW YORK. 

THE GRAND DUKE'S ARRIVAL. 

November 20, 1871. 

The frigate SveHana^ flag-ship of the Russian squad- 
ron, commanded by Vice-Admiral Possiet, arrived at 
Sandy Hook yesterday, with the Grand Duke Alexis 
on board, and is now anchored in the Lower Bay, thus 
rewarding at last the ceaseless vigil maintained for 
forty-two days by the reception fleet. The United 
States revenue cutter Northerner^ Captain McGowan, 
steamed out to sea at six a. m. yesterday in quest of 
the frigate, and returning at nine announced to the 
fleet that the Russian flag-ship was at anchor about 
three miles beyond the Hook. The weather was very 
hazy during the entire morning, and the* signal an- 
nouncing the arrival had not been displayed upon 
Sandy Hook, but everything was at once made ready 
upon the vessels of the reception fleet for getting 
under weigh. The Northerner had brought the intelli- 
gence that the Svetlana would enter the Lower Bay 
between ten and eleven o'clock, yet it was fully twelve 

2 



\ 



10 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

when a large three-masted vessel was seen slowly 
steaming in past the Hook, attended by the steamer 
Northerner, As she rounded to after entering the 
Lower Bay, to take up her place among the squadron, 
she fired a national salute of twenty-one guns. The 
Russian flag was at once run up to the mizzen mast- 
head of all the United States vessels, and the salute 
returned from the CongresSj Severn^ Iroquois, and Kansas. 
The Svetlana came slowly to her anchorage, and each 
vessel as she passed dipped her colors. The Grand 
Duke stood upon the bridge with Captain Kraemer, 
and as the Svetlana moved close to the United States 
frigate Severn the officers on deck raised their caps 
and saluted the Duke, who lifted his cap and bowed 
in return. 

At twenty-eight minutes past one o'clock, the Svet- 
lana cast anchor about five hundred yards to the 
southward of the United States flag-ship Congress, and 
at the same moment a salute of fifteen guns was fired 
from the latter in honor of Vice-Admiral Possiet. Cap- 
tain Dimitre of the Bogaiir, and Captain Shantz of the 
AbrecJc, went promptly on board the Svetlana to report 
to their superior officer. Vice-Admiral Rowan's barge 
left the Congress at forty-five minutes past one o'clock 
for the Svetlana, and the Admiral upon going on board 
was received at the gangway by Vice-Admiral Possiet. 
The two ofecers remained together until ten minutes 
past two o'clock, when Admiral Rowan left for the Cbw- 
gress, receiving, as his boat pushed oS, a salute of fif- 
teen guns from the Svetlana. The Abreck and Bogaiir 
did not participate in any of the honors of the day, 
which seemed to be reserved for the Russian flag-ship 
alone. 



NEW YORK 11 



THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

November 21. 

The subject of universal interest throughout the city 
yesterday was the expected landing, on the soil of the 
United States, of His Imperial Highness the Grand 
Duke Alexis. His safe arrival in our waters, after a 
long and stormy voyage, was known to our citizens on 
Sunday, and yesterday the telegraph told the glad tid- 
ings in every section of the Union, from Maine to Cali- 
fornia. Nor was the news confined to the United States 
or to this side of the Atlantic, but it was sent imme- 
diately to Europe. The Czar himself received it at 
an early hour on Sunday, and a telegraphic message 
from him reached the Grand Duke in this city on 
Sunday afternoon. Had the weather proved pro- 
pitious yesterday His Imperial Highness would have 
landed and have now been comfortably quartered at 
the Clarendon ; but inasmuch as it proved otherwise 
the reception which awaits him is postponed until to- 
day, if the weather be fine, and if not, until the first 
fine day thereafter. 

The impatience of our citizens to greet our royal 
visitor is almost boundless. This was plainly indicated 
yesterday by the crowds of people who, unmindful of 
all other duties, pleasures, or inclinations, assembled 
along the river front in the neighborhood of the Bat- 
tery, where, according to arrangement, the debarkation 
would take place, and remained for hours in the pour- 
ing rain, waiting to greet him when he landed. 

Orders had been promulgated to the militia regi- 
ments to be in readiness in their armories to partici- 
pate in the procession which was to have escorted His 



12 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

Imperial Highness from the landing place to his hotel, 
and all our citizens were prepared to join in or to wit- 
ness it, according to the arrangements. But all were 
equally doomed to disappointment, for the sky still con- 
tirtucJ to be obscured and the rain to fall. 

SAIL OF THE VESSELS OF BOTH NATIONS UP THE BAY. 

The two fleets lay at anchor, but it could just be 
seen that the Russians were getting up steam by the 
long trains of black smoke issuing from their smoke- 
stacks and mingling with the fog. The Americans had 
been signaled to spread fires, but the same evidence 
could not be elicited from their smoke-stacks, as they 
were fortunate enough not to be burning soft coal. 

They were about to give the salute in honor of the 
Russian Vice- Admiral Possiet, which could not be given 
on Sunday night, as he left the ship after sundown. 
The rattling snare-drum now rolled off to a fife accom- 
paniment, and the Stars and Stripes were run up at 
the peak. The brass band, according to the olden cus- 
tom, now played the " Star Spangled Banner." 

A vivid flash, a thundering boom from the nine-inch 
gun, a dense cloud of smoke, and the first iron-tongued 
note of the day was spoken. Fifteen guns in all were 
fired, with the blue cross of Russia at the main. In 
about twenty seconds from the last report, the Svetlana 
ran up the American flag at her main, and the salute 
was returned. With this piece of powder courtesy the 
officers went to breakfast, and it could be seen that 
weather is no criterion whereby to judge the spirits of 
mortals. Everything was joyous. At a quarter to 
nine o'clock the signal was hoisted, at Admiral Rowan's 
order, to weigh anchor. 



NISW TURK. 13 

It could be seen that the vessels of the Russian fleet 
were also shortening in their cables. The next signal 
was to form in line to escort the Russians to New 
York. It was some few minutes after nine when the 
Svdlana's anchor was lifted, and the Bogaiir and Abreck 
were then seen to be under weigh. Slowly the great 
ships swung round with a majesty which impressed 
you with the greater force because of the dinmess with 
which the movement could be seen. Tlie shore was 
all lost to sight except the Jersey Highlands, which 
loomed up like a darker bank of mist than that which 
enshrouded them. The wind was light and the sea 
just broken into wavelets, while the rain descended 
steadily. Soon the broad-breasted Svethna steamed 
round abreast of the American flag-ship, Admiral Pos- 
siefs pennant floating at the fore. The corvette Boga- 
iir had taken her place beside the Severn. The clip- 
per Abreck headed round until she was abreast of the 
IroquoiSj and the Kansas could be made out far away 
taking up her position in the rear. The American line 
stretched along towards the Staten Island shore, while 
the Russians were toward the coast of Long Island. 
There were about fifty yards between the Suilana 
and the Congress. 

ORDER OF SAILLNG. 

Congress, Svetlaua, 

Severn, Bogatir, 

Iroquois, Abreck, 

Kansas. 

The Narrows — the great water-gate of Gotham — 
was now but a little distance off*, yet the shores of 
Staten Island could not be seen. As, however, we 



14 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

passed tliis sea portal the lines of Fort Wadsworth 
appeared, silent and apparently untenanted. Onward 
we swept, and the first sign of any recognition met 
was in a few flags on a ship at anchor near Upper 
Quarantine, that looked limp and lifeless as they hung 
along the mast. At about half-past eleven the rev- 
enue cutter Notiherner^ with some flags flying, was 
seen, and then the Chaiicelhr and the Henri/ Smith, 
The round form of Castle William, on Governor's Isl- 
and, could just be made out ahead, and the Congress 
slowed down to give the Svetlana the place of honor 
in advance, and also that she might choose her own 
anchorage. All eyes were bent on the Russian frigate, 
and as she neared the fort the Stars and Stripes were 
again run up to her main, followed by the booming of 
her guns. A national salute of twenty-one guns was 
counted. 

The Svetlana dropped her anchor near the New York 
shore, just abreast of the Mary Powell^ at a quarter to 
twelve. Both admirals now hoisted signals to their 
squadrons, and in obedience thereto the Bogatir and 
the Severn passed their respective flag-ships and an- 
chored up the stream. The Abreck followed, and, after 
some few minutes, the Iroquois and Kansas^ until both 
fleets lay in order as follows, the flagships being near- 
est to the battery : — 

Svetlana, Congress, 

Bogatir, Severn, 

Abreck, Iroquois, 

Kansas. 
As the Iroqyms was passing the flag-ship, the large 
eleven-inch guns on Governor's Island thundered out 
their salute, which told that the good-will of the people 
the Grand Duke was visiting, was there. 



A En' YORK 15 

The members of the Executive Committee having 
charge of the reception were especially perplexed in 
regard to their arrangements, in view of the fact that 
they had no means of knowing at an early hour the 
pleasure of the Grand Duke with reference to his 
landing, and which proper courtesy to the royal visitor 
compelled them to consult They subsequently de- 
cided to proceed on board the steamer Mart/ Powell j at 
the foot of Vestry Street, and to hold a general con- 
sultation as to what had best be done. After remain- 
ing on board an hour, during which time other mem- 
bers of the Reception Committee, accompanied by 
ladies, continued to arrive, it was deemed best to ascer- 
tain immediately the wishes of his Imperial Highness. 
The order was given to proceed down the bay to meet 
the Russian squadron and communicate with the Grand 
Duke and the Russian Admiral. Accordingly, the Mary 
Powell was just preparing to leave the wharf when His 
Excellency, Mh Catacazy, the Russian Minister, and 
suite arrived. The steamer was not crowded, many 
members of the Reception Committee, and especially 
the ladies, being absent in consequence of the belief 
that the reception would be postponed until a more 
pleasant day. The active members of the committee, 
however, and a comparatively large number of ladies 
were in attendance. After the Russian Minister and 
his suite had come aboard from off the revenue cutter, 
a boat from the Russian flag-ship was sent over to the 
Mcu^y Powell for him, and he immediately proceeded on 
board the Svetlana. He and the other members of his 
suite remained there, while Mr. Danzas, the First Secre- 
tary of the Russian Legation, came back with the boat 
to the Mary PoweB, and conveyed the members of the 



16 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

Executive Committee on board the flag-ship of the Rus- 
sian squadron. The band played a lively air, and the 
interest among those on board the steamer was in- 
creased as the Executive Committee boarded the Svet- 
lana to inquire the pleasure of the Duke. A salute was 
fired by the Svetlana when the gentlemen touched her 
deck. They were first received at the gangway by 
Vice-Admiral Possiet, who conducted them to his own 
quarters and subsequently to those of the Grand Duke. 
The gentlemen of the Executive Committee were then 
introduced to his Imperial Highness, who received 
them very cordially and invited them to seats. 

General McDowell then apprised him of the object 
of their visit, stating that they had come to welcome 
him to the shores of the United States, and that prepa- 
rations had been made to receive him on land, but in 
consequence of the inclemency of the weather they 
could not be carried out that day. The committee, 
therefore, would be pleased to know if it would be the 
pleasure of his Imperial Highness to have the recep- 
tion postponed until to-morrow (which is to-day). 

The Grand Duke replied in English that he felt 
deeply impressed with the honor they had conferred 
upon him ; that he would leave it with the committee 
themselves to fix the time for his reception, and their 
decision would be quite agreeable to him. 

The interview was exceedingly satisfactory, and the 
gentlemen returned to their steamer delighted with the 
impression the Grand Duke had made upon them. As 
they left the Svetlana the band on board of her played 
^ Hail Columbia." Afterward General McDowell and 
Mr. W. H. Aspin wall went on board the Congress and 
invited Admiral Rowan and the other American naval 



NEW YORK, 17 

officers to come on board the Mary Powell to-day to 
participate in the reception. The steamer then re- 
turned to her dock at the foot of Vestry Street, the 
band playing " Home, Sweet Home," as the ladies and 
gentlemen were landing. 

November 22, 1871. 

Yesterday was a clear, lovely day, which gave a fore- 
taste to our illustrious young visitor of the pleasure 
he was about to experience, and perhaps had some- 
thing to do with the good-natured smile on his frank, 
manly face. 

The reception of His Imperial Highness by the com- 
mittee of distinguished citizens appointed to perform 
the pleasing duty of welcoming him to the shores of 
the United States, was conducted with great propriety, 
and formed, perhaps, the most pleasing and satisfactory 
feature of the whole proceedings. The steamer Mary 
PoweUj at the foot of Vestry Street, North River, took 
on board the members of the Executive and Reception 
Committees with ladies, and a small and select num- 
ber of other invited guests. The company included 
nearly all the members of the committees, whose names 
are already familiar to the public in this connection, 
and represented in a fitting manner the wealth, intel- 
lect) refinement, and beauty of the metropolis. Not a 
single policeman or soldier was on board the commit- 
tees' boat to preserve order, and none were needed ; 
for though the hoBi was crowded, the gentlemen and 
ladies instinctively observe the proprieties of the oc- 
casion. General Aspinwall superintended the arrange- 
ments, and his suggestions were cheerfully and heartily 
complied with and promoted by every person present 
The steamer was appropriately decorated with flags 

3 



18 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

and banners, the national colors of the two nations 
being here placed side by side and there gracefiilly 
interfhingled. The magnificent band of the Twenty- 
first regiment, in brilliant uniform, occupied a position 
on the upper after-deck, and, under the direction of 
M. JuUien, performed at proper periods suitable se- 
lections of inspiring music. Before the steamer ap- 
proached the Russian frigate anchored off the Battery, 
to receive His Imperial Highness, Admiral Rowan and 
other officers of the United States vessels forming the 
naval reception squadron, joined the guests on board 
the Mary Powell Twelve o'clock was the hour fixed 
for the Grand Duke to leave his vessel and go on 
board the committee's steamer ; and precisely at that 
hour the Mary Powell was close to the Svctlana^ and 
the programme was carried out precisely as had been 
agreed upon. The scene was remarkably brilliant and 
interesting, including as it did the concourse of ex- 
pectant citizens on shore and the numerous steamers 
forming and surrounding the combined American and 
Russian squadrons. 

His Imperial Highness left the flag-ship in a barge, 
accompanied by the Russian Minister, the Russian Ad- 
miral, and several other high officials connected with 
the Russian Navy and Legation, all in splendid uni- 
forms, and displaying on their bosoms dazzling impe- 
rial orders. Cheers from his own sailors followed him. 
When he neared the Mary Powell the band played 
the Russian National Hymn, and a long and loud burst 
of cheers from the distinguished company on board 
greeted him. He was met at the gangway by mem- 
bers of the Executive Committee, to whom had been 
assigned that duty. Mr. William H. Aspinwall then 



IfEW YORK, 19 

conducted him to the upper deck of the Mary Powell^ 
where he was warmly welcomed by the brilliant com- 
pany of ladies and gentlemen assembled to receive 
him. 

Major General Dix then delivered the following 
appropriate address of welcome : — 

Your Imperial Highness, — In the name of the citizens of 
New York I have the honor to tender you a cordial welcome to the 
United States. It is a great gratification to us to see within our har- 
bor the gallant squadron which has brought jou in safety to our 
shores. It is a still greater gratification to receive among us one of 
the Imperial &mily of Russia, whose illustrious chief has done so 
mudi for the cause of human civilization, and in whose hands the 
possession of power, under the guidance of Providence, has been de- 
voted to the noblest of uses, — the social and political elevation of 
those who came within the sphere of \U exercise. The long and un- 
interrupted friendship which has existed between Russia and the 
United States has naturally created a strong sympathy on our part in 
all that concerns her welfare, and has caused us to regard with deep 
interest her steady but silent progress eastward, shedding at every 
advance the light of Christian civilization over regions which have 
been buried for ages in comparative darkness and barbaiism. Your 
Imperial Highness will, no doubt, see much in our country which is 
novel to a European. Our existence as an independent nation does 
not yet date one hundred years. Our forms of improvement in in- 
dustry and art differ in many respects from those countries whose 
lives are measured by the lapse of centuries. But in a community in 
a rapid course of development we trust there may be found much 
which is interesting, and so something, perhaps, worthy of being re- 
membered as a source of useful suggestion to political societies of a 
greater age than our own. In the name of those in whose behalf I 
speak I tender you this sincere wish, — that your visit to America 
may be a pleasant one, with the hope that on your return to your 
own country your Imperial Highness may be able, from what you 
shall have seen and heard among us, to convey to His Majesty the 
Emperor of Russia fresh assuranoP/S of the respect, of the good will 
of the government and people of the United Statef^i. 

The Grand Duke commanded universal admiration 



20 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

as, standing with noble bearing, and with the steady 
gaze of his clear blue eyes fixed on the venerable gen- 
tleman, he listened with the deepest interest to the 
address of welcome. The moment General Dix had 
finished, his Imperial Highness stepped forward and 
cordially shook hands with him. Then, retiring a few 
paces, and speaking distinctly in excellent English, he 
replied as follows : — 

General Dix, Ladies and Gentlemen, — I beg to return my 
warmest thanks for your friendly feelings and the cordiality of this 
reception. The sentiments you have just so kindly expressed are 
enough to show us that the friendship existing between America and 
Russia is as strong as it will be lasting, and that nothing can disturb 
it. I shall only pass rapidly through New York at present My first 
wish is to pay my respects to the President of the United States, 
whose high character is greatly appreciated by me. On my return to 
New York I shall have much pleasure in availing myself of the kind 
hospitality which has been so generously proffered. 

Before the steamer proceeded to the dock the ladies 
and gentlemen were personally introduced to his Im- 
perial Highness, and a sumptuous repast was partaken 
of in the lower cabin. 

The scene at Battery Place was exceedingly fine. 
Every house was decorated, while from many a profu- 
sion of flags, national and Russian, waved in the gentle 
breeze, and shone in the brightening sun. More than 
a hundred specimens of bunting floated from the build- 
ing of the Anchor Line alone, while other offices were 
almost as well provided with banners and appropriate 
devices. The vast crowd cheered every effort of this 
kind to honor our distinguished guest Then, while 
the multitude pressed forward toward the pier, full of 
enthusiasm, a rumbling noise was heard, then a blast 
of martial music was wafted on the air, and in a few 



NEW YORK, 21 

minutes the head of the Twelfth regiment National 
Guard took position on the east side of the place. The 
Forty-seventh and the Twenty-third, of Brooklyn, fol- 
lowed quickly after, and occupied the intervening 
space. The bands of the regiments were between. 
General Shaler and staff were in proper position at the 
entrance to the pier, and, until the troops changed 
fronts which they quickly did, to face the expected cor- 
tege and give the usual salute, occupied the right of 
the line. The troops were admirably handled, and pre- 
sented a splendid appearance. Their discipline was 
excellent^ and elicited most favorable comments. The 
waving banners, glistening arms, and bright uniforms 
of the battalions occupying Battery Place, contributed 
to render the scene, as viewed from Castle Garden, one 
of singular magnificence. 

A little before one o'clock the Mary Powell^ bearing 
the Grand Duke, neared the pier, and soon deposited 
her distinguished passenger on American soil. A rush 
was made for the entrance to the pier by the excited 
crowd, while the ^ Russian Hymn,'' and " See the Con- 
quering Hero Comes," swelled on the breeze. (This 
tune, it is as well to say, is played in the United 
States army on the approach of a distinguished per- 
sonage while regiments are in line.) All awaited the 
advent of the scion of the House of Romanoff. A 
burst of martial music served as a signal to Superin- 
tendent Kelso and a battalion of police to make in- 
stant arrangements for the preservation of order. It 
was none too soon. The carriages provided for the 
officers of the Russian fleet and the officers of the 
American squadron, the Committee of Reception, and 
the invited guests, were being rapidly filled. When 



22 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

all were ready the drums and bugles sounded, and the 
bands began to play. The police marched out quickly, 
and the staff of the Second Division National Guard 
followed after at a lively trot. There were no speeches 
at this time, but the music of the bajids was timely 
and appropriate ; moreover, it was l^ud, and express- 
ive of the feelings of the people. 

It was a magnificent spectacle that was presented 
to the view of the young Russian as his carriage rat- 
tled up toward Trinity Church. The houses all along 
the route were filled with people waving handkerchiefs 
and Russian and American flags, and loudly expressing 
their heartfelt welcome. On the east side of the great 
thoroughfare, troops magnificently arrayed and under 
admirable discipline made a continuous line, two deep, 
from the Battery up ; staff officers stood in front of the 
extended battalions, and an unceasing din of martial 
music filled the air. Never was there a more splendid 
display seen on Broadway. It was as much a triumph 
for American citizenship as an honor to the represent- 
ative of the ally of the Republic. As each regiment 
stationed on the line of march was passed by the im- 
perial cortege it wheeled by companies into column 
and added its shining bayonets to the joyous throng. 
Looking up Broadway a waving stream of bright, 
gleaming steel, emblazoned banners, and gorgeous uni- 
forms was presented to the eye ; while from every 
house-top and window fair hands waved flags and hand- 
kerchiefs, and cheered the young Duke in his triumph- 
ant progress. 

As Trinity was reached, the bells in the tower of that 
ancient building sent forth a merry peal of welcome, 
and followed it up by a performance intending to rep- 




NEW YORK. 23 

resent the " Russian Hymn." This, with the military 
music (every regiment had a band), made a terrific 
clatter in the regions of business. 

Loud cheers were given by the crowd in the streets 
as the carriages containing His Imperial Highness and 
suite, the members of the committee, and the naval 
officers from both fleets, passed along. 

Swayed to and fro by a motion as capricious, and still 
as regular in its flow as the waves of the great ocean, 
the long expanse of human faces met the eye and im- 
pressed the mind with a curiously striking sense of 
the greatness of the occasion. It is only at times such 
as these that we realize the vastness of the population 
of the great city in which we dwell. The tout ensemble 
of the view also appealed to the imagination in a sin- 
gularly startling manner. Broadway never looks so 
beautiful as when lighted up with flags and bunting 
and pretty faces and the gay tints of female raiment 
for some grand holiday such as yesterday. And it 
never looked better than it did in the bright sunlight 
of the memorable day that has now passed into history. 
The crowds that lined the sidewalk, the extended line 
of military in gaudy uniforms and with glittering bay- 
onets, the myriad faces that gleamed out from every 
window, the hundreds of handsome mansions of trade 
between which the troops with even tread marched 
steadily along, the fringe of sight-seers upon the roofe, 
whose silhouettes stood out clearly defined against the 
sky, and the banners that stretched across the street, 
and the flags and bunting that decorated almost every 
house, — all these made up a picture that will live for- 
ever in the memories of the fortunate many who wit- 
nessed it. We never before enjoyed a gala day that 



24 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

was brighter and gayer than that of this welcome to 
the Grand Duke. From Leonard Street onward to the 
Metropolitan it was hard work, indeed, to push one's 
way between the lines of sight-seers on each side of 
the sidewalk. Packed three or four deep from the 
curbstone, and again from the walls of the buildings, 
the crowd still left open a narrow passage of fluctu- 
ating width, but which was never available for more 
than two abreast. Through this difficult defile there 
streamed an onward-bound line of struggling, noisy, 
enthusiastic spectators. The worst crush was at the 
crossing of Canal Street, and here it was absolutely im- 
possible to pass. On either side of the way the crowd 
was a solid mass, and it was necessary to creep through 
the vehicles and run round Crosby Street in order to 
successfully get up town. 

The Duke, however, must have derived some grati- 
fication from the discomfort of those who thus suffered 
to give him fitting welcome. As he passed there was 
one long, loud, hearty burst of cheering, that echoed 
between the lines of stores on either side, and was 
caught up by the masses of people from one end of 
Broadway to the other. He had a couple of hours of 
really hard work in the way of uncovering his head 
and bending his back. With courtly courtesy he ac- 
knowledged each separate outbreak of applausive wel- 
come by a wave of his hat and a bow. 

Turning into Union Square the crowd became im- 
mense, and loud shouts of applause fairly rent the air. 
The Duke, however, must have been heartily glad 
when at last he reached the Clarendon, and the weari- 
some ordeal of acknowledging the tumultuous welcome 
of the crowd was finished. 




NEW YORK, 25 

The review followed quickly after the last carriage 
containing the ^ distinguished guests " had driven away 
from the Clarendon. When the Duke came out on 
the balcony of the hotel the head of the military col- 
umn was at Fifteenth Street^ and as soon as it was 
ascertained by the commanding officer that all was in 
readiness the march in review began. The troops 
marched by in the following order : — 

Detachment of Police. 

Troop of Cavalry. 

Major-General Shaler aiid Staff. 

Band. 

TwelAh Regiment In&ntry. 

Band. 

Twenty-second Regiment Infantry. 

Band. 
Forty-seventh Regiment Infantry. 

Band. 
Twenty- third Regiment Infantry. 

Band. 
Sixty-ninth Regiment Infantry. 

Baud. 
Seventy-first Regiment Infantry. 

Band. 
Seventy-ninth Regiment In&ntry. 

Band. 
Fifth Regiment Infantry. 

Band. 

Sixth Regiment Infantry. 

Band. 

Eleventh Regiment In&ntry. 

Band. 

Eighty-fourth Regiment Infantry. 

Band. 
Ninety-sixth Regiment Infantry. 

Band. 
First Regiment (N. J.) Infiintry. 
4 



26 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS, 

Band. 
Second Regiment (N. J.) Infentry. 

Band. 
Third Regiment (N. J.) Infantry. 

Band. 
Fourth Regiment (N. J.) Infentry. 

Band. 
Seventh Regiment Infentry. 

Band. 
Ninth Regiment Infentry. 

Band. 

Eighth Regiment Infentry. 

Band. 

Fifty-fifth Regiment Infentry. 

Detachment of Police. 

The brigade commanders and their staffs were in the 
line of march ; but as the regiments did not — at least 
all of them — march strictly according to their position 
in their respective brigades, their position in line could 
not be correctly sustained. The parade was, taken al- 
together, a very imposing one. The Avenue was not 
in the best condition to admit of steady marching, the 
pavement being slippery with mud, and, as bad luck 
would have it, there were several large and deep pools 
of water near Seventeenth Street, which compelled 
more than one company to break badly before they 
could get out of them. The double railroad track, be- 
sides, was a great drawback to the steadiness of the 
troops. Still the marching as a whole was excellent, 
and the regiments well deserved the applause with 
which they were greeted as they passed the stand. 

The reception was undoubtedly the largest and most 
brilliant display of its kind which has ever taken place 
among us, not excepting even that in 1860 to the 
Prince of Wales. Now, as then, at peace with all the 



NEW TOEK. 27 

world, but stronger for all our trials and in the grow- 
ing might of a young, vigorous nation, there is more 
strength in our amicable hand-grasp, more force in the 
welcome, that forty millions of people extend to Alexis 
the child of the Czar of all the Russias. 

No sooner had the procession disbanded and the 
sight-seers dispersed to their homes than the Grand 
Duke, left free to act from impulses of his own heart, 
went at once, with his staff, to the Russo-Greek Church 
at 951 Second Avenue. They left the Clarendon Hotel 
about ten minutes past four o'clock. Weary and tired 
as the imperial party must have been after their long 
voyage and their reception yesterday, still the religious 
faith and customs of Russia and of the imperial family 
of that empire are so strict that the Duke and his reti- 
nue hastened to return thanks for their safety, and to 
receive the priestly blessing at the hands of the only 
Russo-Greek clergyman in the country. Rev. Father 
N. Bjerring. 

As His Imperial Highness entered, the Rev. Father 
Bjerring gave the benediction with the cross, and 
blessed the Duke and party with holy water, and con- 
tinued the services for more than half an hour, at the 
close of which the priest addressed the Duke as fol- 
lows : — 

'^Mat it please yodr Imperial Highness : It is with the siii- 
cerest joy of heart that I venture, in the deepest humility, to bid Your 
Imperial Highness a happy weloome in this little chapel, and this wel- 
come I venture to offer not only as a priest of the Orthodox Church, 
but also as a citizen of the United States. As everywhere in the 
world where there are orthodox Greek Christians, so also the profes- 
sors of the orthodox faith in this land look to the borders of Russia, 
as the Bethlehem of the body politic, from whence the illumination of 
the apostolic faith spreads itself in unalloyed purity. It is a great 



28 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS, 

idea, yes, the gi'eatest idea, for man ; not a fantastic idea, but a living 
reality, which assembles the hearts of orthodox Christians around the 
Russian centre, whether they be dwellers in the Eastern or in the 
Western hemisphere. This great idea is not what some are pleased 
to call Pan-Slavism. No; it is an immeasurably greater idea: it is 
what I would designate Pan-orthodoxy. The existence of this chapel, 
the first in New York, is owing to orthodox Russia ; and as a grain 
of mustard-seed spreads itself in gradual growth, so I hope, with God*8 
grace, that the care of the Holy Synod foe its spiritual children here 
will not be in vain. But all the more jubilant are our hearts to-day 
for the presence of an imperial member of that distinguished house- 
hold which by its piety has inscribed itself in brilliant lines in the 
annals of history. 

*' May Your Imperial Highness be a thousand times welcome. May 
Your Imperial Highness find many delights in this land, and may the 
God of love preserve and defend Y'^our Imperial Highness. This I 
pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. 
Amen ! "^ 

The service concluded with a prayer and with the 
customary rite of wishing the imperial household many 
happy years. The Duke immediately thereafter shook 
hands with Father Bjerring, thanked him for his kind 
words of welcome and invited the reverend clergyman 
to pay a visit at his hotel this morning before his de- 
parture for Washington. The party thereafter entered 
their carriages and returned to the Clarendon. 

■ 

DEPARTURE OF THE GRAND DUKE FOR WASHINGTON. 

November 28. 

The Grand Duke left the Clarendon Hotel for Wash- 
ington at eleven a. m. yesterday. Upon leaving the 
hotel he was cheered by several hundred people who 
had assembled to witness his departure. As the car- 
riages were driven off he bowed to the people in the 
street, and also to the gentlemen and ladies who were 




NEW YORK. 29 

standing at the windows and upon the balconies of 
the hotel. The carriages were driven down Broad- 
way and Canal Street to the Desbrosses Street Ferry, 
where the special ferry-boat New Brumivicky decked 
from stem to stem with flags and streamers, was in 
readiness to take them to Jersey City. When the 
Grand Duke arrived at the Jersey City Station he 
found a crowd of people waiting to see him. The train 
comprised a locomotive and four cars, and was ele- 
gantly fitted up. When he alighted from his carriage, 
to go on board the train, he was greeted with loud and 
continued cheering, which he repeatedly acknowl- 
edged by removing his hat and bowing. As the train 
moved away from the station, there was renewed 
cheering, which lasted until the cars disappeared from 
view. At Newark a large crowd assembled at the sta- 
tion, and the Grand Duke came out on the platform to 
acknowledge their greeting. 

Philadelphia, November 22. 

The train from New York with the Grand Duke 
Alexis and party, reached West Philadelphia about 
two p. M. The fact that the distinguished visitor was 
on the train was only known to a few of the employes 
of the road, and no demonstration of any kind was 
made. 

Baltimobe, Nooember 22. 

The special train from New York, conveying the 
Grand Duke AlexLs and party, passed through the city 
this evening, leaving Camden station for Washington 
a few minutes after six o'clock. Notwithstanding the 
lateness of the hour, a crowd of several hundred per- 
sons had assembled at the Philadelphia station, and on 



30 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

the arrival of the train they broke forth in hearty 
cheers, in acknowledgment of which the Grand Duke 
appeared upon the platform of the car and lifted his 
cap several times. At Camden Street station a still 
larger number were gathered, when the Grand Duke 
appeared on the rear platform of the car, and was 
received by the throng with cheers. 

WASHINGTON. 

November 22. 

The railroad station was thronged this evening by a 
large crowd of men and women, attracted thither by 
curiosity to see the Grand Duke Alexis. There was 
loud cheering from the multitude when, at half-past 
seven o'clock, the special train arrived. The impatient 
crowd pressed toward it to obtain a view of the royal 
visitor. There being nothing outward to distinguish 
the Grand Duke and suite, they left the cars with- 
out its being generally known who they were, and it 
was not until they had reached the front of the sta- 
tion that they were recognized, and then by only a 
few of the crowd. The carriage of his Excellency 
the Russian Minister was in waiting, and in this the 
Duke, the Russian Minister, Admiral Possiet, and the 
principal secretary, took seats. The Duke lifted his 
cap to those who gathered near the carriage, when 
there was cheering by the few who noticed the Grand 
Duke's courtesy. 

The other gentlemen of the party were driven to 
the Arlington House, over which is flying the Russian 
national flag. All of the suite are quartered there, 
namely, Vice-Ad miral Possiet; W. T. Machin, Coun- 
cillor of State;* Count OlsonfiefF, Count Schouvalofl^ 




WASHINGTON. 81 

Doctor Koudrine, Lieutenant Tudeer, General GorlofF, 
Mr. ShirkoflF, together with a number of attaches and 
servants. The suite occupy the whole north wing of 
the Arlington, known as the Johnson House. They are 
consequently entirely private. The Grand Duke is the 
only one of the party who is entertained by the Rus- 
sian Minister. 

Soon after their arrival, the Russian Minister called 
on Secretary Fish at the Arlington, to officially inform 
him of the arrival of the Grand Duke, and to make 
preliminary arrangements for his presentation to the 
President to-morrow, which will probably take place at 
noon. About half-past eight o'clock a number of for- 
eign Ministers called to pay their respects to the Grand 
Duke. 

PRESENTATION OF HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS TO PRESIDENT GRANT 

November 28, 1871. 

Secretary Fish, this morning, called upon the Grand 
Duke Alexis to pay his respects, and to ascertain at 
what time it would be agreeable to him to be pre- 
sented to the President. The Secretary also conferred 
with the President on the subject, and the arrange- 
ment was made for one o'clock. 

Long before one o'clock a throng of people had con- 
gregated upon the portico of the Executive Mansion, 
to witness the arrival of the Grand Duke. Many la- 
dies were present, but with the exception of the rep- 
resentatives of the press, no one was admitted to the 
anteroom, through which the Grand Duke and suite 
would pass to the blue parlor, where the reception by 
the President took place. Soon after twelve o'clock 
the members of the Cabinet, with their wives, who had 



32 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

invitations to be present, began to arrive, the first be- 
ing Secretary and Mrs. Delano, followed at short in- 
tervals by the Attorney-General and Mrs. Akerman, 
Secretary Boutwell and Secretary Robeson. At one 
o'clock the excitement by the throng outside beto- 
kened the arrival of the Imperial party, and the doors 
of the mansion were thrown wide open. As they 
alighted from the carriages a hearty cheer went up 
from those assembled on the portico, the Grand Duke 
acknowledging the salutation by turning when he 
reached the door and removing his cap. 

The Russian Minister first presented the Grand 
Duke to the President The Duke said it afibrded 
him much pleasure to meet the chief of the nation 
with whom his own was on intimate terms of friend- 
ship, and the President cordially welcomed him and 
expressed the hope that his sojourn in this country 
would be both pleasant and gratifying. The Duke 
then presented the members of his suite to the Pres- 
ident The President in turn presented the members 
of his Cabinet and his official attendants. Generals 
Porter, Dent, and Babcock, to the Duke. After the 
introductions here were concluded, the President es- 
corted the Grand Duke to the Red Parlor, where Sec- 
retary Fish presented him to Mrs. Grant and the other 
ladies present The other part of the company fol- 
lowed into the Red Parlor, where a brief but general 
conversation took place among all the parties, the 
Duke addressing himself especially to Mrs. Grant The 
interview lasted only fifteen minutes, when the dis- 
tinguished visitor left the Executive Mansion. The 
Grand Duke walked in front as on entering, and was 
cheered by the crowd outside as he reached the por- 




WASHINGTON. 33 

tico. He and the Russian Minister and Admiral Pos- 
siet took seats in the same carriage. The Duke lifled 
his cap as the carriage drove from the premises, and 
the suite in carriages followed, all returning to the 
Minister's residence. 

Early this afternoon, the Russian Minister, accompa- 
nied by Admiral Possiet, called at the Arlington House 
to see Secretary Fish, but this gentleman having, 
shortly after the presentation at the Executive Man- 
sion, returned to the Department of State, they left 
their cards. They next called on Admiral Porter, and 
on several members of the diplomatic corps. 

VISIT TO ANNAPOLIS. 

Nooember 24. 

The Grand Duke and party left for Annapolis this 
morning at nine o'clock in a special train, at which 
place they arrived at ten a. m. Besides the Russian 
Duke there were on the train Secretary Robeson, of 
the Navy ; the Russian Admiral Possiet ; the Russsian 
Minister ; M. Machin, Councillor of State ; Count 
Olsonfieff, Count Schouvalo£^ Dr. Koudrine, Lieutenant 
Tudeer, and Mr. Danzas. The naval officers were Com- 
modores Case, Rodgers, and Mullany, Paymaster-Gen- 
eral Dunn, and Surgeon-General Foltz. On arriving at 
the station the party was received by Captain Carter, 
commandant of the midshipmen. On entering at the 
middle gate of the Naval Grounds they were received 
with the customary honors by a battalion of marines 
in full dress, under command of Major P. R. Fendell, 
the full naval band stationed on the right of the ma- 
rines playing the Russian national air, and at the same 
moment a salute of twenty-one guns was fired from a 
howitzer battery on the play-ground, where a battalion 



34 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

of cadets was drawn up. Without halting, the party 
were driven to the Superintendent's quarters, where 
they were received by Commodore Worden, Superin- 
tendent of the Naval Academy, and the officers of the 
school, in full uniform, about thirty in number. The 
Duke was introduced to Commodore Worden by Sec- 
retary Robeson, and by the Commodore to the officers. 
A brief interval of ceremonies was passed in conversa- 
tion among the officers, during which Mrs. Worden, 
wife of the Commodore, and other ladies were pre- 
sented to the Duke. The party then proceeded to the 
parade-ground, where the battalion of cadet midship- 
men were drawn up in line, and went through the 
usual military drill and parade, saluting the Grand 
Duke as they marched past. During these exercises 
the rain continued falling. The parade being over, 
the gun-ship Sardee was visited, where another national 
salute of twenty-one guns pealed forth. After passing 
through the ship the visitors inspected the various de- 
partments of the Academy, the steam building, philo- 
sophical department, and all the others of interest. In 
the Ordnance Museum the battle-flags captured in 
Corea were objects of special interest The inspection 
of the departments being over, the party, at half-past 
twelve o'clock p. m., returned to the quarters of the 
Commander. 

Here a large party had assembled, including Gov- 
ernor and Mrs. Bowie and a number of ladies, the wives 
of the officers, and many young ladies, all in full dress. 
They were introduced to the Imperial visitor and oth- 
ers of his suite. A few minutes were passed in gen- 
eral, pleasant conversation and congratulation, when 
the doors of the adjoining apartments were thrown 




ANNAPOLIS. 35 

open, and the guests were invited to partake of a 
sumptuous collation which was spread before them. 
The Grand Duke gracefully tendered his arm to Mrs. 
Worden, and these two led the way to the tables, fol- 
lowed by other ladies with their distinguished escorts. 
After partaking of the viands, toasts seemed in order, 
when Commodore Worden rose and proposed "The 
Emperor of Russia," which was most cordially received, 
the entire company rising and drinking the toast 
standing. The Grand Duke then gave the " President 
of the United States," which was as heartily received, 
and drunk with like formality. Secretary Robeson 
offered " The Navy of the Empire of Russia," which 
was responded to with an enthusiasm that brought the 
Russian Admiral to his feet, and who proposed "The 
prosperity of the remarkable institution we have just 
inspected ; may it continue its great usefulness, and 
produce more men like Farragut, Porter, and Worden 
to adorn their country's history." The toast of the 
Admiral was greeted with hearty approbation. The 
Russian Minister being now called on, that gentleman 
rose and said, '' I drink the health of one of the co- 
ordinate, and certainly one of the most powerful mem- 
bers of the American Government, — Their fairnesses 
the women of America " Rapturous applause greeted 
the sentiment of the official representative of the Em- 
peror of Russia. When it had subsided, Mrs. Worden, 
wife of the Commodore, called for the Honorable Wil- 
liam Prescott Smith to respond ; that gentleman was 
invisible for the moment, but soon made his appear- 
ance, and said he felt duly gratified for the compli- 
ment conferred upon him in the presence of so many 
younger, handsomer, and more gallant men. He felt, 



36 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

however, the grave responsibility he had assumed, and 
acknowledged his inability to do justice to so grand 
a theme as " the women of America." The speaker 
continued a short time in one of his happiest moods, 
concluding with a regret that he was in every respect 
unable in such distinguished company to do justice 
to the sentiment and to adequately embrace the whole 
subject Secretary Bobeson, being handsomely toasted 
by one of the Russian officers, responded, felicitously 
remarking to the Grand Duke that our system of gov- 
ernment involved a number of States that made up 
our great confederation, and they were now in the 
capital of one of these, — the good old State of Mary- 
land, whose executive being present, he would pro- 
pose the health of the Governor of Maryland. Gov- 
ernor Bowie acknowledged the compliment, and gave 
in return " The Navy of the United States and its 
gallant officers." It was now fifteen minutes to two 
o'clock, the appointed hour of departure of the distin- 
guished guests. The convivialities were ended, the 
generous hospitality of Commodore and Mrs. Worden 
and the cordial reception by the officers of the Naval 
School were appropriately recognized by the Grand 
Duke and party, when they were driven to the station 
and left at two o'clock. 

Arriving at Annapolis Junction, Secretary Robeson, 
with several United States officials, proceeded to Wash- 
ington. The Grand Duke and Russian officers, with 
the Russian Minister, were transferred to their special 
Pullman palace-car train, which was in waiting, and 
immediately left for New York, where they arrived at 
half past ten o'clock. 




NEW YORK. 37 

New York, November 26. 

Grand Duke Alexis and his suite were the guests 
of General McDowell and the army officers of this 
harhor yesterday. In the morning, which was very 
cold though bright, the Antehpe lay at the pier, foot 
of Thirty-third Street, East River, gayly bedecked 
with Russian and American colors, and furnished with 
everything necessary to a cheerful trip around the 
harbor. The band of the First United States Artil- 
lery was on board, and General McDowell and his 
aides were busily engaged receiving guests from eight 
o'clock. Carriage after carriage drove up filled with 
ladies and gentlemen until afler nine o'clock, so that 
there was a very large attendance of persons. 

At half-past nine o'clock the Grand Duke and his 
suite arrived on board. The band greeted them with 
the Russian national hymn, and in a few minutes the 
boat's moorings were loosened, and she was heading 
up the river at a good rate of speed for Hallett's 
Point On the way up the ladies and gentlemen 
guests were introduced to the Grand Duke, who was 
attired as a naval lieutenant The trip to the Point 
did not take a great while, and the boat reached the 
landing there at a little afler ten o'clock. Everybody 
went ashore, headed by General McDowell and his 
distinguished guest, to whom the engineers and other 
troops at the station gave a military welcome. When 
the great caisson and the scene of the wonderful min- 
ing operations was reached, the Duke descended the 
steep ladders to the shaft and went into the chambers 
under the bed of the river to inspect the works and 
miners there busy. He was very much pleased with 
what he saw, and lingered a good while to witness the 



38 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS, 

operations. He returned at last by the ladder and 
watched the schooners and craft go through **the 
Gate " with a spanking breeze. While thus employed, 
the engineers "made a series of blasts" beneath his 
feet, which had a peculiar effect, something like small 
earthquakes. Finally the whole party returned to the 
Anidope^ and were borne up the Sound. When they 
steamed "through the Gate," going r.nd coming, the 
Duke stood on deck, enveloped in his great-coat and, 
smoking a cigarette, seemed to enjoy his excursion 
very much. He chatted with all vivaciously, and 
moved around the steam-boat at pleasure, sometimes 
alone, and never followed by any one in such a man- 
ner as to harass him. In this way he was enabled to 
take a good look at the island institutions, and the 
various buildings studding the banks of the river 
on either hand, as the Antelope steamed along towards 
Governor's Island. Just as the boat was passing Dia- 
mond Reef, a blast occurred there, throwing a column 
of water high into the air, and jarring the boat as 
though she had " grazed a reef.'* General Newton ex- 
plained this to Admiral Possiet and the Duke, who 
both seemed to be deeply interested in the work. The 
forts saluted the steamer as she went by Governor's 
Island, and as she neared Bedloe's Island the American 
flag was dipped on the staff and another salvo of artil- 
lery discharged. Thence down the bay to Fort Wads- 
worth was a pleasant trip. At the lower pier, near 
the water battery, the Duke was landed, with his staff 
and several ladies, who clambered over the schooner 
lying between the Antehpe and the shore, and climbed 
the steps of the earth-works. The Duke, received by 
General Gilniore, wa.«« driven in a carriage through the 



NEW YORK. 39 

muddy roads to the fort on the hill, where he was re- 
ceived with military honors. He returned soon again 
to the lower battery to see the new apparatus for 
managing large guns, invented by Major King, of the 
engineers. Aboard the Antelope again, the whole party 
started for Fort Hamilton. The Henry Smith had gone 
over to the dock ahead, and the larger steamer, con- 
veying the Duke, attempted to follow. She got within 
a cable's length of the shore and stuck. She was 
** aground," and seemingly so fast as to promise a lively 
time for the persons on board. After a great deal of 
puffing and blowing she was got off, and the Duke was 
prevented from landing. Still he could see the artil- 
lerists at their guns, and felt the shake of the fifteen 
and twenty inch monsters bellowing a welcome to him. 
Up the river toward Governor's Island the vessel came, 
and the party partook of the luncheon prepared for 
them. 

When the Antelope touched the military store dock, 
the troops on guard turned out and received the Duke 
as he landed. Everybody followed him, and the party 
wended its way through the groves to a splendidly 
constructed marquee of American flags, decorated in- 
side with Russian banners and American regimental 
colors. The flooring had been polished for dancing, 
and seats, covered with bunting padded, ran all around 
the room. There were bright brass guns standing on 
their muzzles as stanchions, and elegant withdrawing- 
rooms in the rear of the marquee. The matinee ball 
was opened by His Imperial Highness. At five o'clock 
the band played ^ Home, Sweet Home," and the ball 
was at an end. The Duke and his party returned 
to the new pier on the East River, where carriages 



40 THE GRAND DVKK ALEXIS 

were in waiting. The crowd gave a hearty clapping 
of hands to welcome the Duke as he passed to his 
carriage. 

November 27. 

The Grand Duke Alexis rested quietly at the Clar- 
endon yesterday (Sunday), until about half- past ten 
o'clock, when, accompanied by Admiral Possiet, Mr. 
Bodisco and suite, he attended the Greek Chapel in 
Second Avenue. The party left the hotel in closed car- 
riages. Previous to leaving, the avenue and neighbor- 
ing streets leading to the chapel were thronged with 
people to obtain a glimpse of His Imperial Highness. 
The service consisted of the reading of the Litany and 
a " Te Deum Laudamus," the latter being admirably 
sung by ten choristers from the Svetlana. At the con- 
clusion of the service, the party quietly returned to 
the Clarendon Hotel. 

On all the Russian vessels similar services to the 
above were held yesterday. 

The afternoon was passed by the Imperial party in 
quiet conversation. After dinner, the Grand Duke, in 
company with General Gorloff and another gentleman, 
quietly stepped out of the hotel, and took a walk for 
the first time free from the pomp and circumstance 
that has so far attended his movements. 

November 28. 

Yesterday morning the Grand Duke, after visiting 
Brady's photograph rooms, accompanied by his suite, 
went on board the Tallapoosa, to visit the Navy Yard, 
where they arrived about half-past one o'clock. They 
were received by Admirals Smith, Godon, and Rowan, 
several members of the Reception Committee, nearly 
all the naval officers in port^ several gentlemen of high 




NEW YORK. 41 

military rank, and a large number of civilians. The 
First Artillery Band, from Fort Hamilton, was stationed 
in the porch, the Navy Yard Band being inside. A 
salute of twenty-one guns was fired, and the music 
struck up as the Ducal party approached. Admiral 
Smith conducted the Duke to the reception room, 
where he was introduced to the ladies and gentlemen 
present After partaking of a collation, the Duke 
made a tour of inspection of the yard, evincing great 
interest in the workshops, the ways for dragging ships 
out of the water and launching them, and other me- 
chanical contrivances. Tiie distinguished party re- 
turned to the city about half-past three o'clock. 

BEVIEW OF THE HBE DEPARTMENT. 

November 29. 

The review of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade by the 
Grand Duke Alexis took place yesterday afternoon in 
Tompkins Square. Notwithstanding the coldness of 
the atmosphere, which must have forcibly reminded 
the Duke of the commencement of a Russian winter, 
the square was crowded long before the hour named 
for the commencement of the parade. The south side 
of the square was reserved for carriages, and a space 
enclosed by ropes was kept clear for the fire apparatus 
which comprised Engine Companies Nos. 3, 7, 8, 13, 14, 
15, 16, 17, 18, 26, 30, and 31, with Hook and Ladder 
Companies Nos. 5, 9, and 10. These were ranged on 
the northeast and west sides of the square, and in the 
centre of the south side was the platform erected for 
the Ducal party. Near by was a music stand occupied 
by GrafuUa's band. 

A little before half-past one o'clock, p. bl, the band 

6 



42 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

struck up the Russian National Anthem, and a few 
minutes afterward a number of carriages arrived, con- 
taining the Duke and suite, and several other gentle- 
men, the appearance of the party being hailed with 
cheers. The Duke ascended the platform, and as soon 
as the band had ceased playing, in company with the 
Fire Commissioners, passed around the square and 
inspected each engine with its company drawn up 
beside it. The Grand Duke then returned to the plat- 
form, and the brigade passed in review before him, the 
officers saluting by raising their trumpets. After they 
had passed once round at a walk, they halted, and then 
passed a second time at a trot and again at a gallop. 

At the close of the evolutions all the officers of the 
companies, headed by Chief Engineer Perley, were in- 
troduced to the Duke, who expressed his gratification 
at the exhibition. A few minutes afterward the com- 
panies dispersed, and the Ducal party left for the Clar- 
endon. The Duke entered the hotel, but returned 
almost immediately, and, in company with the Fire 
Commissioners, walked to the corner of Seventeenth 
Street, and the fire-alarm box being opened, he tele- 
graphed " Fire in Union Square." The Duke then re- 
turned, but before he could reach the hotel balcony 
the noise of swiftly-rolling wheels and galloping horses 
could be distinctly heard, and in a few seconds after- 
ward, as it seemed, several engines and ladder com- 
panies, followed by the insurance patrol, dashed into 
the square. In about three minutes after the alarm 
had been sounded two streams were thrown on the Ev- 
erett House, and within five minutes ladders were raised 
to the hotel windows and men were on the roofe of 
the adjoining stables. The parade was a decided sue- 




NEW YORK, 43 

cess in every way, and could not fail to impress the 
Duke with the perfect discipline of our Fire Depart- 
ment. 

BALL AT THE NAVY YARD. 

The ball which was given in honor of the Grand 
Duke Alexis at the Navy Yard, last evening, was in 
every respect a success, and reflected credit upon those 
who had the management of it Everything passed oflF 
in the most satisfactory manner to all concerned. This 
was owing entirely to the perfect arrangements of the 
committee. From the time the guests arrived at, until 
they departed from the Navy Yard, they were under 
the protection of the naval authorities, who discharged 
their duty well and courteously. The carriages con- 
taining the guests began to arrive about eight o'clock, 
and thereafter a continual cavalcade entered the pre- 
cincts of the yard. A battalion of marines was in 
readiness to receive the Grand Duke when he should 
arrive, while a corps was on duty to perform the cere- 
mony of present arms to such notables of the navy as 
might be recognized in the throng. The naval store 
in which the ball was given was brilliantly lighted. 

The guests, on arriving, were ushered into a well- 
lighted avenue, improvised from the main floor of the 
building, and alighted upon a soil carpet of Brussels, 
on which stood officers of the Committee of Reception, 
detailed to welcome them. 

The Grand Duke and his suite arrived at the Navy 
Yard about ten o'clock, escorted by Rear-Admirals 
Godon and Walker, Commodores Engle, Harmony, and 
Strong, Lieutenant- Commander Broome, Paymaster 
Broome, and Engineer Wood. Admiral Possiet, of the 



44 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

Russian Navy, and sta£^ accompanied him, and as the 
Grand Duke passed into the yard he was greeted with 
cheers by the crowd there assembled, and on his entree 
he was saluted by a battalion of marines, who were 
drawn up to receive him. This ceremony over, the 
Grand Duke passed rapidly into the yard and thence 
to the main hall. 

Then came the grand excitement Everybody was 
on the qvi vive for this event, and cheer after cheer 
went up from the main hall as Alexis stepped upon 
the elevator which was to convey him to the ball-room 
above. On the reception floor he was waited upon by 
the Committee and conveyed immediately to the pri- 
vate apartment prepared for him. In a few moments 
the ball commenced. 

The first set was formed with the Grand Duke and 
the daughter of Captain Braine, Chairman of the Com- 
mittee of Arrangements. The dancing continued till a 
late hour. 

RECEPTION AND BALL AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC 

November SO. 

The ball at the Academy of Music, last night, in 
honor of the Grand Duke Alexis, was as complete a 
success as the most sanguine members of the Recep- 
tion Committee could have desired. The attendance 
was large and brilliant, the decorations were unusually 
fine, the music was excellent, and in fact, there was 
scarce anything with which fault could be found. Al- 
though the decorations were hurriedly prepared, they 
were complete in every particular. The tent at the 
head of the dancing floor was a marvel of splendor 
and oriental magnificence. Five calcium lights placed 




NEW YORK 45 

at the top of this tent illuminated a fountain in the 
background, and made the hall appear like a fiury 
palace. The sides of the inclosure were painted in 
imitation of lustrous silk, and figured in colors to har- 
monize with the ceiling, which was hung with festoons 
of roses, radiating from a central point, with very 
pleasing efiect. Gilded pillars added to the richness 
of the scene. Under the tent was an artistic terrace, 
in front of which were numerous pots containing nat- 
ural flowers. Back of the terrace was a scene repre- 
senting moonlit clouds visible through an opening 
among trees. One of the striking features of the 
decorations was the large allegorical painting over the 
tent, showing the genius of America and the genius of 
Russia clasping hands. The genius of America was 
represented by a female figure clad in national colors 
and costumed like a Goddess of Liberty, while the 
Russian genius was a male figure in regal apparel. 
At the right of this painting was a banner bearing an 
allegorical picture of President Lincoln freeing the 
slaves, while at the left of the large painting was an- 
other banner, upon which was depicted the Emperor of 
Russia liberating the serfs. The American and Rus- 
sian national colors were, of course, prominently dis- 
played in the decorations. The boxes were trimmed 
with flags, and on the front of the one occupied by 
the Grand Duke was a small but splendid banner, show- 
ing the double-headed eagle of Russia. A covered 
passage-way, extending nearly across the sidewalk on 
the Fourteenth Street side of the Academy, was lined 
with the national colors of America and Russia, and 
the streets leading to the Academy were brilliantly 
illuminated with calcium lights. 



46 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS, 

At nine o'clock, the guests began to arrive, and dur- 
ing the next hour carriages were continually driving 
up in front of the Academy. At ten o'clock, the 
interior of the building presented one of the most 
magnificent scenes that has ever been witnessed in 
this city. The brilliantly illuminated decorations and 
elegantly dressed ladies combined to entrance and 
bewilder the spectator. All was expectancy, awaiting 
the arrival of the Grand Duke. At half-past ten 
o'clock, His Imperial Highness appeared, and was 
escorted to his box, the band, meanwhile, playing a 
Russian air. Governor and Mrs. Hofiman also arrived 
at the same time, and occupied the box with the Grand 
Duke. 

The Grand Duke opened the ball at eleven o'clock 
with Mrs. Hoffman, wife of Governor Hofiman. 

The arrangements for the supper, which was served 
at one a. m., were very complete. The Grand Duke's 
table occupied the place of honor at the head of the 
room, and the other tables filled all the remaining 
available space in the supper hall. The table was 
tastefully arranged with a profusion of choice and nat- 
ural flowers. The ornamental confectionery and other 
designs on the table included two temples of the Czar 
Alexander ; two monuments of Washington, with cu- 
pids and American flags on top ; two imperial vases 
of charlotte russe, surrounded with Russian eagles and 
flags ; two imperial meringues, with American eagles 
and flags of both nations, and two ships of war, made 
of nougat and spun sugar. The bill of fare was printed 
in French and English, in gold letters, on white satin, 
and included every choice and tempting luxury which 
the ingenuity of the caterer could supply. 



NEW YORK. 47 

Afler supper^ dancing was resumed with spirit, and 
it was a late hour before the last of the revelers left 
the Academy, carrying with them the pleasantest 
memories of the Grand Ducal ball. 

December 1. 

Yesterday being Thanksgiving Day, the Grand 
Duke and some of his suite went to the Greek Chapel 
to attend service. 

The Duke was met at the door of the chapel by 
the officiating clergyman, Father Bjerring, holding in 
his hands a golden crucifix with which he blessed the 
Duke, and to which the latter very piously pressed his 
lips. 

At the close of the service the priest again blessed 
the Duke, who also again very piously kissed the cru- 
cifix. 

EXCURSION TO WEST POINT. 

December 2. 

The trip of the Grand Duke and party, at the in- 
vitation of the Reception Committee, to West Point, 
yesterday, on board the steamer Mary PoweUy was in 
the completest sense of the word a success. The 
weather was glorious in spite of the cold snap, the ar- 
rangements were perfect, and by some happy combina- 
tion of circumstances the company included an ex- 
traordinarily large proportion of very beautiful ladies. 
Punctually at half-past nine o'clock the steamer glided 
fix)m the dock and sailed for Thirty-fourth Street land- 
ing, where another swarm of visitors awaited her. At 
forty-five minutes past nine o'clock the Grand Duke 
arrived in his carriage, in company with the Russian 
Minister and the Chairman of the Executive Com- 
mittee. As he stepped on the Mary Powell, JuUen's 



48 THE GRAND DUKR ALEXIS. 

band of thirty pieces struck up a Russian national air, 
which he acknowledged by removing his cap. He was 
attended by Admiral Possiet, Dr. Koudrine, Count 01- 
sonfieff, from the Svetlana^ Lieutenant Tudeer, from the 
Bogaliry Secretary Danzas, Secretary Shirko£^ and Gen- 
eral GorlofT. Like himself^ all were in uniform, wear- 
ing over it military great-coats, which had handsome 
shoulder-straps decorated with the imperial crown. 

At half-past twelve o'clock the Mary Powell was 
abreast Knox's Battery, which fired a salute of twenty- 
one guns, the smoke clinging to the side of the hill 
and the pine-trees, as if reluctant to trust itself to the 
keen air. The landing was made at the northern 
dock, all the visitors scrambling up the hill toward 
the hotel and the parade-ground. Alexis, however, 
remained on the steamer, and was taken up to see the 
Crow's Nest. He soon returned, and was escorted by 
a company of cavalry to the parade-ground. He was 
driven completely around the circle, and then entered 
the house of the Superintendent, General Ruger, where 
he remained for a few minutes, exchanging courtesies 
and compliments. Then he took up his position, sur- 
rounded by the staff officers and the Executive Com- 
mittee, and awaited the arrival of the cadets, whose 
drums were already sounding the assembly. They 
quickly formed in line, and were examined in the 
manual of arms under the orders of General Upton, 
after which they were inspected by the Grand Duke. 
They marched past in one column of companies in 
guide in double quick time, and then marched off 
to their barracks. Duke Alexis made a tour of the 
museum, library, barracks, public offices, hospitals, etc., 
expressing his complete satisfaction with everything. 



NEW YORK. 49 

Taking carriage again, he was escorted to the south- 
em dock, where the Mary Powell was awaiting him, 
at once starting for New York. After lunch, dancing 
commenced, and lasted two or three hours. 

The Grand Duke in the evening visited the Acad- 
emy of Music, and listened to the opera of "Mignon." 

PRESENTATION OF THE PORTRAIT OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 

December 3. 

The Grand Duke, accompanied by his suite, visited 
the Academy of Design, at Twenty-third Street and 
Fourth Avenue, on Saturday. He arrived at the Acad- 
emy at eleven a. m., and was received by Mr. William 
Page, the artist, and Professor Samuel F. B. Morse. After 
inspecting the pictures in the smaller rooms, he was es- 
corted to the large room, where were a large number 
of visitors, who had assembled to witness the presenta- 
tion to the Emperor of Russia, through the Grand 
Duke, of Mr. Page's picture of Admiral Farragut in 
the shrouds of the Hartford during the naval battle of 
Mobile Bay. General Dix made the presentation 
speech, as follows : — 

TouB Imperial Highkrss : In the name of the citizens of New 
York, I have the pleasure of presenting to you, as the representative 
nA the Emperor of Russia, this picture of Admiral Farragut, which 
he has kindly consented to accept. It is a faithftil representation of 
one who gained the highest distinction as a naval commander, and 
who endeared himself to his countrymen hy his ingenuousness, his 
gallantry, his patriotism, and the purity of his life. The artist, the 
President of this Academy, has exhihited him in one of those emer- 
genciea in which a man of great presence of mind and decision of 
character instantly resolves on the course of conduct or the act which 
is best calculated to accomplish the object which he has in view, and 
which a man of ordinary powers would neither have attempted nor 
conceived. At the commencement of a desperate naval combat, in 



50 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

order that he might ascertain the plan of the oommauder of the ho6- 
tile fleet and the disposition of its ships, he went up the shrouds, re- 
maining there during the action, above the cloud of smoke in which 
he was enveloped below, and in this exposed position he gave his or- 
ders with a promptitude and precision which no doubt contributed es- 
sentially to the successful issue of the conflict. It is at the moment 
when the victory is complete that he is represented in the picture, 
calmly surveying the scene of strife. His countrymen have a grate- 
ful remembrance of the kindness with which he was received at St. 
Petersburg, and it will gratify them to know that the picture is to go 
there, as it were, in lasting acknowledgment of the hospitable and dis- 
tinguished manner in which he was entertained by the Emperor. In- 
deed, our chief gratification in presenting it is that it is to have a 
place in the capital of an empire between which and ourselves the 
closest relations of amity have existed from an early period in our his- 
tory — relations which, we earnestly hope, may continue to exist in 
nil future time. The naval service has in all maritime countries and 
in all ages been a conspicuous and brilliant one, and I am sure I speak 
the feelings of all here present when I express the hope that the pro- 
fession with which so many illustrious names are identified may open 
to Your Imperial Highness a career of honor and fame. Whatever 
of duty, or peril, or heroic achievement the future may have for the 
navies of Russia and the United States, the sincere, and, I may add, 
the universal desire on our part is, that they may never meet except 
for the interchange of courtesies and as messengers of peace and mu- 
tual good will. 

The Grand Duke replied as follows : — 

General Dix, Ladies and Gentlemen : In the name of His 
Majesty the f^mperor of Russia, I have great pleasure in receiving 
the picture of Farragut, your great naval hero. The picture will be 
placed among II is Majesty* s collection, where it will be greatly cher- 
ished by His Majesty and the Russian nation. He was a noble man, 
and I hope we will all follow in his example. I am proud of being in 
the navy ; it is a very honorable position. I am sincerely glad of the 
friendship which now exists between this country and my own, and I 
hope that Russia and America will always live together in the bonds 
of brotherly friendship. 

The following letter, handsomely engrossed, with the 



NEW YORK 51 

signatures of the contributors to the fund, was given 
to the Grand Duke : — 

To His Majesty Alexander II., Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias, 

SiRK : The andersigned, citizens of North America, unite in behalf 
of their countrymen in offering to your Imperial Majesty the accom- 
panying picture, representing Admiral Farragut in the shrouds of the 
Hartford during the memorable battle of Mobile Bay, painted by 
William Page, P. N. A. We ask your acceptance of the same as a 
slight token of our appreciation of the sympathy manifested by your 
Majesty's government and people during the war for the Union, and 
also as an appropriate recognition of the ho^^pi table courtesies shown 
by the civil authorities and naval officers to the Admiral and his com- 
rades during their late visiit to your Empire, whose continued prosper- 
ity is the earnest desire of your Majesty's grateful friends. 

DINNER GIVEN BY THE NEW YORK YACHT CLUB. 

The Grand Duke and suite attended the grand ban- 
quet given by the New York Yacht Club at Dehnon- 
ico's in the evening. He was accompanied by the Rus- 
sian Minister^ General Gorlofl^ members of the Russian 
Legation, Admiral Possiet, and the officers of the Rus- 
sian fleet. The Grand Duke was received by James 
Gordon Bennett^ Jr., and escorted to the place of 
honor at the table. The banquet hall was elegantly 
decorated, and the Queen's cup, won by the America 
in 1851, occupied a conspicuous place on the table. 
The dinner was ended at ten p. m. Mr. Bennett pro- 
posed the health of ^ His Imperial Highness the Em- 
peror of Russia." This toast was responded to by 
General GorlofT. The second toast, '' The President of 
the United States," was responded to by Mr. Bennett. 
The President of the New York Yacht Club said that 
it had elected the Grand Duke as an honorary mem- 
ber. The Grand Duke thus responded : — 

I am sure, gentlemen, that it would be but ingratitude on my part 
to refrain from immediately thanking you for the honor you have con- 



52 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

ferred upon me. I am well aware what a magnificent yacht dub 
yours 18. I know that it is the finest in the world, and am fully con- 
scious it could not be 8ur|>assed even with great efiTorts on the part 
of other countries. I am a man of the sea myself, and can appre- 
ciate the enthusiasm with which you enter into all that regards yachU 
ing. Once more I sincerely thank you. 

A toast to His Excellency the Russian Minister re- 
ceived a personal response. " The Army and Navy of 
Russia," proposed by Admiral Rowan, was responded 
to by Admiral Possiet. Other toasts were offered, and 
the party broke up at midnight. 

Dectmher 4. 

Yesterday (Sunday) the Grand Duke and suite 
attended services at the Greek Church on Second 
Avenue. The services were similar to those of the 
previous Sunday, and comprised the liturgy, choral 
intonations, and responses. The Rev. Father Bjerring 
officiated. About thirty ladies, who had received spe- 
cial invitations from the officiating priest, were present. 
The choral responses were finely rendered by the 
choir of boys from the Russian fleet. 

On his return from service, he spent the remainder 
of the day quietly at the hotel. 

In the evening he left by a special train for Phila- 
delphia, where he arrived at half past eleven o'clock. 

PHILADELPHIA. 

December 5. 

The Grand Duke Alexis, our Imperial guest, had 
an opportunity of seeing a great deal of Philadelphia 
yesterday, and the trip to Belmont, the sumptuous 
breakfast at the pavilion, and the tour around the city 
and subsequently to the Navy Yard, were evidently 



PHILADELPHIA. 53 

appreciated by His Imperial Highness^ who took occa- 
sion several times to express to the committee his ap- 
preciation of the courtesies extended. During the day 
many of our prominent citizens were presented to him, 
but the number was not so great as to be fatiguing or 
burdensome. 

At an early hour groups of curious persons began to 
gather on the comer of Ninth and Chestnut Streets 
and the hotel entrances, and the interior of the build- 
ing began to wear a lively appearance. A large crowd 
gathered about the main stairway, but a strong force 
of police guarded it carefully, and none but a chosen 
few were permitted to ascend to the second floor where 
the Imperial apartments were situated. A little before 
ten o'clock Governor Geary was presented to the Grand 
Duke, and very cordially received. 

The Grand Duke and suite came down the stairway 
escorted by General Meade, Governor Geary, and 
Mayor Fox. When he reached the street he was 
greeted by the vast populace with prolonged cheers, 
which he acknowledged by gracefully lifting his hat. 
As the equipage drove away he continued to bow to 
the people on either side, and the cheers were re- 
doubled. 

THE VISIT TO GIRARD COLLEGE. 

At the college there was a large concourse of peo- 
ple, but no one was able to obtain admittance except 
the Imperial party. The Duke was greeted with 
cheers upon his arrival, and, with his suite, passed up 
the college steps, before which, in the two wings upon 
either side of the entrance, were the college cadets, 
numbering one hundred and fifty, and fully armed and 
equipped. The Imperial party alighting, were con- 



54 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

ducted to the chapel, where were gathered five hun- 
dred and forty pupils. 

At a signal by the President, the cadets, who had 
followed the Ducal party into the chapel, arose, and 
filed by His Highness with military precision. While 
the distinguished party was looking into the school- 
room, the library, and one or two other of the main 
apartments, the cadets unstacked their arms and 
formed in a double line along the main avenue from 
the college to the gate. Between these lines the 
Duke and his escort passed, and having reentered 
their carriages drove to the Park. 

The regular Park band received the illustrious party 
by playing the " Russian National Hymn." 

General Meade assisted the Grand Duke to alight, 
and the whole party then passed into the new pavilion, 
the banquet hall for the occasion. The party arrived 
at twelve o'clock, and were immediately escorted to the 
breakfast room. 

At one o'clock the bill of fare had not been more 
than half finished, and it was evident if much more 
time were spent at breakfast the programme of the 
day could hardly be carried out. 

General Meade then rose and said : — 

I have certainly no wish to disturb this pheasant and oonvivial meet- 
ing, but our time is short, and in order that the residents of the lower 
portion of the city may have the same opportunity that those of the 
northern portion have had to see His Imperial Highness, I rise to say 
that he will be compelled to withdraw. It is not necessary that this 
should interfere with those who do not go with us. It is proper that 
due respect should be paid to our distinguished guests, and there are 
one or two sentiments that I deem it fitting to offer : — 

First. ^ Their Imperial Highnesses the Emperor and Empress of 
Russia." 

Second. '' The President of the United States." 




X? 



PHILADELPHIA. 55 

The above toasts were received with the greatest 
cheering. 

General Meade then said, — 

The last sentiment I shall propose to you, I am sure will be 9at- 
is&ctory. Your presence here to-day is alone sufficient to justify 
that. I propose the health of His Imperial Highness, the Grand 
Duke Alexis. 

The toast was greeted with the most vociferous 
cheering, which he acknowledged by rising and bow- 
ing. When the applause had in a measure subsided, 
he rose, and, in very good English, said : — 

Gentlemen : This city that has so kindly received me is named 
Philadelphia ; that is a town made of brethren and friends, and I beg 
yon to accept me as your best friend. I propo:>e to you the prosper- 
ity of Philadelphia. (Prolonged cheers.) 

The Grand Duke then retired, and most of the 
guests remained to finish the bill of fare. 

The Imperial party next visited Baldwin's Locomo- 
tive Works. The Duke examined with great interest 
the narrow gauge locomotives in process of construc- 
tion, and expressed himself as greatly pleased with the 
machinery and surprised at the extent of the works. 
After going through the shops, the party stopped on 
the front steps, and the employes, two thousand one 
hundred in number, marched by and greeted the Grand 
Duke with cheers, which he acknowledged. He spoke 
to the members in very complimentary terms of the 
workmen and their appearance. The distinguished 
visitors then took their carriages for Independence 
Hall. 



56 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

AT INDEPENDENCK HALL. 

Upon entering the historic room the Grand Duke 
was shown the various relics of the Revolution, the 
portraits of the distinguished American statesmen 
and soldiers, the old bell "which proclaimed liberty 
throughout the land," and other objects of interest. 
He appeared to take pleasure in the surroundings. 
The windows fronting on Chestnut Street were lined 
with men and boys, looking in upon the scene from 
the outside. The Grand Duke noticed them, and, as 
as he did so, he smiled, particularly when General 
Meade held conversation with those at the east win- 
dow. 

After he had taken a general survey of the contents 
of the room, and had been told of their historic in- 
terest, he was escorted from the hall through the file 
of cadets and into his carriage, his suite following. As 
he entered he was again loudly cheered by the crowd. 
In response to this mark of respect he raised his hat. 
The carriages then drove ofl^ the next thing on the 
programme being the 

VISIT TO THE NAVY YARD. 

All along the route the Grand Duke was lustily 
cheered by the thousands of people who crowded the 
streets. At the entrance to the Navy Yard an im- 
mense crowd was found. As the party neared this 
point another popular ovation was extended, to which 
His Imperial Highness responded by Taising his hat. 
At a given signal the huge gateway of the Navy Yard 
was thrown open, and the carriages entered. They 
were driven up to the commandant's office, to the right 



PHILADELPHIA. 57 

of the entrance, where the Grand Duke and suite 
alighted. On the sidewalk, before the office, Commo- 
dore Emmons, with about twenty-five naval officers in 
full uniform, was stationed, and when the Grand Duke 
and party alighted, was introduced to them by Gen- 
eral Meade. 

The commandant's office, and the store-houses di- 
rectly opposite, were brilliant in bunting. More brill- 
iant still were the beautiful ladies who lined the va- 
rious windows, to observe His Imperial Highness. 
Over the entrance to the yard were flung to the breeze 
a large Russian flag, and- on either side, the ^^flag 
of the free." When the party entered they were 
received by the marines, who were drawn up in line, 
in front of their quarters, at a present arms. The 
marine band performed several national airs. 

After a short sojourn at the commandant's office, the 
line of march was taken up, with a squad of marines 
as a guard of honor. The party first proceeded down 
the main thoroughfare to the upper ship-house. They 
passed through this and took a survey of the vessel 
on the stocks. From here they passed the smaller 
ship-house, crossed the basin over the temporary 
bridge, and brought up at the lower wharf of the 
yard. While here a salute of twenty-one guns was 
fired from the receiving-ship, which was lying in the 
stream, directly opposite. The party then retraced 
their steps, passed through the extensive boat-house, 
looked at the huge mortars, and returned to the com- 
mandant's office. Here a stay for a few minutes was 
indulged in, after which the party took seats in their 
carriages, and amid the waving of adieux and the 

8 



58 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

shouts of the multitude, the Imperial party drove off, 
apparently much pleased with their visit. 

THE BALL. 

The ball given in honor of Alexis Romanoff Alexan- 
drovitch, brother of the heir apparent to the throne of 
all the Russias, Grand Duke of the Empire, Lieutenant 
in the Imperial Navy, etc. etc., at the Academy of Mu- 
sic, last evening, was a reception which, in the annals 
of the great f^tes given by the quiet citizens of Phila- 
delphia to distinguished strangers, will stand out in bold 
relief for the brilliancy of its surroundings, the noble 
motives which prompted it, the social, political, and 
military position of those present, the rank of the 
youthful but distinguished guest, and the friendly re- 
lations existing between the two nations so widely 
separated by time and space. 

This young Duke is the acknowledged guest of the 
nation, and called forth all the earnest and heartfelt 
welcome that can nowhere be extended with more cor- 
diality and propriety than in these United States. We 
strongly favor and take part in any honor that can be 
tendered to the accredited representative of a govern- 
ment which, without flinching or quibbling, stood our 
undaunted friend when the fearful besom of war swept 
through our blood-stained land during the late rebel- 
lion. 

The scene on all sides in the vicinity of the Academy 
was intensely exciting. The enormous calcium lights 
literally flooded the two streets with a brilliant illumi- 
nation, bringing the faces of the motley crowd beneath 
into strong relief. At eight o'clock the doors were 
opened, when the eager expectants gathered around 



PHILADELPHIA. 59 

each carriage as it came into position, to see the occu- 
pants alight. 

The Duke's carriage, followed by several others, 
dashed up to the entrance on Locust Street at a short 
time after ten o'clock. The Russian party then alighted 
with all due ceremony, and in accordance with court 
etiquette and convenience. Alexis wore a heavy gray 
overcoat of the Russian style, and a turban cap of the 
same color. On leaving his carriage, His Imperial High- 
ness and suite were met and escorted to the dressing:- 
rooms. 

The Duke entered his box and passed at once to the 
front. This was the preconcerted signal for the paus- 
ing of the music and the rising of the whole audience 
in the galleries. The two bands then struck up the 
Russian anthem as an appropriate welcome to the noble 
stranger. He acknowledged the compliment with a 
graceful bow, and then criticized the whole scene be- 
fore him with an evidently admiring gaze. 

Subsequently His Highness came down on the floor, 
and took part in the dance. He led out first the eldest 
daughter of General Meade, in a gahp. 

The banquets, for there were two of them, were 
partaken of in the Green Room and in the Foyer, the 
former being reserved for the Duke and his party and 
his few favored hosts, the latter for the balance of the 
visitors. 

Never can we recall a moment when our Opera 
House looked so brilliant ; never did it have within its 
walls a more distinguished assemblage. The belles of 
Philadelphia appear to have exerted themselves each 
to outdress the other. Such a superb display of silks, 
velvets, and profusion of diamonds has never before 



60 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

m 

been witnessed in our city. Nearly one-half the gen- 
tlemen in the building were in blazing uniforms. The 
army and navy were there en masse to greet the na- 
tion's Imperial guest The Goddess of Fashion never 
was represented before in this city by toilettes so 
surpassingly rich, nor by subjects so truly endowed by 
nature with all the attributes that constitute a lovely, 
bewitching woman. 

It is now past the witching hour of night. The ball 
has ceased to be a novelty in anticipation. Altogether 
the entire aJOTair can be safely classed as one of the most 
successful our citizens have ever seen, and will long be 
cherished in the memory of the ilite of Philadelphia. 

RETURN TO NEW YORK. 

December 6. 

The Grand Duke Alexis and suite arrived in Jersey 
City, from Philadelphia, yesterday, at fifteen minutes 
past three o'clock, p. m. He was received at the station 
by Mr. Bodisco, the Russian Consul, and was conveyed 
to New York by the Desbrosses Street Ferry. The 
Duke rested, after the fatigues of the Philadelphia fesh 
tivities, during the afternoon. Throughout the even- 
ing he was left almost -exclusively to the society of his 
suite, but few of the Committee visiting him. Re- 
maining to-day in this city, he will leave for Boston 
to-morrow. 

FROM NEW YORK TO BOSTON. 

December 8. 

The Imperial tourist from the empire of " all the 
Russias," who is now making a visit to this Republic, 
with the view of studying our institutions and enlarg- 
ing his views of men and things, has reached the third 



BRIDGEPORT. 61 

stage in his journeyings in the United States. Every 
step in the progress of the Duke Alexis since he set 
foot upon our shores has been watched with the great- 
est interest^ and his visit to Boston has been coupled 
with anticipations of the liveliest character which from 
present appearances can hardly fail of being realized. 

The Duke, accompanied by his suite, left the Grand 
Central station at New York at nine o'clock yesterday 
morning, in a special train. 

His suite consists of His Excellency C. Catacazy, 
Russian Minister; General Gorlojff; His Excellency 
Vice- Admiral Possiet ; His Excellency W. F. Machin, 
Councillor of State ; Count Schouvaloflf ; Dr. Koudrine ; 
Lieutenant Tudeer, Imperial Navy ; Mr. Shirkoiff, Sec- 
retary of Legation, and Consul-General Bodisco. 

AT BRIDGEPORT. 

The train stopped at the lower station, where His 
Excellency Governor Jewell, of Connecticut, waited 
upon the Duke, and in a brief and complimentary 
speech welcomed him to the State. His Imperial 
Highness accepted the coui*tesies extended in a few 
words pertinent to the situation, which he seems to 
have the happy faculty of realizing on every occasion 
on which he is called to speak. The train was next 
run lip to the works of the Union Metallic Cartridge 
Company, a corporation which is engaged in filling a 
large order from the Russian Government for fixed 
ammunition for the army and navy revolvers being 
manufactured by Smith and Wesson of Springfield. 

He and the Imperial party left the cars, and were 
welcomed by the proprietors of the establishment, a 
very extensive manufactory of fire-arms, including the 



62 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

celebrated Gattling gun, a practical exhibition of which 
was given for the benefit of Alexis. A portion of the 
manufactory was fitted up as a banqueting hall in the 
most superb manner, in which a collation was served. 
Here a number of ladies were presented to the Duke. 

During the three hours which the Duke spent in 
Bridgeport, he made a thorough inspection of the 
works which are so largely devoted to furnishing am- 
munition for the Russian army, in the course of which 
he manifested a desire to make himself familiar with 
the modus operandi by which the gunpowder, manu- 
factured for the Russian Government at one point 
near New York, is converted into cartridges at Bridge- 
port, for use in pistols made in Springfield. Before 
leaving the Union Works in Bridgeport, the Grand 
Duke was made the recipient of a revolver, which was 
presented by a lady, to whose address, accompanying 
the gift, the Duke made a gracious response. 

Contrary to expectation, and greatly to the disap- 
pointment of the good people of Hartford and New 
Haven, the Duke did not leave the train at either of 
those places, where multitudes of people were assem- 
bled to do him honor. He, however, so far recognized 
the amenities of the situation as to show himself on 
the rear end of the train and remove his hat in ac- 
knowledgment of the welcome of the people. 

ARRIVAL AT SPRINGFIELD. 

At precisely fifteen minutes before four o'clock, the 
citizens of Springfield, who had assembled in and about 
the Boston and Albany Railway station, were apprised, 
by a salvo of artillery fired by the Union Battery, that 
the Grand Duke was approaching, and in a moment 
after the train entered the station. 



SPRINGFIELD. 63 

The Russian Grovemment having a large interest in 
the manufacture of fire-arms here, His Imperial High- 
ness accepted the invitation of the city authorities to 
visit the pistol factory of Smith and Wesson. The party 
were driven through Main Street, which was lined on 
either side with people, and were received by the pro- 
prietors. 

Immediately upon entering the oflGlce of the factory, 
a beautiful revolver with appropriate inscription, was 
presented to His Highness. He accepted the pres- 
ent with many thanks, after which he was conducted 
through the various departments of the factory, Cap- 
tain Ordinetz, inspector of the pistols which are being 
made for the Russian Government, and General Gor- 
loff, who has a general supervision of the contracts 
both at Springfield and Bridgeport, explaining the 
machinery in the forging, milling, finishing, and in- 
spection departments. Temporary arrangements had 
been made to afford the Duke an opportunity to wit- 
ness the accuracy of these weapons in firing, but the 
lateness of the hour prevented the exhibition of marks- 
manship, and the party drove to the Masseusoit House, 
where the city gave a banquet. 

Plates were laid in the upper dining saloon for about 
thirty persons, among whom were His Imperial High- 
ness and suite, the Committee of the City Council, in- 
cluding His Honor Mayor Smith and other officials. 
No formalities were observed and no speeches offered, 
but after the Duke had satisfied his appetite he rose and 
thanked the Mayor for the courteous reception he had 
received, and proposed " The prosperity of the town," 
which was drank standing. This closed the proceed- 
ings at the table, and the' Duke proceeded to the train, 



64 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS, 

which left Springfield for Boston at precisely seven 
o'clock. 

On reaching the Boston and Albany station, which 
was surrounded by a dense throng of people, the tall 
and commanding form of the handsome young Mus- 
covite became the object of intense scrutiny by those 
who were fortunate enough to have gained admission 
to the station. These included many ladies, who were 
generous in their complimentary criticisms. His Im- 
perial Highness and suite, accompanied by members 
of the Reception Committee and Mr. W. B. Storer, 
Russian Consul, were driven to the Revere House. 

THE DUKE'S RECEPTION BY THE STATE AND CITY GOVERNBfENTS. 

Boston, December 8. 

The announcement that His Imperial Highness 
would leave the Revere House at nine o'clock this 
morning, to commence his round of visits, drew to- 
gether a large crowd, eager to catch a glimpse of our 
distinguished guest, and as the time passed away and 
he did not make his appearance, the throng gradually 
increeused, until the sidewalks became too crowded, and 
the new-comers were forced to take up their positions 
in Bowdoin Square. The Square was densely packed 
with men and women, carriages having previously 
been shut out from the route of the procession. 

The Boston Dragoons, under the command of Cap- 
tain Matheson, were drawn up in line fronting the 
Revere, and waited the appearance of the party to 
which they were assigned as escort. 

The Reception Committee arrived, and duly re- 
ceived the Grand Duke, and he with his suite passed 
out and took seats in the carriages provided, being 



BOSTON. 05 

received with a salute by the band and vociferous 
cheers by the waiting crowd. 

The Dragoons then wheeled into line, and the pro- 
cession started for the City Hall. 

After his reception by Mayor Gaston, the members 
of the City Government were severally introduced to 
him, and he was then escorted to the Mayor and 
Aldermen's room, where he was received with cheers, 
and stopping here orlly a moment, he passed directly 
through and was shown the various departments of the 
building. 

This ceremony concluded, the party again repaired 
to their carriages and started for the State House, the 
Mayor at this time accompanying the Duke in his car- 
riage, and the chairman of the Committee on Recep- 
tion occupying the second carriage with the Russian 
Admiral. 

The cortege passed up School Street, through Bea- 
con Street to the State House, where three companies 
of cavalry were drawn up in line to receive them. 

At the steps of the State House the ducal party 
were received by the Sergeanl>at-Arms and immedi- 
ately escorted to the Council Chamber, where the 
Duke was welcomed by Governor Claflin in the follow- 
ing speech : — 

Your Imperial Highness, — It is my privilege in behalf of the 
people of this Coimnonwealth, to extend to you a most cordiHl welcome. 
It gives us pleasure to meet the representative of a nation which for 
so long a time has manifested such good will toward our country, and 
especially for the words of sympathy which came to us during our 
last great struggle. We rejoice in the prosperity and freedom which 
now bless both countries. We hope your visit amongst us will be 
agreeable, and that it will be a pleasant recollection on your return 
to your native land. 

9 



66 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

In reply to this speech the Duke simply answered, 
" I thank you," He was then introduced to the mem- 
bers of the Governor's Council. The Council Cham- 
ber was very tastefully though plainly decoritted for 
the occasion. On the rear wall of the room was dis- 
played a large Russian flag, on each side of which 
were two small American silk banners. The room 
was profusely adorned with rare and beautiful flowers 
and plants from the Governor's greenhouse, which 
formed a pleasing picture to the eye and filled the 
rooms with their delightful fragrance. 

From the Council Chamber the party passed into 
the Governor's room, where many distinguished gen- 
tlemen and ladies were presented to His Highness. 

They then proceeded to the Doric Hall, where 
after a few moments had been passed in viewing tlie 
objects of interest, they again entered their carriages 
for the purpose of visiting Cambridge. This time 
the Duke was accompanied in his carriage by Gov- 
ernor Claflin and Mayor Gaston, while the officers 
of his suite and the Reception Committee occupied 
the others. 

The military escort consisted of the Roxbury Horse 
Guards, the Prescott Light Guard of Charlestown, the 
Boston Dragoons, and the Boston Lancere. 

The distinguished visitors passed in review the mili- 
tary, after which the procession started down Beacon 
Street, on its way to Cambridge. 

The whole aflair was admirably conducted, and 
everything passed off^ smoothly and quietly. 

Along the whole route of the procession, and at 
every place visited, there was a throng of men and 
women anxious to see the Imperial Russian, yet not- 



BOSTON. 67 

withstanding the dense crowd and the inconvenience 
individuals sometimes experienced, there was nothing 
but good nature displayed, in keeping with the occa- 
sion and the day. For a December day it was certainly 
wonderfully mild and pleasant, and seemed more so 
after the severe weather we have experienced of late. 

VISIT TO CAMBRIDGE. 

The quiet old town was alive with excitement to- 
day in anticipation of the visit of His Imperial High- 
ness, the Duke Alexia Though no outwai*d demonstra- 
tions beyond the raising of the public flags were visible, 
there was a bustle and stir apparent to the occasional 
visitor that indicated the coming of something un- 
usual 

The forenoon passed with no very marked demon- 
strations until nearly noon, when Main Street from the 
bridge to Harvard Square began to line with the popu- 
lace, male and female, in about equal proportions. In 
the neighborhood of the College, of course this side- 
walk gathering was more dense than on other portions 
of the route. 

At half-past twelve o'clock the escort appeared, and 
was soon arrayed with its charge in front of the en- 
trance. 

Emerging from the cordon of cavalry, the carriages 
containing the Duke and his retinue filed into the Uni- 
versity yard and proceeded directly to Gore Hall (the 
library), where President Eliot and a large gathering 
of professors and others were in waiting to receive 
him. Many ladies occupied positions in the balconies, 
commanding a view of the assemblage. 

The Duke entered accompanied by Governor Claflin, 



G8 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

and was by His Excellency introduced to President 
Eliot of the University, and to several members of the 
Board of Overseers. Vice-Admiral Possiet and Mr. Cat- 
acazy entered with Lieutenant-Governor Tucker, and 
were also introduced. Then followed the Governor's 
stajff and the Boston city committee, each in charge of 
a guest of the ducal suite. 

After a minute or two passed in conversation, and 
when a few more introductions were made, the Duke 
took the arm of President Eliot and made a tour of 
the ground floor of the library. Mr. Sibley, the ef- 
ficient librarian, reminded the guest of the interest 
his father, the present Czar, had taken in the cause 
of education by presenting to the library a copy of 
the ^ Bibliorum Codex Sinaiticus Petropolitanus," 
through Mr. De Stoeckl while minister to the United 
States. 

The memoirs and collections of the Imperial Acad- 
emy at St. Petersburg (one hundred volumes), were 
also shown to His Highness, as a reminder of the 
importance with which the researches and publica- 
tions of that society were viewed. A few minutes 
were passed in sociality, when the party left the li- 
brary, and the Duke and suite were driven to Hol- 
worthy Hall, where a brief inspection of the Seniors' 
rooms was made. They then proceeded on foot to 
the rooms of the Porcellian Club, where they re- 
mained a short time. 

From these rooms they were driven to the residence 
of President Eliot on Quincy Street, where a lunch 
was partaken of The visitors were followed in their 
wanderings by a large crowd, but no extraordinary 
demonstration took place further than a hearty salute 



BOSTON. 69 

by the students as the carriages entered the college 
grounds. 

VISIT TO CHABLESTOWN. 

From Cambridge the royal party proceeded to the 
residence of Admiral Steedman in Charlestown. After 
a general introduction and customary honors, the 
Duke, conducted by Admiral Steedman and accom- 
panied by the royal party, entered the Navy Yard, 
and took position in the avenue in the rear of Admiral 
Steedman's quarters. 

The Marine Guard, under command of Lieut-Colonel 
Jones, was drawn up in line, with the right resting on 
the commandant's office. Upon the appearance of the 
Duke in the avenue, he was saluted by the marines, 
the band playing the Russian National Hymn. 

About the same time a royal salute of twenty-one 
guns was fired from the battery, and the royal stand- 
ard was flung to the breeze from the main- topgallant 
mast of the Ohio. The Duke was then conducted over 
the yard, and when passing the battery two torpedoes 
were exploded, — one containing one hundred and fif- 
teen pounds from the bows of the Worcestery oxid the 
other from that of a steam launch. The explosion of 
the torpedoes was under supervision of Commander 
Matthews. 

After the Duke had inspected the various depart- 
ments, he returned to the Admiral's house, where the 
Admiral and Mrs. Steedman gave a brilliant reception 
in his honor. The occasion will long be remembered 
by the ladies and gentlemen who were fortunate 
enough to be present. Like all the festivities in that 
hospitable mansion, it was eminently successful. 



70 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

THE BALL AT THE BOSTON THEATRE. 

His Imperial Highness had a grand opportunity of 
witnessing the fashion of Boston in the splendidly 
dressed party which assembled to honor him at the 
Boston Theatre. The scene presented, after the com- 
pany had fully assembled, and the floor of the theatre 
was nearly covered with fair promenaders and their 
male attendants, — the former for the most part envel- 
oped in a halo of silks, satins, and laces, — appealed to 
the sense of the beautiful in the highest degree. Each 
elegantly attired couple, as it swung around the hall, 
added its quota to the alluring spectacle. It was a 
wonder, considering the short time for preparation, 
that Boston could acquit herself so charmingly in all 
that enters into the aesthetics of dress. 

As soon as the doors were opened, the carriages 
began to arrive with the holders of tickets to the ball. 
The reason of this early ingress was the desire to ob- 
tain seats in the first balcony to overlook the gayly- 
dressed throng below. This balcony was soon occu- 
pied by a crowd, in the amplitude of evening ball-room 
costume, the various colored dresses contrasting finely 
with the gorgeously decorated centre-piece, reserved 
for Ducal use, which thus had a royally republican 
setting, if the somewhat paradoxical phrase may be 
permitted. In the second balcony were also many 
splendidly-dressed spectators. 

The dancers and promenaders upon the floor being 
in constant motion, served to bring to view a continual 
succession of tints and colors, buff* and cherry predom- 
inating, although now and then the mellowing effect 
of the richest velvets could not fail of being noticed. 



BOSTON. 71 

The floor would have been a study for any painter 
whose eye had been cultivated to the truest apprecia- 
tion of the most tasteful embellishment.of the ^^ human 
form divine." He might have found subjects for beau- 
tiful sketches in many a group of individuals and in 
not a few couples. 

The decorations, a sketch of which has already been 
given, were of the most extensive and elaborate char- 
acter. Rare and beautiful plants were placed in every 
available niche, while exotic flowers filled the theatre 
with a delicious perfume. Garlands, wreaths, and bou- 
quets met the eye on every side. 

On either side of the main entrance was grouped a 
wealth of plants and flowers completely filling every 
nook and comer, and contrasting beautifully with the 
trimming of the vestibule. 

The grand staircase was most tastefully and beauti- 
fully embellished with a profiision of pot-plants, and a 
varied collection of flowers. At the base of the large 
mirror was a profusion of flowers imbedded in a mas- 
sive bank of foliage, among which were dracenas, rex 
brogmanias, camellias, tuberoses,* pinks, carnations, heli- 
otropes, and other rare and beautiful varieties. Across 
the mirror, from the top, in the form of a half-drawn 
curtain, fell festoons of smilax and laurel, looped at the 
sides with red and white roses, presenting one of the 
most pleasing effects of the whole. On either side of 
the staircase the same elaborate display was continued, 
the niches of the lobby being filled with evergreen, 
which formed a background for the statuary placed 
there. 

Passing up the grand staircase and entering the ves- 
tibule, the first most prominent object was the crim- 



72 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

son curtained rear entrance to the ducal box, on each 
side of which stood one of the Duke's attendants in 
full court costume. 

It was on the box which was to be occupied by the 
imperial visitor that the decorator seemingly exhausted 
his skill. It was placed in the centre of the first bal- 
cony, directly fronting the ptage, and from the rich and 
elaborate character of its workmanship it formed the 
most prominent centre toward which all eyes were 
turned in admiration. From the ducal coronet resting 
upon the gilt cornice which formed the canopy of the 
royal box fell heavy curtains, trimmed with a deep 
fringe of gold bullion, looped on each side with broad 
gold bands, the whole draped with a vallance of rich 
white lace. Folds of the same material as the drape- 
ries were placed along the base of the box and dropped 
from the balcony border. From the front of the box 
was suspended drapery trimmed with golden fringe, on 
which was the black double-eagle of Russia. Inside 
the box the same regal magniQcence was maintained. 
The floor was covered with rich Aixminster carpet. 
The furniture was of gilt, upholstered in dark red 
satin, and consisted of two divans, two ottomans, and 
four chairs, the chair designed for the Duke being dis- 
tinguished by the Russian eagle and crown. Flowers 
were also placed here in abundance, a large flower vase 
being prominent on each side. Perhaps nothing more 
rich and elaborate was ever seen in Boston than this 
chef d'cemre of the decorative artist. It was at once a 
triumph of good taste and elegance, and reflects great 
credit on its designer. 

Next in order comes the auditorium. As the spec- 
tator entered and looked across the intervening space 




BOSTON. 73 

to the rear of the stage, a view was presented of the 
Grand Square in St. Petersburg, and prominent in the 
foreground of the picture was represented the eques- 
trian statue of Nicholas the First. Upon the pedestal, 
which was of octagon form, were emblematical figures, 
and on the front centre the Nicholas monogram. The 
whole was placed on a massive base, on which some of 
the most prominent events of Russian history were 
pictured, and in the background was a view of the 
Winter Palace. 

Over the stage, and forming a tent roof, were folds of 
red, white, and blue bunting, intertwined with stream- 
ers and colors of all nations. On each side were 
ranged large mirrors, eight in number, and between 
the mirrors were flower-stands on which were placed 
large vases of flowers ; and again in the intervening 
spaces were placed divans and chairs for the conven- 
ience of the dancers, and in every available nook and 
comer were plants and flowers, — orange and lemon 
trees, and rare exotics. At the extreme rear, on either 
side, were large Russian flags. 

The stage was lighted with eleven chandeliers, three 
large bronze ones in the centre and four smaller ones 
on each side. 

On the front centre of the looped folds of red, white, 
and blue, and directly under the clock, was the Russian 
eagle in the centre of a glory of flags, the Russian and 
American banners occupying positio)is on the right 
and left, and around the three sides the festoons of 
bunting were caught up alternately by shields bearing 
the American and Russian coats of arms. 

Along the entire length of the balcony were stretched 
draperies of blue silesia covered with white figured lace, 

10 



74 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

the drapery being looped at each of the bronze caryat- 
ides, on which were wreaths of oleander leaves^ in 
which were entwined red and white roses. 

The family circle was draped in a similar manner, 
with pink cloth covered with lace hangings, trimmed 
with wreaths of oleander and festoons of smilax and 
laurel. 

The gallery was trimmed with festoons of bunting 
caught up at regular intervals with the American coat 
of arms and the ducal coronet, from which fell pend- 
ants of silver stars on a blue backgroimd. Here, too, 
were graceful festoons of ivy, and in the centre was 
placed the American eagle, surrounded by a glory of 
flags, with the Russian and American colors on either 
side. 

Standing on the stage fronting the Imperial box, a 
scene was presented rarely equalled, the harmony and 
completeness of which were its prominent features. 
The balcony with its elaborate and tasteful trimmings, 
serving as it were as a setting in which the gorgeous 
ducal box shone as a gem, the two tiers above, the 
draperies of which were agreeably relieved by wreaths 
and trailing evergreens, the endless variety of costumes 
of the ladies occupying the first and second balconies, 
the gay throng of promenaders on the dancing floor, 
the delicious perfume of the flowers, and the entrancing 
music of the orchestra, — all combined to form a feast 
for the senses which will not soon be forgotten but can 
never be fully described. 

As soon as the Ducal party arrived. His Highness 
was escorted to his box. He stepped to the front 
and gracefully received the ovation tendered him, the 
combined bands playing the Russian National Hymn, 




BOSTON. 75 

until the demonstration ceased. Mrs. Gaston, wife of 
His Honor the Mayor, was then presented to the 
Duke, who proceeded with her to the dancing floor to 
open the ball. 

Soon after midnight the committee and their guests 
retired to the lunch-room, where an elegant and sub- 
stantial supper was provided. This was in the grand 
saloon, magnificent in itself, but rendered more so 
by artistic decoration. Flowers met the eye in every 
direction, and the table was laid with heavy silver 
and the choicest porcelain. Statues, garlanded with 
smilax, graced the niches, and the costliest pictures 
adorned the walls. The Duke and other guests quietly 
seated, the former in the company of Miss Shaw, all 
formality was dispensed with, and the tempting viands 
were duly tested. The party remained in the supper- 
room a half hour or more, when they returned to the 
floor. 

The interest in His Highness continued on all sides 
to the close of the grand affiiir, and all, in balconies or 
on the floor, seemed anxious to do him honor. His 
stay until the close of the ball, at half-past two o'clock, 
was a certain indication that the efforts made to enter- 
tain him were successful in the happiest degree, and 
the enjoyment of every participant was apparent from 
the opening concert to the final galop. 

The Executive Committee, by whose management 
and untiring exertions the grand ball was inaugurated 
and brought to a successful termination, deserve the 
thanks of all Bostonians for their next to faultless pro- 
vision for the city's guests, and their example will cer- 
tainly be considered a model for all affairs of the kind 
likely to occur in the future. 



76 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

VISIT TO LOWELL. 

December 9. 

[This visit was made in accordance with the inten- 
tion expressed by His Highness, that he would ^ cei^ 
tainly visit his good friend, Mr. Fox, at LowelL" 

It will be remembered that in 1866, Mr. G. V. Fox, 
now a resident of Lowell, was sent to Russia on a 
special mission, to present to the Emperor the resolu- 
tion of Congress expressive of the feelings of the peo- 
ple of the United States in reference to the providen- 
tial escape of that sovereign from an attempted assas- 
sination. American gentlemen who were in Russia at 
tlie time, have spoken with admiration of his self-pos- 
session, dignity, and courtesy in discharging his duties. 
That he left in that country the same favorable im- 
pressions will be seen from the following extracts from 
a despatch sent by Prince Gortchacow to Mr. Stoeckl, 
then Minister of Russia at Washington ; — 

" Peterhoff, August 19 (81), 1866. 

*^ The mission intrusted by the Congress of the United States of 
America to Mr. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, has met a re- 
ception by the Imperial Court, the public, and I may say the Russian 
nation, which you have already been able to appreciate from the 
notices in the public journals. 

" The Emperor has been most favorably impressed by Mr. Fox. 
The tact with which he has acquitted himself of his mission has been 
highly appreciated in our official circles, as well as by the public of all 
classes with which he has come in contact, and he has been ably 
seconded by the distinguished personnel who accompanied him. It 
would have been difficult to commit to better hands the measure of 
cordial courtesy prescribed by Congress."] 

An oflficial invitation of his Honor Mayor Sherman to 
visit Lowell, having also been accepted by His Imperial 
Highness, the Ducal party, escorted by a committee 




LOWELL. 77 

of the authorities of that city, left Boston in a special 
train at nine o'clock. A great crowd, which had assem- 
bled at the station in Lowell, greeted the Duke with 
hearty cheers, and all the bells of the city were ring- 
ing as he left the car. He was welcomed by Mayor 
Sherman and Mr. Fox, and proceeded at once to the 
Mills of the Middlesex Corporation. He appeared to 
be much interested in the processes of manufacture, 
and the fabrics of this establishment and of several 
others which he visited. The Duke and suite were 
then taken to the residence of Mr. Fox, who enter- 
tained them in an exceedingly hospitable manner. 
Mrs. Fox, and several ladies and a number of the prom- 
inent citizens of Lowell and Boston, were presented 
to him. He was much interested in the valuable 
memorials of Mr. Fox's mission to Russia, the gifts of 
the Emperor Alexander U. and the cities and public 
bodies of that country. Having examined them, he 
conducted Mrs. Fox to the dining-room, where lunch 
was served. 

Such a private reception, conducted as it was with 
exquisite taste, must have been exceedingly refreshing 
to the noble guest, after his many public welcomes. 

At ten minutes past one the party left the residence 
of Mr. Fox and drove immediately to the Merrimack 
Street station. The mill operatives had been allowed 
to take a half hour's extra time to witness the Duke's 
departure, and they thronged the station to catch a 
glimpse of the Imperial face. Amid their cheers, and 
the ringing of chimes in a neighboring church, the 
train left Lowell. No better idea of the American 
manufacturing interest could have been given to Alexis 
than by this visit to some of the most important and 



78 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

extensive mills in the country. He examined the pro- 
cesses in deUiil and with unaffected interest^ and will 
doubtless carry back across the water an excellent 
opinion of American enterprise as well as ingenuity. 

RETURN TO BOSTON. ' 

In the afternoon the Duke attended one of the con- 
certs by school children, which have heretofore been 
received with so much satisfaction, and in which our 
citizens take a justifiable pride. 

The Music Hall was beautifully decorated. On the 
sides were busts of Washington, Franklin, and other 
celebrated Americans. Around the upper balcony, 
over a blue ground, were draped Russian men-of-war 
flags, — a blue cross on a white field, held by rosettes of 
the same color. At equal distances about the gallery 
alternated Russian and American shields, bearing the 
respective national coats of arms. In the front of the 
upper balcony appeared the double-headed Muscovite 
eagle, — black, on a ground of gold, surmounted by the 
American eagle. On each side were draped the flags 
of the two nations. In front of the first balcony, on 
each side of the clock, were two handsome pedestals 
with cupids, holding upon their heads vases filled with 
flowers. These decorations were appropriately varied 
with garlands and bunches of evergreen and laurel, 
producing a fine effect 

Promptly on the hour the Duke entered, and was 
escorted to his seat by Mayor Gaston, who sat upon 
his leflt^ Governor Claflin being upon his right, and the 
seats in the immediate vicinity being occupied by the 
members of the city government. 

As soon as all were seated, the orchestra performed 



BOSTON. 79 

a grand inarch of welcome, arranged by Mr. Eichberg, 
and introducing the Russian National Hymn, — sung 
by the children. During the singing of this hymn the 
Duke arose and remained standing till its close, when 
he shook hands warmly with Mayor Gaston in ac- 
knowledgment of the compliment. The remainder 
of the programme went off with entire success, the 
pieces coming rapidly one after the other, and occupy- 
ing all together about an hour and a quarter. The 
precision of the singing was as remarkable as upon all 
former occasions, and appeared to give very great sat- 
isfaction both to the numerous audience and the royal 
visitor. The chorus, " Wake, Gentle Zephyr," was espe- 
cially beautiful. At the conclusion of the concert the 
Duke was greeted with the waving of handkerchiefs 
by the children, and bowed his acknowledgments; 
after which he withdrew to his carriage, and the as- 
sembly dispersed. 

BANQUET TO THE GRAND DUKE. 

December 11. 

The festivities and honors which have been showered 
upon the Grand Duke Alexis by the citizens of Boston 
during his brief stay in the city, culminated on Saturday 
evening with a splendid banquet at the Revere House. 
The banquet was given by some two hundred gentle- 
men, among whom were a larger number of the literary 
and cultured than often sit together at an American 
dinner, and it consequently evoked the finest expres- 
sion of American sentiments that has been made to- 
ward Russia and her gallant young representative, who 
is our guest At seven o'clock the participants assem- 
bled in the parlors of the hotel, and after a few minutes 



80 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

of conversation, during which they were allowed to 
arrange themselves in friendly contiguities, they were 
ushered into the great dining hall. It is needless to 
say that it was a " full dress" occasion. The company 
after taking their places at the tables remained stand- 
ing until the Grand Duke came into the hall, escorted 
by the Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, who presided. The 
hall rang with cheers as the Duke entered. The dis- 
tinguished guests followed and were distributed at the 
principal table, the Duke sitting at Mr. Winthrop's right 
hand, His Excellency the Governor at the left. 

The scene as the Imperial party entered was one not 
soon to be forgotten. The ornamentation of the dining 
hall was not extensive, but very appropriate, and con- 
sisted of a beautiful blending of Russian, French, Eng- 
lish, Turkish, Italian, and American colors, the chief of 
which was an artistic grouping of Russian and American 
ensigns, surmounted by the coat-of-arms of the two na- 
tions, and the clasped hands, typical of friendship and 
unity, directly back of the centre of the principal table, 
which ran along the Bulfinch Street side. From this 
table at right angles were set seven smaller ones, each 
with a capacity of twenty-six plates, which, together 
with the thirty-one plates for the dignitaries of the oc- 
casion, made a total of two hundred and thirteen. Be- 
tween the windows, at appropriate distances to the 
right and left of the galaxy of bunting mentioned, 
were the flags of the United States, those of France 
filling one corner and those of England the other. 
At the northern end of the hall, above the magnifi- 
cent saUe-Orinangery was a beautiful draping of white 
and blue streamers from a shield of the stars and bars. 
Right and left of this were the two costly pier-glasses, 



BOSTON. 81 

thut are too well known to need describing here. On 
the southern end of the hall the draping was the 
same as at the northern, with the exception that the 
Russian coat-of-arms took the place of Columbia's ar- 
mor, the two pier-glasses, etc. Opposite the principal 
table, on the westerly side of the hall, was a companion 
group to that back of it, consisting of American flags 
alone, surmounted by the coat-of-arms of the United 
States. Right of this was the tri-color of France, next 
the English union jack, then the national emblem of 
Norway ; while to the left were, first, the flag of Swe- 
den, second, that of the Ottoman Empire, and third, that 
of Italy. 

The tables were profusely adorned with flowers, and 
the display upon the Grand Duke's table was superb. 
The service was of gold, and it was embowered in an 
exuberance of exotics. The largest of the thirty-one 
baskets of flowers on the tables was here, — an ex- 
quisite bloom of yellow tea-roses, violets, boncelines, 
calladium leaves, maiden-hair ferns, and maretinas. 
Upon each of the smaller tables were three large 
baskets of flowers connected by trails of smilax, which 
also adorned tlie elegant table ornaments. At each 
plate was a " button-hole " of rare rosebuds. 

After grace was appropriately said by Rev. S. K. 
Lothrop, D. D., the feast began. 

Two hours were delightfully passed in the journey^ 
through the menu^ and it was half-past nine o'clock 
when the President called the company to order, and 
made the following speech : — 

REMARKS OF HON. ROBERT C WINTHROP. 
I am deeply sensible, gentlemen, how high a distinction has been 
assigned me this evening. I owe, at the outset, the most grateful ac- 

11 



82 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

knowledgments to ray friends aud fellow citizens here present for 
counting me worthy to be their organ in welcoming to our banquet, to 
Boston, and to New England, the illustrious young stranger in whose 
honor we are assembled. There are, I am conscious, many, many 
others around me better fitted for such a serrice ; far better fitted, I 
do not say by their age, but by their accomplishments and by their 
youth — if His Imperial Highness, fresh from the classics, will par* 
don the familiarity of the allusion — for playing Corydon to such an 
Alexis. But yon have called me to the chair, gentlemen, and let me 
hasten to proceed with the discharge of its duties. 

Our honored guest comes to us from a far distant land, which but 
few of us have had the good fortune to visit But I hazard nothing 
in saying that all Americans who of late years have enjoyed that priv- 
ilege — and I have more than one of them in my eye at this moment 
— have returned home not only full of gratitude for the kindness with 
wliich they were received, but full of admiration for the gpreat works 
of internal communication and improvement, for the noble monameots 
and museums of art, for the grand academies of science and learn- 
ing, and for all the accumulated evidences of progressive civilization, 
of social refinement, and of Christian culture which they have wit- 
nessed there. 

I shall not soon forget the enthusiasm, I had almost said the rap- 
ture, of my lamented friend, the heroic Farragut, when I met him on 
board the Franklin at Nice, three or four years ago, as he recounted 
all that he had witnessed, and all that he had enjoyed, during that re- 
markable visit to Russia from which he had just returned. His por- 
trait, by your favor, sir, is to find a place in tlie Imperial palace at St. 
Petersburg. I thiuk no small part of his heart had been left there 
long ago. Certainly, if that portrait could speak, if those lips bad 
language, no other voice would be needed to express the admiration 
and gratitude which recent American visitors to Russia have so uni- 
formly brought back with them. 

Our honored guest comes to us from a region of rigorous and 
relentless cold, the mere mention of whose protracted and terrible 
winters is almost enough to freeze our blood ; a land of whose brave 
and enduring soldiery our own Boston-bom Franklin once said, that 
they were habituated to march cheerfully up to their chins in snow, 
and then intrench themselves contentedly and comfortably in ice. It 
was the same Franklin, sir, whose heroic experiment with the kite, in 
drawing down a thunderbolt firom the skies, was rendered but too 




BOSTON. 83 

memorable in St PeterBbarg Terj soon afterward, by costing the life 
of an enthusiastic joung Russian philosopher who had ventured to 
repeat it. We have not forgotten, too, that a spacious palace of ice 
was among the playthings of a Russian empress. It may be seen, in- 
deed, to this yery day, undissolved, defying the sunbeam, gorgeous and 
glittering still, in the crystal verse:^ of a charming £nglish poet. But 
who are we, my friends, that we should speak irreverently of a Rus- 
sian winter ? What have we had to boast of, in the way of milder or 
more genial temperature, since the Grand Duke's arrival ? Surely, 
surely, if the noble frigate Svetlana and its gallant consorts did not 
contrive, in some mysterious way, to bring over a huge cut — a mon- 
strous ^ cantle," as Shakespeare called it, of their own congealed cli- 
mate with them, as we shrewdly suspect — or, if the cold and the frosts 
and the icy winds of his native land did not harness themselves to his 
ocean car, like the Nereids of the old mythology, in token of their 
love and loyalty to a Prince of the blood ; if one of these be not the 
tme solution of this most exceptional season, then, at least, it must be 
admitted that our American climate has made haste to put on an un- 
accustomed livery, and gone forth to meet him more than half way. 
The very elements seem to have bestirred themselves in sympathy 
with our earnest desires to make Tour Imperial Highness feel per- 
fectly at home on American soil. 

Once more, and more seriously, my friends, our illustrious guest 
has come to us from a country with whose forms and modes and shows 
of government our own cherished republican system is in the widest 
and most glaring contrast. But shows are sometimes shams, and forms 
not always substance. It is enough for us to remember to-night, cer- 
tainly, that Republicans though we are, the Imperial rulers of Russia, 
from the earliest period of our national history, have been our most 
steadfast and unwavering friends. We rejoice to remember that over 
the relations of Russia and the United States not a cloud has ever 
gathered. We rejoice to remember that in all our struggles, remote 
and recent, abroad or at home, we have enjoyed the frank and avowed 
good will of the Czar. 

As long ago as 1781, during our first great struggle for national ex- 
istence, the friendly mediation of the Empress Catherine, in company 
with the Emperor of Austria, was tendered in the cause of peace. 
Nor can I omit to allude to the interest which that great Empress 
soon afterward manifested in procuring, through the Marquis de La- 
fayette, from our own Washington — I have no title or epithet, sir, 



84 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

worthy to be coupled with that transcendent name — in procaringy I 
saj, from George Washington, a vocabulary of our Indian tribes, with 
a primary view to her favorite idea of a universal dictionary, but not 
without a secondary reference to obtaining proof of some early and 
remote connection and communication between the northern parts of 
America and Asia — between your aboriginal tribes and our own. 
She would gladly, I doubt not, have made us all out first cousins at the 
farthest, and Washington was nothing loth to help her in doing ac I 
know not whether that vocabulary is still extant in the Imperial ar- 
chives at Moscow or St. Petersburg. If it be, we might well invoke 
your gracious intervention to secure a copy for our own philologists 
and antiquarians. But it was certainly procured and transmitted in 
1788 ; and the language of Washington, in transmitting it, is too re- 
markable and too grand to be lost to such an occasion and such a pres- 
ence as this : — 

** I heartily wisii," wi-ote Washington to Lafayette, " that the at- 
tempt of that singularly great character, the Empress of Russia, to 
form a universal dictionary may be attended with the merited success. 
To know the affinity of tongues seems to be one step toward promot- 
ing the affinity of nations. Would to Grod the harmony of nations 
were an object that lay nearest to the hearts of sovereigns ; and that 
the incentives to peace, of which commerce and facility of under- 
standing each other are not the most inconsiderable, might be daily 
increased. Should the present or any other efforts of mine to procure 
information respecting the different dialects of the aborigines of Amer- 
ica serve to reflect a ray of light on the obscure subject of language in 
general, I shall be highly gratified. For I love," said he, " I love to 
indulge the contemplation of human nature in a progressive state of 
improvement and amelioration ; and if the idea would not be consid- 
ered visionary and chimerical, I could fondly hope that the present 
plan of the great potentate of the north might in some measure lay 
the foundation for that assimilation of manners and interests which 
should one day remove many of the causes of hostility from amongst 
mankind." 

Noble sentiments from a noble soul — worthy of being written in 
letters of gold on tablets of imperishable platina from the mines of 
your own Ural Mountains, where all the world and all the sovereigns 
of the world might read them ! But we need not go back to the days 
of Washington and the Empress Catherine for illustrations or evi- 
dences of the friendship and good will of Russia. We do not forget 




BOSTON. 85 

that during the war of 1812 the mediation of the Czar was again 
proffered in our behalf; and that, though it was not accepted by Great 
Britain, it led to a direct negotiation between the parties to the war, 
which terminated in the Treaty of Ghent. Nor can any of us require 
to be reminded of the warm and generous and welcome words of sug- 
gestion and sympathy which came to us from the present Emperor 
through Prince Grortchacow, at a most critical period of our late strug- 
gle for the preservation of the American Union. 

Most eagerly, therefore, and most gladly, have we availed ourselves 
of this first visit to our shores of a member of the Imperial family of 
a country with which we have always been at perfect peace, and al- 
ways on terms of cordial friendship, to manifest to him and to all the 
world our profound sense of the value of that friendship and that 
peace, and our earnest hope and trust that in the good Providence of 
God they may be unbroken and undisturbed forever. We seek, I 
need not say, we seek no entangling alliances against or in favor of 
any other nation. We do not forget the farewell warnings of the 
Father of his Country against passionate attachments or inveterate 
aversions. We cannot fail to remember that France was our earliest 
ally, and that we were most deeply indebted to her sympathy and 
succor in our struggle for independence. Nor are we here to renounce 
or disregard our filial ties to Old England. We would not, if we could, 
conceal the heartfelt sympathy we all feel witii the good Queen at this 
moment in the overwhelming anxiety and agony which has so suddenly 
come upon her, in bt'holding the young prince, whose presence here, 
eleven years ago, was as graceful as it was welcome, in inmiinent dan- 
ger of passing away forever from the reach of that sceptre, which, to 
all human eyes, he was destined to grasp so soon and wield so long. 
We rejoice more than ever under such circumstances that a Treaty of 
Arbitration has already been negotiated and ratified, by which all 
questions between England and the United States are to be amicably 
arranged and finally settled. But with Russia we have had no ques- 
tions to settle — no disputed boundaries — no sailors' rights or fisher- 
man's wrongs — no premature recognitions — no violated neutrality. 
There may have been passages in her long-passed history which we 
deplore. There may be foreshadowing, false or true, of a future pol- 
icy which we deprecate. Of what other nation may we not say the 
same ? Might we not, must we not, confess as much even of our own ? 
But the uniform fairness and constant friendliness which have charac- 
terized the course of Russia toward this beloved country, in all our 



86 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS, 

varying fortunes, prosperous and adverse, liave made no light or 
transitory impression on the great American heart; and it would be 
strange, indeed, if we did not recall and adopt the memorable precept 
of the matchless poet, — 

" The friends thou hast, and their adoption tried, 
Grapple them to thy 80ul with hooks of steel." 

Russia and the United States, ever at peace with each other, and 
with a cordial understanding that this peace is precious to them both, 
and shall never be lightly put at peril, may furnish the first strong 
link, at least, in that golden chain of good will and concord which we 
pray Gk>d may at last encircle the earth, and bind together all the 
nations that dwell upon its surface. 

His Imperial Highness, let me say once more, has come to us in 
the freshness of his early manhood, to observe the condition of our 
country, to study the character of our institutions and of our people, 
and to witness for himself the workings of our great experiment of 
free government But let me not call it an experiment. It b an ex- 
periment no longer. It has been tried for nearly a century, tried suc- 
cessfully, tried triumphantly, and never found wanting. It will be the 
fault of ourselves, and not of our institutions, it will be the insuffi- 
ciency of our engineers, and not of the machinery, if there shall be 
any failure liereafler. 

Did I say that it had been tried for nearly a century, only ? Two 
centuries and a half are more than complete since the first written 
compact of self-government was signed in the cabin of the Mayflower, 
Two hundred and forty years have elapsed since Massachusetts was 
planted and Boston founded. And it is a very striking fact, for 
remembrance on this occasion, that these events of our earliest New 
England history were so nearly coincident with the first accession to 
the throne in the person of the Emperor Michael, of that Romanoff 
dynasty by which Russia has been advanced to all her existing im- 
portance and grandeur. When Michael assumed the imperial sceptre, 
in 1613, the Virginia colony had just established itself at Jamestown, 
and the Pilgrim Fathers had already fled to Holland on their way to 
Plymouth Rock. While we were yet in our colonial infancy, Michael 
was succeeded by his young son Alexis, the first and thus far the only 
Emperor of that name, whose reign of more than thirty years was 
signalized by the most important improvements in the condition of his 
people ; by a Digest, or Code Im|>erial, which was long recognized as 



BOSTON. 87 

the oommoQ law of the realm ; and by a wise and loving rule which 
won for him at his death the preeminent title of the Father of his 
Country. But he was not only the father of his country ; he was the 
father of a son, Peter the Great, whose romantic, chivalrous, and 
marvelous career is familiar to every school-boy in Christendom, and 
whose reign resulted in making Russia known and recognized for the 
first time throughout the world as one of the great powers of the 
earth. 

Russia had, indeed, an earlier history. There are dim records and 
traditions of her existence, and, thank Grod, of her Christian existence, 
not far from the time when that Scandinavian £nk is said to have 
discovered our own land. And old Marco Polo, the Venetian voy* 
ager, speaks of her a few centuries afterward, in a single sentence, I 
believe, as a province of Northern Asia, bordering on the region of 
darkness ! But the real history of Russia begins with that Romanoff 
dynasty, whose accession was so closely coincident with the first begin- 
nings of American colonization and settlement. Russia and the 
United States may thus be almost said to have begun the march of 
empire together. We may almost be said to have entered simulta- 
neously on those grand careers, eastern and western, along which both 
have gradually advanced, with varying fortunes, under circumstances 
as widely different as the skies above us, with very unequal steps, but 
with no steps backward, until we stand fiice to face this day and rec- 
ognize each other, and are recognized by all mankind, as two of the 
greatest nations on the globe. 

One word more before I close. There is another coincidence and 
a still more striking and impressive one, in our most recent history. 
It is now hardly more than ten or eleven years since there was com- 
mon to large masses of the population of both nations a deplorable 
condition of serfdom or slavery. We thank our Grod this night, in 
presence of each other, that from both lands that dark spot has disap- 
peared forever. In our own case, indeed, its disappearance could only 
be effected by our martyr President, as he himself saw and said, as 
the result of the contingencies and necessities of a protracted civil 
war. But it is the proud distinction of the Emperor, your honored 
&ther, sir, that he accomplished that great deliverance of his own free 
and sovereign will and pleasure. By his autocratic word, as was so 
well said by our lamented Everett in this very hall at the banquet 
given to Admiral Lessofisky and the officers of the Russian fleet in 
1864^ — by his autocratic word, he performed the most magnificent act 



88 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

of practical pliilanthropy ever achieved hy man or government. That 
net of emaiici[vatic)n has clothed him with a jrlory brighter than his 
crown, and would almost reconcile u.«, Uopnblicans as we are, to the 
theory of divine rijrlit by which his crown is worn. For earthly power, 
when exercised for such an end, " doth then show likest Gkui V The 
man of whom it shall be recoi*ded, of whom it is already irrevocably 
recoi-ded, that by the willini? word of his mouth and by the eager 
stroke of hi.^ ptMi, h(» <rave fri*edoni to more than twenty millions of 
his fellow-beinj^s, nerds no other record to secure for him the hearts 
felt homage of all mankind, generation after generation, to the end of 
time. 

Mr. Winthrop then said, — 

I pause here for a moment, gentlemen, before proceeding to the 
toast of the occa^sion, to invite you all to rise with me while I propose 
to you — 

The Health of His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Russia. 

The entire company rose to their feet, and with 
great enthusiasm answered the toast. 

Then, as Mr. Winthrop paused, before continuing, 
His Imperial Highness rose and said, — 

I propose the health of President Grant — Hurra — a. 

And the Duke gave a handsome cheer. The com- 
pany rose and responded, seeming to catch invigora- 
tion from the tone of his voice. The band then played 
the " Star Spangled Banner " for one or two minutes. 
Mr. Winthrop continued as follows : — 

And now, may it please Your Imperial Highness, it only remains 
for me, in the name and behalf of this assembled company of my fel- 
low citizens ; amonc; whom are so many of the representative men of 
our community, from all the varied walks of labor and of life, official, 
legal, literary, scientific, commercial, philanthropic, and religious ~ in 
behalf of them all, and of all whom they represent — to offer you our 
warmest wishes for your pergonal welfare and happiness. Your brief 
visit to our country is already approaching a close. We know not what 
future may await you. We know not to what height of influence or 
authority in your own realm you may be destined to attain, but we 



BOSTON. 89 

would heartily trast that, in whatever circumstances jou may be 
placed, your reception in America, in this early bloom of your man- 
hood, may be among the cherished remembrances of a long and pros- 
perous life. Be assured, sir, that we shall follow you with sincere and 
earnest hopes that you may return in safety to your native land, and 
that the best blessings of our common Father and Saviour may never 
be wanting to you. 

I call upon you again, gentlemen, to rise with me and pay all the 
honors of the occasion, in drinking — 

** The health of His imperial Highness, the Grand Duke Alexis." 

RESPONSE OF THE GRAND DUKE. 

When the cheering had subsided, the Duke promptly 
rose, and while every sound was hushed, addressed the 
company in loud, clear tones, as follows : — 

Gentlemen : I thank you for the very kind manner in which you 
drank my health. I feel happy to be in the old city of Boston, the 
cradle of the American nation. (Applause.) The child or the infant 
which lay in that cradle has very soon, in a very short time, become 
the giant which all the nations are regarding, and that every nation 
desires to have for its friend. (Applause.) The presence of these 
illustrious men, whose words make the best and most glorious pages 
of American literature, shows that the mind of the giant is here. Gren- 
tlemen, a long cheer for the prosperity of Boston. 

And the Duke led off with a fine cheer, in which the 
company again joined heartily. During his brief re- 
marks the greatest interest was manifested, and all 
seemed astonished at hearing him speak with such 
remarkable freedom and ease. 

Mr. Winthrop then rose and said : — 

Our old and honored Commonwealth is represented here this even- 
ing by its worthy Chief Magistrate, who will retire from his office at 
the dose of the year with the respect and good wishes of us alL It 
gives me pleasure to present to you His Excellency William Claflin, 
Crovemor of Massachusetts. (Loud applause.) 

12 



90 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

Governor Claflin responded as follows : — 

There ia little to add, gentlemen, to the words so aptly spoken by 
the distinguished and honored gentleman whom you baye called to 
preside over you, and whose history is a part of the history of the 
State. (Applause.) But he has bid me answer for the old Com- 
monwealth, and to assure Your Imperial Highness in behalf of the 
people of the high gratification we feel tliat thus early on your arriTal, 
you haye come to see the old Bay State. It is fitting, perhaps, that 
the honored son of an illustrious father who had set free so many 
human beings, should visit one of the States which was first to make 
free all its citizens (applause), that he there might witness the work- 
ing of the principle which his father has sought to establish in the 
land of his birth. He has come to see us, and in the words of our 
great statesman, Mr. Webster, I say to him, ^ MassachiisettSy behold 
her I there she stands." We open the doors of our institutions of char- 
ity, of learning, to your inspection, and the doors of our hearts to 
your affections. (Applause.) We can assure you of the cordial feel- 
ing of our people everywhere, such as you have seen in your short 
visit, and they hope that you will carry back to your native land their 
best wishes for your prosperity and happiness. They will cherish 
the memory of your visit with pleasure, they will watch your future 
career with care, and they will expect and hope to see you again in 
this land ; for you said to me that when your hair shall be tinged with 
gray you hope again to come here to see our progress and meet per- 
haps some friends whom you have met to-day. 

Gentlemen, 1 rejoice with you in this opportunity of speaking a 
word in behalf of the Commonwealth to this distinguished stranger, 
and I know that he will return to his home with your best wishes for 
the prosperity of his native land and his own personal success. 

Mr. Winthrop then said : — 

The good city of Boston assists at our banquet in the person of its 
worthy Mayor (I will not say anything about his retiring finom the 
office), whose voice, I am sure, will be welcome to you alL I have 
the honor to present to you Hon. WiUiam Graston, Mayor of Boston. 

Mayor Gaston was heartily greeted, and spoke as 
follows : — 



BOSTON, 91 

Boston cannot be silent on an occasion like this, which is in 
honor of our illustrious guest Boston welcomes him with warm 
hearts ; Boston welcomes him because of the great respect she has for 
his nation ; Boston welcomes him because of her profound respect for 
his person. (Applause, and cries of '^ Good.") I see around me, Mr. 
President, men of genius, of wit, and of eloquence, who, if they be 
not your peer, sir, can utter glowing words, and this occasion is 
for them so far as speech is concerned ; and I think I shall well per- 
form the service your kindness has assigned me, if by saving time 
myself I can give to them the larger part of the work of entertain- 
ing and addressing you. (^ Gro on.") But permit me, sir, to dose with 
a toast in which I know you will all, old^ and young, join, and it is 
this : — 

^His Imperial Highness, the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia; 
may his mature manhood fulfill the glorious promise of his youth." 
(Cheers and applause.) 

Mr. Winthrop then said : — 

Harvard University, the beloved Alma Mater of so many of us, the 
pride and hope of us all, which, dating from 1636, may claim, I be- 
lieve, to be at least four years older than the oldest University of Rus- 
sia, now at Helsingfors, formerly at Abo, would not forgive her vigilant 
and vigorous President for being silent on this occasion, nor forgive 
me for failing to call upon him, — President Eliot, of the University 
of Cambridge. 

President Eliot was greeted with loud applause, and 
responded as follows : — 

Mr. Chaibman and Gentlemen : Our distinguished guest saw 
yesterday the humble exterior of the best-rooted University in Amer- 
ica. A score of plain buildings, neither spacious nor magnificent, 
some very inadequate collections of books and apparatus, and a few 
scanty funds make up the whole material equipment of the institution. 
I am sure, Mr. Chairman, that our guests must find your cordial words 
and the warm response which your toast drew from these friends, per- 
fectly unintelligible. There is nothing in the exterior of the Univer- 
sity to account for such a testimony of affectionate respect They 
must be asking. What makes the name of Harvard so potent a spell ? 
I have myself oflen asked, Why is the official representative of the 
University, for the time being, always greeted with respect and en- 



92 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

tliusiasm in any assembly of educated Americans ? This is the ques- 
tion whose right answer will, I think, solve some other problems which 
we have been meditating of late. It is not chiefly because college life 
is so thoroughly enjoyable. The feeling is shared by many who were 
never within college walls. It is in part because the University repre- 
sents intellectual culture, the refining influence of literature, science, 
and ai*t ; but it is primarily because the University is historically and 
actually a vigorous embodiment of the great principles and virtues 
which make republics possible. The history of the University illus- 
trates abundantly the faith of our forefathers in education and religion. 
In the autumn of 1636, two hundred and thirty-five years ago, two 
generations before St. Fe^rsburg was founded, and only six years 
afler the first settlement of Boston, the General Court voted four hun- 
dred pounds — which was a year's rate of the whole colony — toward 
the establishment of a public school or college. What would the rich 
State of Massachusetts have to do to-day to match this marvelous act 
of the infant colony ? The General Court would have to give two 
millions and a half — a year*s State tax — by a single vote. In the 
autumn of 1638, John Harvard gave money and books to the value of 
more than eight hundred pounds towards the erection of a college. 
What would the private citizen have to give to-day to match this 
princely gift of Harvard's ? He would have to double the bounty of 
the State, and bequeath ^\q millions to the University. These early 
events are not peculiar to that time — they are typical of the whole 
history of the institution. Along the whole story we find the same 
generous giving for public objects on the part of the State and of in- 
dividuals, the same practice of self-reliance and self-denial, the same 
appreciation of the true foundations of public liberty and public in- 
telligence and virtue. 

For more than two centuries we Americans have been in the prac- 
tice of republican duties. We are not a new people sprung from the 
fresh soil without history, traditions or experience. On the contrary, 
we are an old people in a new land, a people rich in consecrated 
usages, traditions, principles, and habits. No titles are hereditary 
among us ; but culture is. There are already several New England 
families which have been represented in Harvard College by four, and 
even fvye consecutive generations. 

The Constitution of the United States is already the oldest writ- 
ten Constitution in the world ; but generations before we had that 
formal instrument, the essential principles and practices therein em- 




BOSTON. 93 

bodied were a part of the inherited mental furnishing of every Amer- 
ican. Educated Americans thoroughly understand the priceless value 
of these inheritances. No form of government on earth is so de- 
pendent for very existence on traditions, usages, and inherited princi- 
eiples and practices, as the republican form. 

In the light of these facts, the friendly attitude of America toward 
the established autocratic or monarchical governments of Europe is 
t^een to have a just and natural basis. Europeans who are not ac- 
quainted with our history and institutions, find it hard to comprehend 
the obvious tendency of educated Americans to sympathize with even 
arbitrary governments which are indigenous and of natural growth. 
It is because we know by our own experience that every stable gov- 
ernment must be based on slowly acquired national habits, and must 
be instinct with national spirit. It must be a growth from seed planted 
in home soil, and not a volcanic upstart from strange strata. We have 
small faith that a street mob or constituent assembly can make a re- 
public out of the whole cloth. The nation that we respect must 
respect its own history. We democrats call no man master ; but we 
have a clear idea of the power which great place gives, and when 
we see a man standing to the eyes of millions in the place of God, 
we remember that he has power to do good or to do evil, and we rev- 
erence him who uses only the power to do good. Therefore, gentle- 
men, though ourselves republicans, we nevertheless pay a consistent 
and sincere homage to a noble autocrat who worthily represents the 
proud history and the bright future of a vigorous nation. (Fro- 
longed applause.) 

In introducing the Rev. Phillips Brooks, Mr. Win- 
thropsaid,— 

We recognize with pleasure at our table the presence of more than 
one of the reverend clergy of our city, and particularly of one who, 
having within a year or two come home to a pulpit in his native 
place, has already become a power in our community, and who is al- 
ways as welcome to our social and public festivals as he is valued as 
a pastor and a friend. (Loud applause.) 

Mr. Brooks said that the president had been kind enough to sug- 
gest and emphasize the thought which, he supposed, must have been 
in the minds of almost all the persons present This thought was, 
that by the passage from one part of our country to another, we know 



94 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

our bounds have been enlarged. The least we owe to oar gaest was 
this enlargement of our thought — the way we had been made to fed 
our connection with the man who had so advanced the condition of 
his dominions, and the way that Russia had, daring the life of all who 
were there, again and again helped us. Bat we could go forther than 
that, and thank him most earnestly for all she had done, and yet even 
further, and thank other nations for what they had done for themselves 
as well as for us. One hundred and fifty years before, Peter the 
Great had made the wonderful journey to survey the castoms of other 
nations, which was an epoch in the history of nations, the opening of 
the doors to the world. As they looked in they could not bat be 
impressed with the manner in which all Russian life and govemment 
was everywhere pervaded with religion — the traditional, inherited re- 
ligion of that country, which was so different from oars, and which 
had a great work to do in the world. Mr. Brooks eloquently por- 
trayed the growth of the Gneco- Russian Church. He asserted thai 
the great work done for civilization by that church should be recog- 
nized. Another feature of the Christianity of Russia : The Czar of 
Russia was not simply the master and lord and Emperor. He stood 
in the very place of Grod. Fifly millions of people looked up to him 
as the representative of the Deity upon the earth. The fact looked 
wonderfully picturesque, and the idea should not be forgotten — the 
religious responsibility and fatherhood of the governor of the state. 
Mr. Brooks spoke of Russia and America as the two young nations 
of the earth, and there was no taint or stain upon them that came 
from old age. In closing, Mr. Brooks said that the kindly and gra- 
cious youth of our guest seemed to be the fit expression of the hope- 
fulness, the prospect of a large, mysterious future, which was before 
his country and his dynasty. (Applause.) 

Again rising, Mr. Winthrop said, — 

Let me propose to you now, gentlemen, with all the honors, — 
'^ The Russian Navy and the health of its Grenend Admiraly His 
Imperial Highness, the Grand Duke Constantino.'' 

Three cheers were given. Admiral Possiet rose and 
said, — 

Mr. Presidbnt : His Imperial Highness will be gratified by your 
kindness, and in his behalf I return most cordial thanks. In visiting 



BOSTON. 95 

the navj yards of your country, where a few years ago there was in- 
cessant activity, I find comparative repose. From what I have seen 
of your country, I have acquired the conviction that the extensive re- 
sources, physical as well as moral, with the energy you possess, will 
give you everything that is necessary for the happiness and security 
of your nation. (Applause.) I propose a toast to Admiral Porter, 
the first officer of the navy of the United States. 

The toast was drunk, after which Mr. Winthrop called 
up Admiral Steedman, who was warmly greeted, and 
said, — 

After the brilliant display of oratory this evening, surely, Mr. Pres 
ident, you and the distinguished company can hardly expect a speech 
from an ^ old $aU " like myself. All I can do is to express my pro- 
found and sincere thanks for the complimentary toast to the Navy of 
the United States, and to offer this sentiment : — 

^ May there exist for all time to come the same cordial friendship 
between the navy of Russia and that of the United States." 

Mr. Winthrop next called out Captain G. V. Fox, 
Ex-assistant Secretary of the Navy, who was received 
with cheers and said, — 

The unexpected call of your President assigns to me a difficult 
duty. With him language is a trained and willing servant, to me 
an Egyptian taskmaster. Around me is much of that intellectual 
force which has ^ full high advanced " the renown of my dear native 
State. Nevertheless, I rejoice that in such a presence I am able to 
comply with the ofV-repeated wish of the Emperor that I would tes- 
tify to my countrymen of the sincere feeling of friendship which I 
witnessed everywhere in Russia for the government and people of the 
United States. 

There are some near me who are able to bear witness how inad- 
equate any language is to describe the outbursts of heartfelt enthu- 
siasm which the Russian people offered to the messengers of good will 
sent by the American Congress. One of the most touching incidents 
occurred upon leaving Cronstadt. The Grovemor of that fortress sent 
me a small painting upon wood, with a note stating that a serf freed 
by the act of emancipation had, from the savings of his daily labor, 



96 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS, 

purchased a picture of our Saviour, w1ii(*h he offered to (he American 
envoy as a token of his feelings for the people of the United States. 

The final words which I was charged to deliver to the President, 
written by that sovereign whose power and whose virtues are alike 
unlimited, were these: '*The two peoples find in their past no old 
grievances, but, on the contrary, memorials of amicable treatment. 
On all occasions they add new proofs of mutual good will. These 
cordial relations, which are as advantageous to their reciprocal inter- 
ests as to those of civilization and humanity, conform to the views of 
Divine Providence, whose final purpose is peace and concord among 
nations." (Great applause.) 

The President then rend the following letter: — 

Amrsbury, 12 mo. 6, 1871. 

Gentlemen : I regret that I am not able to avail myself of your 
invitation to the dinner to His Imperial Highness, the Grand Duke 
Alexias, on the 9th instant. It would give me pleasure as a loyal 
American citizen to express by my presence at the dinner my grateful 
appreciation of the friendly attitude maintained during our late trial 
by the great empire which your distinguished guest represents ; and, 
as an anti-slavery man, my admiration for the mighty work of social 
and political reform, the abolition of serfdom, it so successfully accom- 
plished by him who now, through his son, 

** Stretches to us the hand 
That, with the pencil of tlie northern star. 
Wrote freedom on his land/' 

I am, gentlemen, yours truly, 

JOHN G. WHITTIER. 

Mr. Winthrop then said, — 

We are favored with the attendance on this occasion of not a few 
of our most distinguished literary men. , The privileged and cher- 
ished silence of the poet, Longfellow, the welcome guest of every pub- 
lic and private table (loud applause), I shall not attempt to disturb. 
(Laughter.) On this day, of all others, which ushers to the world a 
new triumph of his muse, he is entitled to the immunities of an 
emeritus. But there are others who have promised to respond to my 
call. And how can I more fitly commence than by alluding to one who 
composed the charming verses for the children this afternoon, and who 



BOSTON. 97 

at least twice before has contributed of his poetical wit and wealth on 
occasions connected with our Russian friends. It gives me the oppor- 
tunity of reminding them that we too have an autocrat, not only in 
our city, but in our cherished Holmes. 

Professor Holmes was received with loud applause. 
He responded as follows : — 

Mb. President : You are so good a scholar that you must 
remember well that on the 16th of March, 1621, a pilgrim stand- 
ing on a desert scarcely yet subdued to furnish a shelter, received 
his first welcome from one of the native inhabitants ; from the Indian 
Sachem, whose humble name, Samoset, has come down to us at the 
present day by the two words which he then repeated, which are these : 
^ Welcome, Englishman ; welcome. Englishman." 

Professor Holmes then read the following : — 

One word to the guest we have gathered to greet ! 
The echoes are longing that word to repeat, — 
It springs to the lips that are waiting to part, 
For its syllables spell themselves first in the heart. 

Its accent may vary, its sound may be strange. 
But it bears a kind message that nothing can change ; 
The dwellers by Neva its meaning can tell, 
For the smile, its interpreter, shows it fuU well. 

That word ! How it gladdened the Pilgrim of yore. 
As he stood in the snow on the desolate shore I 
When the shout of the Sagamore startled his ear 
In the phrase of the Saxon, 'twas music to hear ! 

Ah, little could Samoset offer our sire, — 

The cabin, the corn-cake, the seat by the fire ; 

He had nothing to give, — the poor lord of the land, — 

But he gave him a Welcome, — his heart in his hand ! 

The tribe of the Sachem has melted away. 

But the word that he spoke is remembered to-day, 

13 



98 THK GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

And the page that is red with the record of sliame 
The tear-drops have whitened round Samoset's name. 

The word that he spoke to the Pilgrim of old 
May sound like a tale that has often been told ; 
But the welcome we speak is as fresh as the dew, — 
As the kiss of a lover that always is new ! 

Ay, Guest of the Nation ! each roof is thine own 
Through all the broad continent's star-bannered zone ; 
From the shore where the curtain of mom is uprolled. 
To the billows that flow through the gateway of gold. 

The snow-crested mountains are calling aloud ; 
Nevada to Ural speaks out of the cloud, 
And Shasta shouts forth from his throne in the sky. 
To the storm-splintered summits, the peaks of Altai ! 

You must leave him, they say, till the summer is green ; 
Both shores are his home, though the waves roll between ; 
And then we'll return him, with thanks for the same. 
As fresh and as smiling and tall as he came. 

But ours is the region of Arctic delight ; 
We can show him Auroras and pole-stars by night ; 
There's a Muscovy sting in the ice-tempered air. 
And our flresides are warm and our maidens are fair. 

The flowers are full blown in the garlanded hall, — 
They will bloom round his footsteps wherever they fall ; 
For the splendors of youth, and the sunshine they bring, 
Make the roses believe 'tis the summons of Spring. 

One word of our language he needs must know well. 
But another remains that is harder to spell ; 
We shall speak it so ill, if he wishes to learn 
How we utter Farewell^ he will have to return ! 

The poem was loudly applauded, particularly the 
closing lines. 




BOSTON. 99 

Mr. Winthrop then said, — 

I turn next to a friend, nt once literary and legal, whose tongue and 
pen are ever ready, and who, if he would give us but one month in 
St. Petersburg in aR genial and flowing a style as he has given <* Six 
Months in Italy," would add greatly to our appreciation of that splen- 
did capital, —the Hon. George S. Hillard. 

Mr. Hillard spoke as follows : — 

Mr. President : You have been kind enough to speak of me tis 
one who has done something in literature. I am well aware how 
humble are my claims to praise or memory in that regard. It has 
been my lot to earn my bread by unambitious professional toil, and it 
is to me known that between law and literature there has been, time 
out of mind, a feud like that between the houses of MontHgue and 
Capulet. I have read somewhere that the dogs in Egypt are wont to 
slake their thirst at the Nile by taking an occasional sip as they run 
along its bank, not daring to pause long at any point lest the croco- 
diles should devour them; so the lawyer must only taste of the 
waters of literature at intervals, and by stealth, because, if he should 
indulge liimself in a deep draught, the crocodiles of want would de- 
vour him. 

I am not ashamed to confess a love of literature. My relation to 
law and literature is somewhat like that of the patriarch Jacob to his 
two wives. My Leah, the law, is the duty wife, imposed upon me by a 
Laban in the shape of a necessity too strong to resist, and my Leah, 
like his, has been the more fruitful spouse of the two ; but my Kachel, 
literature, u beautiful and well-favored, and to her my heart cleaves, 
and the more than seven years I have passed in her service seem but 
a few days, so great is the love I bear her. But the patriarch's Leah 
was tender-eyed ; so is not mine, for many a hard-eyed frown she has 
bent upon me when I have lingered too long by the side of her lovely 
sister. 

But .seriously, Mr. President, it does not lie on my lip to speak ill 
of literature — certainly not here, for I suppose I owe it to what the>e 
five Angers have done in that way, such as it is, that I have the honor 
and the pleasure of being here to-night. Litemture has been to me 
its own exceeding great reward. Love in all its forms flnds its suffi- 
cient recompense in the mere act of loving. As well blame the rose 
that it cmniot be ground into flour or woven into cloth, as complain of 



100 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

truth, knowledge, aiid beauty that thcj cannot be coined into money. 
Some of the happiest hours of my life have been passed in my 
library, and I never enter it without feeling upon my brow airs that 
blow from some better world than ours. My books have been Mends 
that never failed me in the hour of need ; they have assuaged the 
sting of disappointment and poured balm into the wounds of sorrow ; 
they have refreshed me when weary, and soothed me when chafed ; 
they have fed me with bread that never grew in earthly furrows, and 
charmed me with flowers that never bloomed in earthly gardens. 

Pardon me for thus speaking of myself; let me torn to other 
themes. 

. You and I, Mr. President, were at the ball last nighf. I felt my- 
self a little out of place, for I had not (he excuse that you had in the 
slmpe of a fair daughter on your arm. I thought the young people 
on the floor might have addressed us in Mr. Webster's well-known 
words at Bunker Hill : ** Venerable men, you have come to us from a 
former generation." 

It was a fairy sirene, made up of light, music, color, graceful forms, 
and blooming faces. As I saw our distinguished guest the centre of a 
glittering ring, — 

" whose bright faces 
Cast thousand beams upon him, like the sun," 

I thought of the saying of some French man or woman, " What a 
pleasure it must be to be young, beautiful, and a duchess." I thought 
what a pleasure it must be to be young, well looking, and a Grand 
Duke. 

Mr. Hillard then spoke of the hospitality extended 
to His Highness, and said, — 

It is America extending the hand to Russia, and Russia meeting it 
with a friendly grasp. Nor is it necessary that those who tender these 
hospitalities should approve of all the institutions of Russia, or of all 
the events in her history. Surely, if we think the institutions oi Rus- 
sia are not democratic enough, how can we better bring about the im- 
provement we desire than by causing a member of the Imperial fam- 
ily to think kindly of a country that has made such splendid progress 
under democratic institutions ? I give my hand to everything that 
tends to create peace on earth and good will among men. It is better 
that Russia and America should dine together and dance together than 



BOSTON. 101 

fight together. It is better that the Russian eagle and the American 
eagle should employ their beaks in eating out of the same dish than 
in pecking out each other's eye;». 

Mr. Hillard's remarks were frequently applauded. 
The next speaker was the Hon. R H. Dana, Jr. Mr. 
Winthrop iiitroduced him in these words : — 

We have not forgotten that the first minister of the United States 
to the court of Russia was our own Massachusetts Chief-Justice Fran- 
cis Dana. We are not privileged to welcome at our board his vener- 
able son — the oldest living poet of our land — but his grandson, 
eminent at once in law and literature, is with us, and his words must 
not be wanting upon an occasion like this. 

Mr. Dana was warmly greeted and responded in sub- 
stance as follows : — 

He began by suitably acknowledging the references to his ances- 
tors, and said that they made him feel almost of Russian origin 
when he was reminded that a citizen of Massachusetts, whose name 
and lineage he had the honor to represent so humbly, took the first 
step, laid the foundation of those relations which have existed now 
for nearly one hundred years between the United States of America 
and the Russias. (Applause.) He hoped it would not seem presump- 
tuous in him if he should remind his fellow citizens and their illus- 
trious guest how deep are the foundations and how firm the super- 
structure of that understanding, and those relations which have 
existed between the two countries for now nearly one hundred years. 
(Applause.) It was often asked why two nations so different in their 
forms of government were such friends. It was a difficult thing to 
account for, as it was oflen to explain why two persons of different 
dispositions were such good friends. The friendship dated far back 
to the time when the infant colonies of this country cutting loose from 
Great Britain applied to France and Holland and the Empress Cath- 
erine for aid. In that communication the Empress was assured of the 
great respect of the colonies for her empire and the confidence they 
felt that she would help them against the encroachments of British 
force. (Applause.) That was one of the secrets of our relations as 
two nations. Russia did much toward the result of our independence, 
and as a nation we should never forget her early fricud:4hip during 



102 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

these dark days. (Applause.) After a fun her discussion of the re- 
lations of Russia and America Mr. Dana said that he desired to ex- 
press the hope, in which he was sure all good citizens of Massachu- 
setts would join — he would not call it the hope but the assurance — 
that this excellent understanding, so beneficial to the world at lai^ 
as well as to ourselves, may continue, — he would not say forever, for 
that was a long time for mortal man — but as loDg a& magnanimity 
and patriotism and good sense assert their force in the councils of this 
Republic, and while the fsimily of Romanoff sit on the throne of Rus- 
hia. (Loud applause.) 

Mr. Winthrop introduced Professor James Russell 
Lowell in these words : — 

Our catalogue, I will not say of royal and noble authors, but of 
noble republican authors, is not quite yet exhausted. One at least 
remains who has added new lustre to an old and venerable name by 
brilliant satire, sparkling wit, and elaborate criticism. 

Mr. Lowell said, — 

Mr. Fresidknt: 1 expected when I urged my claim to be ex- 
cused from the duty which you urged upon me — I felt I should speak 
under great disadvantages. It is certainly unfortunate for me to speak 
afler one who shows as much grace and ability in presiding over this 
banquet, as his illustrious ancestor displayed in presiding over the 
Commonwealth. As I was thinking of something to say, I could not 
help — as Dean Swift said he invented a new beatitude, which is 
often quoted — I thought of another: ** Blessed are they who have 
nothing to say and who will not be persuaded to say it." I have gone 
about for the last few hours as if I had already eaten my dinner, and 
it was lying like lead in the part of me which, in refined exigencies, 
the French call their heart. (Laughter.) I have felt still more the 
weight of the task which is laid upon me, since I have found among 
our guests a gentleman whose English is better than mine. I recol- 
lect when the first Russian embassy went to London, three hundred 
and fourteen years ago (laughter), it was chronicled that '* they were 
received by the Mayor, with the Aldermen in scarlet, and they were 
carried through the streets with a great plausibility and concurrence of 
the people, to their lodgings,' and I suppose that in order that they 
might keep in a sufficiently cheerful frame of mind, we are told that 




BOSTON, 103 

they were waited on daily by the Aldermen and the gravest member 
of the Russian Company, and on the twenty-ninth of April they visited 
and gave to him — the ambassador — a supper with an interlude and 
a banquet, and at the close of it one rose and in the name of the rest 
filled to him and drank a cup of wine. But I do not find that our 
ancestors — who had a well-founded prejudice against preaching over 
their wine — that they had any speeches. And a particular warning 
also rose to my mind. It was this : Some twelve years ago a country- 
man of our own travelling in Siberia, published a book in which he 
gave an account of his journey. He was very hospitably received , 
and he does not inform us that the custom of speeches on such 
occasions had penetrated into Siberia, but he himself was a zealous 
propagandist, for on one occasion he made three speeches on one and 
the same day. His hearers were more fortunate than mine, for his 
speeches were made in a language they could not understand ; but 
after he bad completed his speech — his speeches, I beg his pardon, — 
his hearers, they had their revenge, for they took and performed upon 
him the same process which the carriers performed on Sancho Panza, 
and they said it was the highest compliment they could pay him. 
And I shall not be discursive, especially as I see a strong table-cloth 
near me. I am reminded of a remark of the Baroness de Stael, not 
the &mous baroness, but I may say the unfamous Baroness de Stael 
who preceded her. She said, *' Whenever I am obliged to deviate 
from truth I keep as close to it as I can," and whenever I am obliged 
to deviate from silence I shall keep as close to it as I can. (Laughter.) 
I confess it is a great pleasure to every literary man to welcome here 
the descendant of that remarkable woman who paid one of the highest 
compliments that was ever paid to literature : I mean the buying of 
D'Alembert's library, and then making him the librarian. There is 
something peculiarly picturesque in this morning-glory, as we may 
call it, of a nation. It seems to me that while we have peculiar rea- 
sons for feeling well toward Russia, the reasons are deeper than we 
sometimes think. It is not that Russia stands in nearer relations to 
nSy is indeed our neighbor over the way, so to speak, especially as 
Russia has given to us Alaska and made us keeper of her seals, if I 
may say so. (Great merriment.) But I think there are deeper rea- 
sons. I do not like to say, after what the President of the University 
has said, that we are a young people. But it seems to me that both 
Russia and America are young nations, and that is one reason of the 
sympathy. She has had, as we had to do, to import a great part of 



104 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

the material with which she was to civilize her immense spaces. She, 
like us, had this enormous territory and this multitude of people given 
to her to civilize. She has made the noblest advances in that di- 
rection, and the task before the two peoples, it seems to me, was iden- 
tical, — to take this great ignorant mass that was given to us, and to 
weld it to the coherence of steel ; to weld it with a will and purpose 
till, instead of a mass of metal, it became a weapon with an edge and 
a mask, till it l)ecame as redoubtable in the sheath as it is terrible 
when it is drawn. (Applause.) In closing I would saj that I hope 
that our two eagles will never get into conflict, for in glancing at one 
of them I notice that our proud bird would be at a decided disadvan- 
tage, as the other has two heads. I hope we maj continue to go on 
as we have done hitherto, in what I may call this march of emulous 
sympathy, each with a great task before it — I will not enter into 
particulars — but each with a great task before it only as yet half 
performed. (Applause.) 

Mr. Winthrop then informed the company that Mr. 
Catacazy had signified his willingness to say a few 
words. He was greeted with loud applause, and re- 
sponded as follows : — 

Gentlemen : If the goddess of diplomacy could be sculptured, I 
would present .her in a dark robe and with a finger on her lips. 
(Laughter.) More than anybody else should I adopt that attitude and 
wrap myself as close as possible and put my finger on my lips as tight 
as possible. But I will take my finger for a moment from my 
lips and place it on my heart ; not for making a speech, but only 
for relating three short anecdotes experienced in my life. In 1851 
I had the honor to be an attache to the Imperial legation at Wash- 
ington, and I met there one of the greatest men, I do not say in 
all America, but the world, the godlike Daniel Webster. (Loud ap- 
plause.) He was exceedingly kind to me. I was then a mere boy, 
and he showed me so much sympathy that I took an opportunity to 
ask him to explain to me the reason of this sympathy, almost instinc- 
tive, existing between our two nations. (Applause.^ And he replied 
to me : ** Those reasons are as numerous as the drops in the Pacific 
and the Atlantic." (Applause.) A few years afterward, your civil 
war brought me here as secretaiy of another man, very great also, 
Prince Grortchakow. (Applause.) At that time the most dark proph- 




BOSTON, 105 

ecies were uttered about the issue of your war, of your great national 
calamity. Political vultures were already flying over what was sup- 
posed to be the corpse of America. I myself confess that I had 
doubts about the issue of the war, and I spoke about it to my illus- 
trious chief. He replied to me : ''I pity those who doubt about the 
issue of this crisis. (Applause.) I pity those who believe that 
Divine Providence would have erected a magnificent structure for 
crushing it to pieces in a few years. (Applause.) America will 
come out of the flame of civil war like the Phoenix, — more brill- 
iant, more strong than ever." (Applause.) 

Nine years afterward I had been honored with the mission to the 
United States, and I will go so far in indiscretion as to repeat the 
very words of the Emperor, my master : " Your instructions," said 
he to me, " are short and decided. You must always remember that 
our best friend is the American people." (Applause.) God is my 
witness that I have done everything in the power of my feeble intel- 
lect to obey the order of my sovereign in accordance with the dictates 
of my affections and the emotions of my heart. If I have not suc- 
ceeded completely in this task it has not been for want of desire. 
(Applause.) 

In conclusion Mr. Catacazy proposed the health of 
Minister Curtin, which was drunk by the company. 

The President at last arose and referred to the late- 
ness of the hour and the nearness to the Sabbath, and 
as the Duke was about to retire, he said, — 

I propose that the company unite, I will not say in a farewell, but 
in the best wishes for his health and happiness. 

The whole company then arose, and nine rousing 
cheers went with the Duke as he departed for his 
rooms ; the band played " Auld Lang Syne," and the 
company slowly separated. 

December 11. 

Sunday was passed by His Highness in a very quiet 
manner. 

In the evening he attended a beautiful concert given 

14 



106 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

in his honor at the Music Hall, conducted by Thomas 
and his Orchestra and by the Handel and Haydn So- 
ciety. 

Later, he went to the Observatory at Cambridge. 

In consequence of news of the alarming illness of the 
Prince of Wales, His Imperial Highness refused any 
more public attentions during the remaining days of 
his visit to our city. 

On Monday evening he gave a private dinner at the 
Revere House. His guests comprised all the members 
of his suite, with the exception of General GorloflF and 
Mr. Bodisco, the Russian Consul-General, who has not 
returned from New York, and the following gentle- 
men : His Excellency Governor Claflin, President Eliot 
of Harvard University, Prof Henry W. Longfellow, Prof. 
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, Ad- 
miral Steedman, Capt G. V. Fox, Professor Winloch, 
and Mr. Storer, Russian Consul. His Honor Mayor 
Gaston was invited, but was unable to be present^ on 
account of engagements incident to his reelection. 

He visited the Public Schools, and made an excursion 
down the Harbor, and under the escort of Mr. Storer 
walked about the city. One evening he went to the 
Globe theatre to see Miss Cushman, the great Ameri- 
can actress. 

December 14th he left Boston by special train for 
Montreal. While here, he sent a note, gracefully ex- 
pressed, inclosing a liberal sum of money to be dis- 
tributed among the poor of New York, and when in 
Montreal a letter of similar purport with an inclosure 
for the poor of Boston. 




MONTREAL. 107 

[In order to present a connected statement of events, 
the visit of the Grand Duke to the Dominion of Can- 
ada is included in this narrative.] 

DOMINION OF CANADA. 

Montreal, December 15. 

The Grand Duke Alexis arrived in this city at nine 
o'clock last evening. He was met at the station by 
the Mayor and a deputation of the Council, besides a 
concourse of citizens. A cordial welcome was ex- 
tended to the royal guest, after which the party was 
escorted to the St Lawrence Hall, where magnificently 
fitted up apartments were allotted them. Upon his 
arrival at the hotels he was addressed by Mayor 
Coursol, who said he had the honor of welcoming 
His Imperial Highness to the City of Montreal It 
was deeply to be regretted that owing to the illness 
of His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, it had 
been deemed improper to receive the Grand Duke 
with formal demonstrations befitting his exalted rank. 
The absence of such demonstrations would, he was 
sure, be rightly understood. He deeply regretted 
that the sad event to which he had referred had 
marred the pleasure which but for this, the arrival of 
His Imperial Highness would have afforded. It would 
gratify His Highness to learn that the latest telegrams 
respecting the condition of the Prince of Wales were 
favorable- He expressed a hope that His Highness's 
stay in the city would be very pleasurable. 

His Imperial Highness in a few remarks acknowl- 
edged the courtesy of the welcome, and said it afforded 
him great pleasure to visit the city. 



108 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

December 16. 

After the fatigues of the long travel on the previous 
day, it is not wonderful that no very early start was 
made yesterday by any of the Imperial party. Break- 
fast was served at noon, to which His Worship the 
Mayor was invited. 

The Prince of Wales' plume, and the motto "Ich 
dien" engraved on the glasses, which had been used 
during the visit of His Royal Highness the Prince of 
Wales, were specially noticed by the Grand Duke, who 
admired the workmanship, and spoke in the kindest 
and most sympathetic terms of the illness which had 
caused so much anxiety to the people of the whole 
Empire. The inquiries he made as to the Govern- 
ment and Administration of Canada, showed him to be 
possessed of considerable information on a subject not 
usually greatly studied, and the relations between the 
Mother Country and her Colonies appeared to be fully 
understood by him. His searching interrogatories as 
to the peculiar characteristics of each of the members 
of the Dominion Government, whose photographs were 
hanging in the room, might lead to a shrewd suspicion 
that he was an apt student of men as well as of things, 
and desired to know, as far as possible, what manner of 
men he might expect to meet with at the capital. 

A very handsome sleigh, drawn by four horses, was 
waiting for His Imperial Highness, and shortly after 
one o'clock, accompanied by His Worship, Mayor Cour- 
sol. Admiral Possiet and Alderman Rodden, the Grand 
Duke entered it, bowing courteously to the salutations 
of the spectators. Mr. Penton, Chief of Police, took 
the charge of leading the party, contained in ten 
sleighs, which set out for Lachine, driving by the lower 



OTTA WA. 109 

road, past the rapids, and so on to the village, v^here 
they drove to Wilson's Ottawa Hotel, under whose hos- 
pitable roof they were warmed and refreshed, the gen- 
tlemen of Montreal being here introduced to His Im- 
perial Highness. The return was made by the Cote 
St. Antoine road, along Sherbrooke Street and on to 
the Champ de Mars, on which Colonel Stevenson's 
battery was under inspection. The battery, which was 
then in action, was limbered up and a general salute 
was given, after which Colonel Stevenson was intro- 
duced to His Imperial Highness, who expressed himself 
highly pleased with the battery, afterwards stating that 
he was astonished at the appearance of the corps, 
which did not give the impression of being composed 
volunteers. 

The Grand Duke then drove to the St. Lawrence 
Hall, and spent the evening quietly. Dinner laid for 
nine, was served at six o'clock. The desire of the 
Grand Duke for retirement was faithfully respected, 
and complete rest from the ceremonies which he has 
lately undergone was no doubt very grateful. 

December 18. 

His Imperial Highness had a rather busy day on 
Saturday. About noon he set out from the Hall, at- 
tended by his suite, and accompanied by members of 
the Corporation and leading citizens, for a visit to some 
objects of interest in and around Montreal. After tak- 
ing luncheon at the residence of His Worship the 
Mayor, the party proceeded to the Victoria Bridge, re- 
turning in time for dinner. About seven o'clock in the 
evening, His Imperial Highness, attended by his suite 
and several members of the Corporation, visited the 



110 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

Victoria Skating Rink, where the announcement of the 
intention of His Imperial Highness to be present had 
attracted a large and fashionable assemblage. After 
His Imperial Highness had skated with some of the 
ladies, the Royal party retired to the Princess gallery, 
where the Grand Duke was received by His Worship 
the Mayor, the Directors of the Rink, and the members 
of the Reception Committee. After the party had 
partaken of an elegant repast, Mr. Matthews, Presi- 
dent of the Victoria Skating Club, with a few appro- 
priate remarks proposed the health of Her Majesty 
the Queen, which was drunk with enthusiasm. Mr. 
Matthews then proposed the health of His Imperial 
Highness, expressing the hope that the Grand Duke 
had enjoyed his visit to the Rink. His Highness 
shortly after retired, having previously thanked the 
Directors of the Rink for the entertainment presented 
to him, which, he said, he had enjoyed exceedingly. 

We understand that His Imperial Highness has ex- 
pressed in very warm terms his satisfaction with the 
arrangements made at the St. Lawrence Hall, and the 
manner in which his comfort has been provided for 
during his sojourn in this city. 

To-day His Highness spent quietly, and leaves to- 
morrow morning at ten o'clock by special train for the 
West. 

ARRIVAL AT THE CAPITAL. 

Ottawa (Canada), December 19, 1871. 

The first formal reception of the Grand Duke since 
the beginning of his tour through the British Prov- 
inces took place here at the Dominion capital to-day. 
It was a very generous and hearty demonstration on 



OTTAWA, 111 

the part of both the government officials and the au- 
thorities, but of course it lacked the pomp, splendor, 
and enthusiasm which characterized the ovations in 
honor of the imperial visitor in New York, Washing- 
ton, Boston, and other American cities. There was no 
partial suspension of business, no decorations, and only 
now and then a cheer and hurrah when the distin- 
guished guest was recognized. The absence of all 
these demonstrations, however, does not signify that 
the people were less willing to do him honor than 
were the citizens of the United States, for at the be- 
ginning it was generally understood that all popular 
demonstrations would be avoided on account of the 
serious illness of the Prince of Wales. In fact, if it 
had not been for this the journeyings of the Duke 
through Canada would have been marked by as much 
Selat and general hurrahing as were the trips of the 
Prince of Wales and Prince Arthur. Only for the as- 
surance of the recovery of the heir apparent to the 
British throne, even the very moderate demonstrations 
of to-day would not have taken place. As it was, how- 
ever, it was decided best to show some hospitality to 
the distinguished guest, and to this end Lord Lisgar, 
the Governor-General, and the citizens of Ottawa com- 
bined. 

The imperial party spent the early part of the day at 
the Government House, but at about noon took a drive 
through the principal portion of the city, visiting the 
renowned lumber yards of Ottawa, and also the famous 
Suspension Bridge and Falls identified with the Ottawa 
River, at a short distance from the city. The weather 
was extremely cold, the ground was well covered with 
snow, the air full of the same feathery substance, and 



112 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS, 

everything, in fact, seemed to conspire to make a Rus- 
sian feel himself perfectly at home. Some two or 
three hours were thus spent in driving around the city 
and suburbs, the Duke, of course, attracting great at- 
tention and admiration wherever he happened to be 
recognized. Subsequently a lunch was had at the 
Government Mansion, preparatory to a 

FORMAL WELCOME AT THE SENATE CHAMBER 

by the people and municipal authorities of the city of 
Ottawa. Thousands turned out to mingle in the priv- 
ileges of this occasion ; but as only those bearing 
tickets were allowed to participate, there was a very 
general and bitter feeling of dissatisfaction on the part 
of those who were excluded. The streets, however, 
were broad, and the unfavored portion of humanity 
had an opportunity to see and cheer the Duke as he 
passed between the Senate Chamber and the Govern- 
ment House. He rode in an open sleigh, accompanied 
by Lord and Lady Lisgar, and his tall form was readily 
recognized, and his presence frequently cheered, all of 
which compliments the imperial visitor gracefully and 
gratefully acknowledged. In the immediate neighbor^ 
hood of the Parliament Buildings there was a dense 
mass of people, that even the bayonets of a military 
guard of honor had great difficulty in keeping back. 
A band of music preceding the guard played a medley 
of the *^ Russian Hymn " and " God Save the Queen ** 
when the Duke arrived at the building, and the as- 
sembled concourse doffed their hats as reverently and 
involuntarily as if the visitor had been a descendant 
from Windsor Castle itself The scene altogether was 
one both beautiful and impressive, and the Duke ex- 
pressed himself highly gratified. 



OTTAWA. 113 

Having reached the interior of the Senate Chamber 
the brief ceremonies of a formal welcome were com- 
menced at once. 

THE AJ>DR£SS IN THE SENATE CHAMBER. 

After a few informalities, the Mayor proceeded to 
welcome the distinguished visitor in the following 
words : — 

May it please tour Imperial Hiohness : In the name of 
the citizens of Ottawa we give you a cordial welcome to the capital 
of our young dominion. We welcome you as an illustrious represen- 
tative of one of the mightiest nations of the Old World. We welcome 
you as a worthy scion of an imperial house, who^e beneficent and en- 
lightened rule has done so much to promote the well-being and hap- 
piness of their subjects, and we welcome you as a distinguished mem- 
ber of a noble profession, which we as Englishmen, are went to hold 
in peculiar honor. It is to us a source of sincere gratification that, 
notwithstanding the shortness of your sojourn in America, you have 
found time to make at least a hurried visit to that portion of the Con- 
tinent whose people, as the happy^ subjects of England's Queen, claim 
connection with the ancient monarchies of Europe. We sincerely 
hope that your visit to Canada may prove as agreeable to you as it is 
gratifying to us, and that you may carry back with you to your home 
in the northern capital of the Old World nothing but pleasant memo- 
ries of your too brief stay in this northern capital of the New. 

THE GRAND DUKE'S REPLY. 

The Duke received the words of welcome with a 
great deal of attention, and when the Mayor had fin- 
ished, he responded in a clear and distinct tone as fol- 
lows : — 

Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen : I thank you most heartily for 
your cordial welcome, and in the name of His Majesty the Emperor 
I beg to express my gratitude for the compliments you have paid to 
the Imperial house and to my country. I am, indeed, proud of belong- 
ing to a profession which has produced some of the brightest names 
which have adorned the pages of history, and which you esteem so 

1ft 



114 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

highly. Being so near Canada I thought it my duty — and it is a mof^t 
agreeable one — to pay a vi^it to His Excellency the Governor- Gk;n- 
eral, who is the representative of a sovereign for whom I have the 
most profound respect I only regret that my limited time does not 
allow me to make a longer stay among you ; but be assured I shall 
carry home most pleasant memories of a country where I have been 
so kindly received, and which has an additional charm for me, as at 
this season of the year it so much reminds me of my own. 

LADY LISGAR'S RECEPTION. 

This evening Lady Lisgar gave a reception atRideau 
Hall in honor of the Imperial visitor. It was a very 
elegant affair, and afforded an ample opportunity for 
the Duke and the principal citizens of this section of 
the Dominion to spend a few social hours. There were 
many ladies among the guests, and the occasion was a 
very agreeable one for the Duke and all others present 

To-morrow the Imperial party will leave for Toronto, 

Toronto, December 22. 

The delay in the arrival of the Grand Duke in this 
city, was occasioned by the running off the track of 
three of the Pullman cars which composed a portion of 
the train on the Brockville and Ottawa line. It seems 
that the accident occurred just as the Grand Duke 
was sitting down to dinner, which was served in the 
" Ruby " car, only the first truck of which ran off, — the 
remaining cars went off completely. The Imperial 
party received a slight shaking, but no further result 
followed beyond a detention. 

His Imperial Highness breakfasted yesterday morn- 
ing about eleven o'clock, and immediately afterwards 
received the address of the corporation of the city, 
which was read by His Worship the Mayor in the 
drawing-room. 
The following are copies of the address and reply: — 



TORONTO. 115 

ADDRESS. 
To His Imperial Highness^ the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia, etc, etc. 

Mat it please tour Imperial Highness, — We, the Mayor 
and Aldermen of the city of Toronto, beg to tender yon on behalf of 
our fellow-citizens, a warm and cordial welcome to this the chief city 
of the Province of Ontaria 

As Canadians, and subjects of Her Britannic Majesty, we congratu- 
late you on your visit to the continent of North America, and avail 
ourselves of this opportunity to express the hope that the happy relsi- 
tions existing between the Empire of which the Dominion of Canada 
forms a part, and that over which your august sire so ably reigns, 
may continue for all time. 

We trust that your visit to this comparatively new portion of 
North America may afford you some degree of pleasure, and not 
prove altogether uninterestino; or unprofitable, and hope that with the 
blessing of the Almighty you may return in health and safety to your 
native land, there to employ the fruits of an enlightened experience 
for the benefit and advancement of your fellow-men. 

JOSEPH SHEARD, 

City Hall, Tobomto, December 21, 1871. Mayor. 

reply. 

Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen, — I thank you sincerely for your 
warm and cordial welcome. 

I am sure that my visit to this country will be no less profitable 
than it has been interesting and agreeable ; and it is a source of great 
satisfaction to me to find that it has caused you to give expression to 
a desire which I heartily reciprocate, — that the good relations so 
happily existing between the country with which you are connected 
and my own, may continue for all time. 
Toronto, December 21, 1871. 

At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Grand Duke 
and party took a drive about the city, His Imperial 
Highness in Lieutenant-Governor Howland's sleigh, 
and the gentlemen of his suite in conveyances from 
the Queen's Hotel While out, the party visited the 
University, the Normal School, and Osgoode Hall. 



116 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

At seven o'clock, the Grand Duke and suite dined 
at Government House, Besides the distinguished for- 
eigners, the Lieutenant-Governor and his aide-de-camp, 
Captain Curtis, there were present the Bishop of To- 
ronto, Vice-Chancellor Mowat^ Chief Justice Draper, 
Hon. Edward Blake, Hon. Attorney-General Crooks, 
Hon. Justice Gwynne, Hon. D. L. Macpherson, Hon. 
George Brown, Hon. Wm. McMaster, Hon. A. McKel- 
lar, Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald, His Worship 
the Mayor, Hon. Justice Gait, and the Rev. Dr. Jen- 
nings. 

At half-past nine o'clock, those to whoin invitations 
for the evening had been sent, were admitted and 
were presented to the Grand Duke in the State Draw- 
ing Room. As they were presented to His Imperial 
Highness, they passed on into the ball-room, whither 
after receiving all the guests, he and his suite also 
proceeded. 

STATE OF NEW YORK. 

Niagara Falls, N. Y., December 22, 1871. 

The Grand Duke's party arrived here from Toronto 
this afternoon, and is now comfortably quartered in 
sumptuous apartments at the Spencer House, on the 
American side. The journey was made in the new 
special Pullman train, just brought on from Chicago, 
and, unlike the trip from Ottawa to Toronto, was 
accomplished without the slightest accident It left 
Toronto at about ten o'clock, and a large crowd of 
people were assembled at the station to witness the 
departure of the Imperial Duke. The station was 
elaborately decorated with streamers and bunting, and 
the locomotive and cars were liberally ornamented 




NIAGARA FALLS. 117 

with the Russian^ British, and American flags. As the 
train moved away the crowd cheered lustily, and 
Alexis appeared upon the rear platform and acknowl- 
edged the compliment with repeated bows and the 
waving of his hat A pilot engine went ahead, the 
Ducal train following about a mile after. The speed 
was not fast, on account of the extreme cold weather, 
and the consequent precarious condition of the rails. 
The average was not over twenty or twenty-five miles 
an hour. 

At Hamilton there was a large crowd, which, cheered 
heartily when the Duke made his appearance ; and the 
station of the Great Western Railway was also hand- 
somely decorated in honor of the illustrious passenger 
whom they were conveying. 

During the brief stop of the train, the Duke re- 
ceived a long telegram from Her Majesty Queen Vic- 
toria, announcing the convalescence and probable 
speedy recovery of the Prince of Wales. Alexis was, 
of course, highly gratified at the reliable and cheering 
information, and he acknowledged the receipt of the 
telegram at once. 

Upon arriving at the Suspension Bridge on the 
British side, there was quite a general demonstration. 
Large crowds of people were assembled, and a volun- 
teer military company, accompanied by a band of 
music, was also present to add pomp and splendor to 
the occasion. 

The party alighted from the cars, and took sleighs 
and rode up the river to the upper bridge, and then 
crossed over to, the Spencer House. The Duke's 
sleigh was drawn by a four-in-hand, and as he passed 
up the west side of the river and across the bridge, he 



118 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

viewed hastily the wonders and beauties of Niagara in 
midwinter. He did not linger long upon the scene, 
but reserved for to-morrow the pleasure of witnessing 
the Falls and surroundings in all their awful grandeur. 

December 28. 

Everything that His Imperial Highness saw pos- 
sessed a charm which he delighted to linger over. 
He spent nearly the whole day visiting the various 
points of interest, even forgetting or disregarding the 
customary noonday lunch, which heretofore had been 
taken with astonishing regularity. The Duke thought 
and spoke rightly, when he said that the scene in sum- 
mer must be one of surpassing grandeur, but still he 
was not sorry that an opportunity had been afforded 
him to witness it in the more frigid season of the year. 
The massive cakes of ice, as they tumbled with a 
crash down the stream and over the fearful precipice 
of water, the sparkling mist and huge mountains of 
frozen spray which it had formed along the cragged 
rocks, and the terrible and awful roar all the while 
prevailing, made even his Imperial blood curdle, in 
spite of the inspirations of delight and enthusiasm 
aroused by the grandeur and magnificence of the 
scene. Everything perUiining to the Duke's peram- 
bulations about the Falls afforded him the highest 
gratification. 

Buffalo, December 24. 

The arrival of the Duke in Buffalo yesterday, was 
made the occasion of a grand demonstration on the 
part of the people. Probably not less than twenty 
thousand people were assembled at the Exchange 
Street sUition when the train arrived ; and when the 
tall and commanding form of the Russian lieutenant 



BUFFALO. 119 

appeared, the air resounded with cheers of welcome. 
He was accompanied by the Mayor, ex-President Fill- 
more, and several other gentlemen who met them on 
the train at Tonawanda. The party drove immedi- 
ately to the Tiffl House, where spacious and elegant 
rooms had been reserved. All along the route from 
the station to the hotel the streets were crowded, and 
the presence 'of the Duke created great enthusiasm. 
In the evening he visited the rooms of the Buffalo 
Club, where, numerous prominent Buffalonians were 
formally presented to him. To-day he attended di- 
vine service at the North Presbyterian church, and 
was, of course, the observed of many observers. 

December 26. 

The Russian Duke haa had a very lively and enter- 
taining time of it to-day. In fact, since he struck the 
western country the demonstrations of welcome have 
become somewhat tinted with Americanism, and have 
reminded him of the glorious and spontaneous ova-* 
tions in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and other 
eastern cities. In Canada the illness of the Prince of 
Wales was a barrier to all public demonstrations, or 
otherwise the history of his whole tour of the Ameri- 
can continent would have been one chapter of hearty 
welcome. His reception in Buffalo was one of univer- 
sal enthusiasm. Neither the Sabbath nor the time- 
honored festival of Christmas served to restrain the 
cordial feeling of the people, and they did everything 
in their power to extend a right good American wel- 
come. Christmas Day was spent very quietly by the 
ducal party, and not until evening did the Imperial 
visitor venture forth, and then only to attend one of 
Parepa Rosa's operatic entertainments at the Academy 



120 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

of Music. The theatre was most elaborately deco- 
rated on the occasion. The auditorium was crowded 
from pit to dome by the best citizens of Buffalo, and 
Parepa and the whole company almost excelled them- 
selves. That the Duke was agreeably entertained 
was manifested by his close attention and frequent 
applause during the performance. 

His whole visit to Buffalo, in fact, was one of rare 
pleasure, and before leaving he made special efforts to 
peraonally express his thanks to the Mayor and city 
authorities for the attention shown and the gratifica- 
tion afforded him. 

The party left the hotel at about ten o'clock, and 
spent the mtermediate time until noon witnessing the 
practical operation of the Niagara grain elevator, the 
largest in the city, and the one which furnished a 
model for several now being erected in Russia. Very 
extensive preparations were made to show His Im- 
perial Highness the great usefulness and wonderful 
workings of one of these American mercantile or com- 
mercial inventions. The ice was cut away for a con- 
siderable distance around the dock, and a large boat 
loaded with corn was brought up through the opened 
channel. As soon as the guest and his friends arrived 
the machinery was set in motion, and the whole opera- 
tion of imloading from boats and reloading into cars 
was gone through with. Everything worked to a 
charm, and not only the Duke, but many Bufialonians 
engaged in the grain trade and elevator business, were 
delighted, beyond their most sanguine expectations. 
The visitors lingered for considerable time beyond the 
period originally intended for witnessing the experi- 
ment, and when they departed it was with an intelli- 



i. 



CLEVELAND. 121 

gent and clear comprehension of the construction and 
workings of one of the principal grain elevators in the 
whole country. There was, of course, a large crowd 
of people who followed the Duke wherever he went, 
but it was composed of the very best citizens, and they 
were enthusiastic in their demonstrations of welcome 
wherever the Imperial visitor appeared in sight 

At the station, when the train left, there were thou- 
sands assembled to see him. As he marched down 
through the open space kept clear for him, there was 
a grand chorus of applause from thousands and thou- 
sands of voices, and the cheering did not cease until 
the cars had disappeared from view. The train was 
the special Pullman one, provided exclusively for the 
Imperial party, with the addition of a special drawing- 
room car for the accommodation of the officers of the 
Lake Shore Road, who accompanied the party to this 
city. The only stops made were at Dunkirk and Erie, 
and at both these cities the people were assembled by 
thousands to welcome the distinguished visitor, and at 
the latter city the spectacle was rendered very enliv- 
ening by a band of music, which played American and 
Russian airs during the delay of the train. 

OHIO. 

Cleveland, December 26. 

The reception on the arrival of the party in Cleve- 
land was one of the most enthusiastic since the Duke 
first trod American soil It seemed as if the whole 
population of the city had left their homes, and assem- 
bled in the neighborhood of the Union station to ex- 
tend a welcome to the Russian guest The station and 
the whole vicinity were one swaying mass of human- 
ity, and as the train came in, the cheers and hurrahs 

16 



122 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

were almost deafening. An arched and carpeted 
promenade had been prepared for the Duke, and this 
was kept clear by a military escort, consisting of the 
Cleveland Greys. A band, composed of the musicianB 
of Northern Ohio, played the Russian Hymn, and 
Alexis marched out before the admiring audience, 
bowing his acknowledgments in the most polite and 
smiling manner imaginable. The party was met by 
the Mayor and a committee of the City Council, who 
escorted them to their carriages in convenient waiting. 
They drove immediately to the Kennard House, where 
most superb apartments were prepared, and after an 
elegant dinner the balance of the evening was spent 
in informal interviews with city officials and other 
leading citizens. 

The streets between the station were crowded with 
people, who applauded loudly and heartily as the distin- 
guished visitor appeared. Complimentary allusions to 
his personal appearance were as numerous here as 
elsewhere, and probably the same feminine enthusiasm 
will be created by his presence among the western as 
among the eastern ladies. 

To-morrow the Russians will, by their own direc- 
tion, be unmolested until half-past twelve o'clock, 
when a committee will escort the party around town 
in carriages. The route of the drive will be from the 
Kennard to Water street, to Superior, to Euclid, to 
the Euclid Avenue station, arriving at one p. m., and 
embarking on a special train for Newburg, to visit 
Bessimer Street and other iron manufactoriea Return- 
ing at three p. m., the party will drive down Prospect 
Street to Erie, to Woodland, to Ontario Street, and 
arrive at the square at four o'clock. The Fire Depart- 



CLE VELA J^D. 123 

ment will be reviewed, and at a quarter past four 
o'clock the party will make the grand entHe to the 
Skating Rink, to see th^ inventors' exhibition. After 
remaining an hour in the Rink the visitors will go to 
the Kennard for dinner. 

December 27. 

The Imperial visitors have had an abundance of 
their favorite frigid weather here to-day. The moder- 
ate and delightful temperature of last evening was 
succeeded this morning by an atmosphere character- 
istic of only cold and bleak Russia itself The mer- 
cury was everywhere away down among the twenties, 
and the resident Buckeyes all agree that it has been 
by far the coldest day of the season. The Duke, how- 
ever, was not to be intimidated by frosty weather, and 
he has spent nearly the whole of the day in viewing 
the various points of interest in and around the city ; 
and wherever he has gone he has been followed and 
cheered by large and enthusiastic crowds. His recep- 
tion has, in fact, been one grand and continuous ova- 
tion ever since he arrived in Cleveland, and there has 
been blended with the enthusiasm an apparent heart- 
iness and cordiality which has not been surpassed 
since his arrival in the country. All classes of citizens 
seem to have united en masse in extending him a cor- 
dial welcome to the State of Ohio, and officially as 
well as unofficially he has been universally and 
warmly received. 

The party breakfasted this morning at the usual 
hour of eleven o'clock, and a couple of hours later he 
left his comfortable apartments at the Kennard House 
for a cruise around the city and suburbs. His first 
move was in the direction of the extensive iron and 



124 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

steel works at Newburg, some seven miles distant from 
the city. The foundries being on the line of a rail- 
road, the* journey was made in the special Pullman 
train, chartered by the Imperial party for their Amer^ 
ican tour, and a considerable number of the prominent 
citizens of Cleveland went along as guests of the ducal 
party. Nearly two hours were consumed in inspect- 
ing the foundry, and during the visit the various oper- 
ations of casting, moulding, etc., were gone through 
with rapidity, much to the interest and gratification 
of Alexis and his frienda The neighborhood of the 
foundry was the scene of a large crowd, which lin- 
gered in the cold weather with commendable patience 
until the Duke made his appearance, and his coming 
and going afibrded opportunities for a liberal quantity 
of hearty cheers. 

Upon returning to the city the party visited an in- 
dustrial and mechanics' fair, now in progress in the 
Skating Rink, and the various specimens of mechanical 
contrivances and mechanical productions were viewed 
with great care and interest by the distinguished vis- 
itor. There was a large crowd present in anticipation 
of the visit, and, of course, the imperial Duke was well 
and thoroughly inspected. The ladies were para- 
mount in numbers, and they crowded around the 
young lieutenant in countless myriads, and were, of 
course, universally delighted with his fine personal ap- 
pearance. 

This evening Alexis and his suite visited the resi- 
dence of Mr. Stone, where there was a large and brill- 
iant gathering of the representative citizens of Cleve- 
land. After the formal presentation the Duke min- 
gled fireely with the guests, and, as usual, won the 




^ 



DETROIT. 125 

admiration of all by his free and easy demeanor. 
The occasion was one of rare social enjoyment^ and 
was a fitting conclusion to the very pleasant visit of 
the imperial guest to Cleveland. 

MICHIGAN. 

Detroit, December 28. 

The Grand Duke and his suite arrived here from 
Cleveland early this evening in the special Imperial 
train via the Lake Shore road. The departure from 
Cleveland was seized upon as another occasion for ten- 
dering the distinguished visitor an ovation, and, be- 
sides the Cleveland Grays and a band as escort, there 
was also about the same multitude of people to cheer 
as there was when he arrived on Tuesday afternoon. 
The run from Cleveland to Detroit was made with 
speed and safety, and although there were crowds at 
many of the principal stations, the train did not tarry 
long enough to admit of the formalities in which the 
Ohio people were willing to indulge in honor of the 
Russian tourist The only stop of any amount was at 
the Elyria station, where the train and the distin- 
guished passengers were photographed. 

A large crowd was at the station upon the arrival of 
the train in this city, and the enthusiasm was of the 
same cordial character as in the other western cities 
which the Duke has visited. He proceeded immedi- 
ately to splendidly prepared apartments in the Russell 
House, and did not leave the hotel during the evening. 

December 29. 

The Michiganders have to-day added another chap- 
ter to the cordial receptions which the Grand Duke 



126 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

Alexis has received since his arrival in this country. 
They awarded him a most hearty welcome, and one 
which the guest cannot fail to remember with grati- 
tude and pleasiure. The officials of the city and State 
united in tendering hospitality, and the people were 
also out in large numbers to add to the thoroughness 
and splendor of the occasion. 

Early in the morning crowds began to assemble in 
and around the Russell House, and they waited with 
great patience until the Imperial visitor ventured from 
his apartments. 

The Duke left the hotel at half-past eleven o'clock, 
and when he emerged from the entrance there was a 
grand chorus of cheers from the awaiting multitude. 
The weather was most charming, the atmosphere was 
mild and bracing, and everything seemed to combine 
to add brilliancy and spirit to the occasion. The 
guests took carriages and drove immediately to the 
City Hall, where they were conducted to the Mayor's 
rooms. 

Here there were a few informal introductions, and 
among the gentlemen presented was Mr. Bagley, who 
tendered to the Duke a few specimens of the mineral 
deposits of the upper portion of Michigan. They were 
contained in a beautiful silk-lined case, and consisted 
of copper in the green stone, copper and silver, at- 
tached to each other with a specimen of mass copper, 
a malachite, with pure copper attached, and a crystal 
overlaying silver attached to quartz. The Duke was 
much pleased with the gift^ and made numerous in- 
quiries concerning the operation of mining. 

Subsequently a public reception was held in the 
City Hall, and the citizens had ample opportunity of 
seeing and paying their respects to the Duke. 



CHICAGO. 127 

After the reception the party ascended to the tower 
of the building and took an optical view of the city 
and its surroundings. 

At a later hour the party were shown in carriages 
around town, and a brief stop was made at the resi- 
dence of Governor Baldwin, where a generous colla- 
tion was served. 

In the evening the Grand Duke and suite, accom- 
panied by Governor Baldwin and several of our lead- 
ing citizens, attended the Opera House in a body, and 
witnessed the performance of the Lingard Troupe. 

ILLINOIS. 

Chicago, December SI, 1871. 

Judging from the enthusiasm which she has mani- 
fested in welcoming and entertaining the Grand Duke 
Alexis, Chicago seems to have absolutely forgotten her 
recent misfortune. Nowhere in the West has His Im- 
perial Highness been more warmly received, and, but 
for the late conflagration, there would probably have 
been as numerous and extensive festivals and dem- 
onstrations as in New York and Boston. Only the 
absence of the old residents and the sickening devas- 
tated forests of walls and chimneys prevent one of the 
most brilliant ovations that a hospitable people and an 
abundance of wealth could afford. 

Even, however, in the midst of desolation, the citi- 
zens of what may be termed the Phoenix City of the 
world, could not conceal their kindly feelings toward 
the Imperial visitor. They have and will indulge in 
every possible form of courtesy and attention to make 
his brief stay here one of pleasure and satisfaction. 

The trip from Detroit to Chicago was not marked 



128 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

by any special incidents, except, perhaps, a brief delay 
at Jackson, which was made in consequence of the 
wrecked night train on the Central Railroad. 

There was a large crowd of people assembled at the 
station at Detroit when the party embarked, and they 
cheered in a most feeling and vociferous manner as the 
cars moved out. 

At the principal stations along the line there were 
also multitudes of people curious to see the live and 
good-looking Duke, of whom they had read and heard 
so much. 

Of course Alexis appeared in obedience to their ex- 
pressed calls and wishes, and was every time greeted 
with tremendous cheering. 

It was a noticeable fact that two thirds of the crowds 
were women, and as the cheers burst upon the ears of 
the Duke, he could not have failed to observe the 
mingling of the tender voices of the fair Michigan- 
deresses with the coarser strains of the sterner Mich- 
iganders. 

The train arrived in Chicago about half-past eight 
o'clock, and stopped at a designated point on Park 
Row, directly on the shore of Lake Michigan. On ac- 
count of an uncertainty as to where the train would 
actually stop, there was not a crowd of more than two 
or three thousand persons present when the Duke 
alighted from the cars, but they were enthusiastic and 
demonstrative. 

There was a much larger number assembled at the 
Twenty-second Street temporary station. They were 
very much disappointed as the train whizzed by them. 

Just outside the city the train was stopped to take on 
General Sheridan and a few other gentlemen, who met 



CHICAGO. 129 

the party in order to act as escort to the Duke into 
Chicago. 

Upon arriving at Park Row the visitors took carriages 
and drove immediately to the Tremont House, which 
is to be made the headquarters of the Ducal party dur- 
ing its sojourn in the city. 

In spite of the fire and kindred embarrassments, the 
proprietors of the late elegant and fastidious Tremont 
have fitted up most superb apartments for the Duke 
in their temporary quarters, and the Imperial visitor 
exclaimed at once that he was " very agreeably sur- 
prised " at them. 

There was considerable of a crowd at the hotel when 
the Grand Duke arrived, and large numbers lingered 
around there all day in hopes of getting a glimpse of 
him. 

While the corridors and sidewalks were thronged, 
the Russian tourist was out with a city official of Chi- 
cago, walking through the mud and slush and rain of 
the burned district in thp vicinity of Lake, Clark, and 
Randolph streets. No one knew him, and he had a fi:*ee 
and unmolested time of it. 

At a late hour in the afternoon he went out in a car- 
riage and viewed the ruins in other parts of the city, 
but this time he was recognized, and followed by an 
army of vehicles and pedestrians. He was absent only 
about an hour before twilight interfered, and he was 
obliged to postpone until to-morrow, his resolve to wit- 
ness the scene and desolation caused by the greatest 
conflagration of modem times. 

17 



130 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

CIVIC HOSPITALITY — THE MAYOR'S SPEECH. 

Mayor Medill is at the head of a committee formed 
to show the Ducal party hospitality and attention. 
Upon their arrival in his presence, the Mayor welcomed 
Alexis in a very clever speech. After tendering him 
and his friends such hospitalities as was in his power to 
furnish, he went on as follows : — 

We regret that we cannot be oommensurate with oar feelings and 
desire. We beg you, therefore, to overlook any deficiency of enter- 
tainment and accept the will for the deed. We have been reduced 
almost to a pioneer condition by a blast of flame. The story of the 
fearful misfortune tliat recently overwhelmed our fair dty, you have 
heard. It is too sad and terrible to repeat ; but the visible evidences 
are spread out around you for miles, and their appalling magnitude 
will be shown your Imperial Highness before your departure. Chi- 
cago was ravaged by fire as was the capital of your country sixty 
years ago, and must exhibit to your eyes many of the scenes and ap« 
pearances observed by your grand-uncle after the terrible conflagration. 
In this plight your Imperial Highness finds us. The most we have to 
show you is an undiscouraged, resolute, enterprising people, toiling 
among the ruins of their homes and property, and boldly battling with 
the wintry elements to rebuild their habitations and places of business. 
Had your visit been a few months sooner, we could have received you 
in a style not only fitting your rank and station, but in consonance 
with the high esteem in which we hold the Czar, your father, who 
befriended this nation in the hour of its need, by holding back the 
threatened intervention of other European powers from which we 
had a right to expect better things. The gratitude of Republican 
America will ever be due to the Emperor of Russia for the firm 
friendship evinced at that crisis of our nation's history. But your 
Imperial &ther has other claims upon the good-will of Americans. 
His great act of emancipation whereby he elevated twenty-five mill- 
ions of serfe to the rank of freemen, challenges our admiration and 
secures to his name immortality. Greece produced Alexander the 
Great, but Russia has produced a greater Alexander. The one was 
great only in striking down people, while the other exhibits his great- 
ness in raising them up. As the son of such a &ther, as well as for 



CHICAGO. 131 

your manliness and character, the people of Chicago extend to you 
the right hand of firiendship. They will endeavor to make your stay 
with them as pleasant and agreeable as circumstances will permit. 
And afler having seen Chicago in her desolation and affliction, we 
should be pleased to obtain your promise to return again, during our 
national centennial jubilee four years hence, to witness the transforma- 
tion that labor, enterprise, and resolution shall have wrought in the 
city. In that brief period every trace of the late disaster will then be 
effaced. The streets will again be adorned with lofty and magnificent 
palaces of conunerce and exchange, her temples of science and art will 
be rebuilt more beautiful than before. The shops of industry and the 
dwellings of her citizens will be vastly multiplied, and strangers and 
traders will fill her luxurious hostelries and throng her busy streets in 
greater crowds than before the fire. Chicago has been severely singed 
and scorched, but her vitality is untouched. She still wields her bus- 
iness sceptre as the Queen of the Lakes, the Metropolis of the North- 
west, the focus of railroads, the nation's storehouse for bread and meat, 
and the prairies' depot for lumber, iron, and merchandise. Once more 
I welcome you to Chicago, and tender you the freedom of the city. 

THE DUKE'S REPLY. 

His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke replied as 
follows : — 

I thank you, Mr. Mayor, for this kind greeting to Chicago. It 
gives me great pleasure to visit a city of which I have heard so much 
and so favorably. I sympathize deeply with you in the great misfor- 
tune which your beautiful metropolis has suffered. You have passed 
through a conflagration without parallel in the world's history, but 
permit me to predict that the energy which raised you to the height 
of your former prosperity, still abides in youi' citizens, and will help 
to make your future greater than your past. Again I thank you for 
this hearty welcome. 

Advancing then to the Mayor, Alexis asked the 
meaning of the allusion to the centennial contained in 
his address. He was told that the allusion was to the 
country, and not to the city. In four years from this 
time the United States would celebrate its one hun- 



132 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

dredth birthday, while the city is not yet forty years 
old. 

Chicago, Januctry 1, 1872. 

The Grand Duke has found the hearts and hospital- 
ity of the Western men to be as large as the vast 
prairies themselves. Nothing that could contribute to 
the pleasure and interest of a foreign visitor has been 
concealed from him, and he has retired to-night with 
an enlarged and confused idea of the resources, energy 
and indomitable will and manifest destiny of a com- 
munity so suddenly and recently reduced from afflu- 
ence and luxury, to comparative poverty. 

Of all the various sections of the country which the 
distinguished Imperial tourist has visited, he has prob- 
ably been in no city which has afforded him such an 
idea of the courage and pluck of the real Americans as 
has the Phoenix City of Chicago. All the incidental 
luxuries of the hotels in New York and the East, he 
has found in abundance and splendor here, and the 
same cordial and hearty manifestations of the people in 
other cities have been fully duplicated in the great 
metropolis of the West. The Duke's visit was, no 
doubt, made doubly interesting on accoimt of the 
advent of the New Year, for New Year's has always 
been as much of a festival in Chicago as in New York. 
Nearly all business was suspended, except by the la- 
borers engaged in rebuilding the burned district, and 
consequently the majority of the people had an ample 
opportunity to turn out and witness and honor the Im- 
perial visitor who had come among them. How uni- 
versally this opportunity was improved it is impossible 
to describe. 

In the morning the streets in the immediate vicinity 



CHICAGO. 133 

were thronged with eager multitudes, and as the hour 
announced for his leaving the house approached, the 
crowd was momentarily increased. The morning pa- 
pers had intimated that the Duke would leave his 
apartments at half-past ten, but it was full an hour later 
than this before he came out The people lingered, 
however, in spite of a chilly atmosphere, and when the 
Imperial naval scion at length showed himseli^ the hur- 
rahing and cheering commenced in lively earnest. 

A complete tour of the burnt district was first made, 
and a few of the many harrowing and thrilling inci- 
dents of the great conflagration were detailed to the 
Ducal party by the Chicago gentlemen accompan3dng 
them. The ruins of the Court House, City Hall, the 
mammoth Pacific Hotel, and a few other public build- 
ings, held the party for some time. The Duke fre- 
quently alighted from his carriage, and lingered in re- 
flection over the vast and desolating scene which met 
his gaze. On every side, for miles in each direction, 
there was nothing but a forest of blackened chimneys, 
heaps of brick and rubbish, and here and there still 
smouldering embers of the remnants of one of the 
wealthiest and thriftiest cities on the American Conti- 
nent The scene was indeed one to cause reflection 
and inspire not only sympathy for the suflering com- 
munity, but to excite admiration as well for the cheer- 
ful energy which the people had manifested so soon 
after their misfortune. Wherever he went workmen 
were busily engaged in clearing away the dibris, and 
in not a few instances he witnessed the rapidly rising 
walls of new structures upon a foundation still hot and 
smoking from the fire of nearly two months ago. 

The route taken by the party from the Tremont 



134 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

House was north on Michigan Avenue to River Street, 
thence west on River and South Water Streets to Mar- 
ket^ thence south to Madison Street, thence east to 
Lasalle Street^ thence north to Washington Street^ 
thence east to Wabash* Avenue, thence south to 
Twelfth Street, thence east to Michigan Avenue, thence 
south to Sixteenth Street, thence east to Prairie Ave- 
nue, thence south to Twentieth Street, thence east to 
Calumet Avenue, thence south to Twenty-second 
Street, thence east to South Park Avenue, thence south 
to Twenty-sixth Street, thence west to Michigan Ave- 
nue, thence south to Thirty-first Street, thence east to 
the renowned Chicago University, where the Duke and 
his friends spent a very entertaining hour. The huge 
telescope, said to be the most powerful in the world, 
was brought to bear on the country surrounding, and 
probably if it had not been for the intervening ranges 
of mountains, the Imperial visitor might have distinctly 
observed what was going on in his far-off home in Rus- 
sia. From the University the journey was continued 
through Thirty-first Street (south). Park Avenue, the 
Boulevards, Egan Avenue, and thence to the renowned 
stock-yards of Chicago. Considerable time was spent 
here in viewing the various departments, and gathering 
an intelligent idea of all the details connected with the 
great cattle mart of the world. A large pork-packing 
establishment was also visited, and during the brief 
sojourn there were several hundred porkers slaugh- 
tered by machinery. They were brought alive, de- 
prived of the vital spark, scalded, cut up and packed, 
at the average rate of about ten or twelve per min- 
ute. The thorough and expeditious manner in which 
the work was done excited wonder among those un- 



WAUKEGAN. 185 

used to the manner in which the stock business is 
carried on in the West 

Subsequently to the visit to this establishment the 
party made a short stop at the Transit House, where a 
comfortable lunch was served. The Hotel was not 
reached until half-past five, but for more than an hour 
before, a large and curious crowd wa^ in waiting. 

Waukegan, hi., Janttary 2. 

The Grand Duke Alexis passed through Waukegan 
this afternoon, at quarter past three o'clock, on a spe- 
cial Pullman train, en route for the City of Milwaukee. 
A salute of thirteen guns was fired at the station, and 
about four hundred persons were assembled there to 
welcome His Imperial Highness. The greatest enthu- 
siasm prevailed, which was reciprocated by the Grand 
Duke, who seems much pleased with his Western tour. 

WISCONSIN. 

Milwaukee, Janucary 2, 1872. 

The Grand Duke Alexis had a tremendously enthu- 
siastic reception upon his arrival here this evening. 
For nearly a month the citizens had been full of an- 
ticipations and preparations for his coming, and when 
the Imperial lion actually made his advent among 
them their joy and enthusiasm knew no bounds of 
restraint. The welcome awarded was, however, only 
characteristic of the noble and hospitable people of 
the Great Northwest The distinguished visitor has 
had but few receptions since he came to this coimtry 
equal to that in Wisconsin, and it is in keeping with 
truth to say that even the imposing demonstrations in 
New York, Boston, and other eastern cities, did not 



136 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

surpass the one here to-night in splendor and enthu- 
siasm. The whole day and evening has been a con- 
tinued ovation in honor of the Duke, all the way 
from Chicago. When he left the latter city this after- 
noon^ his departure attracted about as much atten- 
tion as his arrival, and along the route between the 
two cities were successive demonstrations of the most 
hearty description. Flags were flying at many of the 
stations, salutes were fired, and the citizens of the va- 
rious cities and towns were gathered by thousands to 
see and cheer the Russian visitor as he passed by. 

The train arrived here at about five o'clock, and 
there were not less than twenty thousand people as- 
sembled in and around the West Water Street station. 
A military escort and a band of music added pomp 
and splendor to the display, and the scene, when the 
Duke stepped from the train, may well be described 
as one of very hearty enthusiasm. Among the thou- 
sands assembled were very many of the Duke's own 
countrymen, and the cheers and shouts of welcome, 
given in their native tongue, were very pleasing and 
affecting to the Imperial guests. The party took 
carriages and drove immediately to their apartments 
at the Plankinton House. The distance was half a 
mile or over, and the streets from beginning to end 
were one mass of humanity. Darkness had just 
shrouded the city, and many along the line travelled 
by the visitors in reaching the hotel, had illuminated 
their dwellings and places of business, and numerous 
transparencies, banners, and mottoes of welcome were 
also displayed. 

The scene around the hotel when the Imperial car^ 
riage arrived was very lively and exciting. If there 




MILWAUKEE. 137 

were twenty thousand people at the station, there 
were not less than sixty thousand assembled in Spring 
Street, opposite the Plankinton. The fair sex were 
out in larger numbers than the masculines, and the 
feminine eagerness to get a glimpse of a Russian 
naval officer was by far the most conspicuous. The 
military escort had to fairly push the crowd back at 
the point of the bayonet to make a passage way for 
the Duke to gain access to his reception room. Not 
only the streets, but the hotel and all its halls and 
corridors were full of humanity, and the stentorian 
voices and the mammoth clubs of the police were as 
nothing compared to ttieir desire to see and cheer 
Alexis. Only the sharp-pointed bayonets of the Wis- 
consin Volunteers were eflfectual, and even these were 
resisted for awhile. Finally, just the smallest crevice 
in the world was opened, and the hero of the day fol- 
lowed in the wake of a Committee of Escort to his 
rooms. The scene at this particular moment was 
exceedingly lively and exciting; the crowd outside 
cheered and the crowd inside cheered, and the bunting 
and elaborate decorations which depended from every 
niche, comer, and wall of the lower story of the Plank- 
inton seemed to wave in unison with the thunderings 
of applause. The Duke acknowledged all these com- 
pliments in his free and graceful manner, and in as- 
cending the staircase paused almost involuntarily to 
witness the elaborate decorations of the hotel, which 
had been prepared in honor of his visit Wherever 
he gazed the edifice was most gorgeously festooned, 
and here and there were numerous mottoes of wel- 
come, in a language which few but himself and his 
immediate party could fully comprehend, 

18 



138 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

SPEECHKS OF GOVERNOR WASHBURN AND THE MAYOR. 

The guests were met in the hotel by a committee 
of Milwaukee citizens, headed by Governor Washburn, 
and Mayor Ludington, and upon the Duke being intro- 
duced the customary formal speeches of welcome were 
made. The Mayor, as the representative of the city, 
gave a cordial welcome to His Imperial Highness and 
offered him the freedom of Milwaukee as long as he 
cared to remain here. The Duke smiled at the rough 
but hearty welcome, and simply said that he had no 
doubt his visit here would be a pleasant one. When 
it came to his turn. Governor Washburn said that 
he had only been Governor about twenty-four hours, 
and he felt it a great pleasure and privilege to know 
that almost his first act was to welcome to the State 
the son of the Russian Emperor. The Grand Duke 
thanked the Governor for the kindly manner in which 
he had been received by himself and the people of 
Wisconsin, and concluded by assuring His Excellency 
that of all the welcomes extended him since he left 
his native clime, none had caused more profound grat- 
itude than the one he had met at the hands of the 
people of Wisconsin. 

A GRAND BANQUET IN mS HONOR 

This evening the Duke is the guest of citizens of 
Milwaukee at a grand banquet at the Plankinton. 
Between two and three hundred of the representa- 
tive men of the city are present The scene is brill- 
iant and dazzling and a fitting occasion to pay a hand- 
some compliment to not only a representative of a 
friendly nation, but to a gentleman who has merited 
and won respect all over the country. The dining 



MILWAUKEE. 139 

hall is most elaborately decorated with Russian and 
American flags and other designs, and the tables are 
heavily laden with the rarest and choicest of every- 
thing. The Governor and the Mayor are at the 
head of the table, and on either side of them are the 
Duke and Admiral Possiet, Mr. BodLsco, and others 
of the suite. At the late hour which this report 
closes, the proper time for the feast of reason and 
flow of soul has not arrived, but it is likely that be- 
fore the distinguished company separates there will 
be some very clever speeches around the board, 
after which the guests and hosts will gather slum- 
ber in order to prepare them for the city sights to- 
morrow, and the grand ball to-morrow evening. 

Milwaukee, January 3, 1872. 

The Grand Duke and his friends had a very lively 
and agreeable time of it at the Milwaukee banquet 
last evening. Both guests and hosts lingered long 
over the viands and wines of the table ; but the feast 
of reason and flow of soul, as it is sometimes termed, 
was a great deal more prolonged. The speeches, 
however, were all short, but there were a great many 
of thenL Some were full of eloquence, a few sparkled 
with wit, occasionally there was a labored and studied 
eflfort, but not among the whole lot was there one of 
those dull, heavy, and uninteresting orators usually 
found at American banquets. The presence of the 
distinguished guest inspired every man, and the vari- 
ous remarks of the evening were in commendable 
keeping with the hearty demonstration of the people 
when the Duke passed from the railway station to his 
hotel. Senator Carpenter was among the first called 



140 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

upon to set the feast in motion. The sentiment which 
brought him out was ^The President of the United 
States," and after he had paid a handsome tribute to 
that well-known official, the honorable gentleman said 
a great many good words for the distinguished guest 
of the evening. His social journey through the coun- 
try, he hoped, was an indication of the continued good 
feeling existing on the part of Russia. They met 
their guest simply as a man, not as an official repre- 
sentative of the Russian government, but as the son 
of the executive and head of a great nation, which 
felt and showed us warm sympathy in the greatest 
of our national trials. In this strain the Senator was 
powerfully eloquent The touching friendship be 
tween the two nations, he said, may become a deeply 
cherished and hereditary principle, and two great na- 
tions, like America and Russia, may walk hand in 
hand through the brilliant career before them, and the 
blessing and brotherhood of peace reach countless gen- 
erations. 

Alexis was visibly touched by the tender words of 
Senator Carpenter. A few strains from the band 
intervened, however, and gave the Imperial guest an 
opportunity to prepare for the response to the senti- 
ment in honor of himself, which was substantially to 
the effect that the son of his father was welcome to 
Milwaukee. Alexis responded in a clear and ringing 
voice and said : — 

Gentlemen : I thank you for the very kind manner in which 
you have drunk my health. Like many travellers in your country 
I have been greatly impressed with the intelligence of the people. 
The further I go the more I see to deepen this impression. I hope 
the prosperity of Milwaukee may be as lasting as her growth was 
<{uick. I propose *•" The prosperity of Milwaukee." 



MILWAUKEE. 141 

When the Duke resumed his seat there was the 
most intense and prolonged enthusiasm. Cheer after 
cheer went up, and it seemed as if the very roof of 
the Plankinton would tumble down with the echo. 

Admiral Possiet, in responding for the Russian navy, 
made one of the briefest and most telling speeches of 
the evening : — 

^ I have," he said, ^ during my naval career had many opportunities 
for meeting American men-of-war all over the world. I have never 
failed to find them men-of-war in every sense of the word, and sail- 
ors who would do credit to any flag. During this visit I have seen 
your great rivers and extended lines of railroads, and since I have 
seen the extent of your lakes I am convinced that, no matter how 
small the navy of the United States may be she will always be 
strong on the sea. I beg to propose ' The Navy of the United 
States,' and to join with it ' The prosperity of the merchant fleets 
on her internal high seas. 



* n 



Consul-General Bodisco was called out by the presi- 
dent of the evening, much against his will, but he 
finally responded : — 

''I am not down on the programme," he said, ''but having lis- 
tened to the speeches in favor of Russia, and the applause with which 
they have been received, I think it my duty as a Russian officer to 
say a few words. Although Russia has parted with her last foot of 
soil in this country, you have still a Russian American among you. 
I have lived in this country for some years. I have been in Cali- 
fornia by way of the isthmus, but now I am in the West for the first 
time. The saying is true, ' Westward the star of empire takes its 
way.' I have found it so. 

"• In Russia it is eastward that the star of empire takes its way, and 
the two nations will soon shake hands across Behring Strait I am 
unprepared with a toast, but will offer the goodly company here 
assembled ' His Excellency, William F. Machin.' " 

The Imperial Councillor was also brought out He 
came to time as follows : — 



142 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

** We have heard a great deal of the sympathy between Russia and 
America. That this feeling does exist His Imperial Highness has 
had proofs in every town he has visited since he set his foot on 
American soil, and nowhere has this been more strongly manife.^ted 
than at Milwaukee. We have also heard something of the similarity 
between the two nations. That in some respects they do resemble 
each other I am willing to admit, though in many points it must 
be confessed they are totally dissimilar. America, for instance, 
is a nation of orators, which Russia is not ; but we may hope that 
the liberal institutions which have been introduced by His Majesty 
the Emperor Alexander, will lead to the practice of oratory in Rus- 
sia; and I trust that the ' lessons we have learned in America,' will 
not be entirely thrown away upon us. But as we have not yet 
learned how to speak we are obliged to throw ourselves upon your 
indulgence. Judging from what I have seen and from what I have 
heard this evening I think I may conclude that the company here 
present represents the intelligence of the State of Wisconsin, and of 
tlie city of Milwaukee." 

The other speakers of the midnight festival were 
numerous. Among them were Governor Washburn, 
Mayor Ludington, Ex-Governor Fairchild, Ex-Senator 
DooUttle, and many others, all of whom were liberally 
inspired with eloquence. The following is an extract 
from the speech of Ex-Senator DooUttle : — 

'* What is the secret of that sympathy and friendship between 
Russia and the United States, which all the world sees, respects, 
and sometimes even fears ! In a few words I can state a part of it. 
They are both great powers, — great in their past, great iu their 
present, and to be greater in the future. They are both young. 
There are men living who have seen all the years of our Republic : 
and Russia, though a thousand years old, is still young. They are 
growing powers. We know and feel our coming destiny in this new 
world. But the same necessities which, in Jefierson's time, de- 
manded the purchase of Louisiana to control the mouth of the Mis- 
sissippi, so that our commerce could flow as free as its waters to the 
sea, are laid also upon Russia, and must control its policy. Sixty, 
seventy, a hundred millions of civilized people cannot hold free com- 



MILWAUKEE. 143 

merdal intercourse with the rest of the world through the frozen sea, 
which for eight months in the year is closed by ice. They must and 
they will have other outlets. They look beyond the Black Sea 
toward the Mediterranean, and they look eastward toward the Pa- 
cific, and, sir, they will go there. [Great cheering.] And they 
ought to go there. The interests of humanity and of free trade with 
all mankind demand it, and it will come. In this the United States 
sympathize with Russia. [Great cheering.] 

^ But there are other grounds of sympathy. Russia was our friend 
when we needed friends. During the darkest hour of our late strug- 
gle, when Napoleon and Palmerston were ready to acknowledge the 
independence of the South, and to break our blockade, Russia said, 
' No, gentlemen ; hands off. The great republic is my friend, and 
shall have fair play.' [Tremendous cheering.] 

^ But, beyond this, there are special reasons for sympathy growing 
out of the great reforms in the interest of freedom and humanity, 
which the present Emperor has inaugurated and is carrying into 
effect We speak, sometimes boastingly, of our act of emancipation ; 
of our giving freedom to four million slaves. Let me remind you the 
Emperor Alexander, in 1861, before our act of emancipation took 
place, set free twenty-three million serfs. Our emancipation came in 
blood. -His came in peace. And, when the nobles and a majority 
of his council, upon the question of giving the serfs liberty with or 
without lauds, were stoutly opposed to giving them land, the Emperor 
overruled them. He gave them ' liberty with land.' He gave them 
freedom and he gave them homes. [Cheers.] He introduced an- 
other great reform into the army. He abolished flogging. He 
opened schools, and the avenues of promotion to the common soldier. 
[Cheers.] He introduced another great reform into the universities 
by which the students are no longer to be uniformed and armed, as 
the special ' servants of the Czar,' but are to remain civilians, — a 
part of the people, and subject to the common law of the empire. 
The last reform I will mention now, the greatest perhaps, next to 
the act of emancipation, he has introduced in the administration of 
justice. It is what all true Americans and Englishmen feel to be 
the bulwark of civil liberty, — the right of trial by jury. 

^ These are some of the great measures of the present Emperor, 
which have placed him in the front rank of the benefactors of man- 
kind. When we consider that large as our own country b, Russia 
is nearly twice as large ; that upon the bosom of that vast domain. 



144 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

stretching from Central Europe to the Behring Sea, the Mongol, the 
Mussulman, the Jew, the Christian, the Greek, the Catholic, and 
the Protestant, with all their varying habits and creeds, traditions, 
languages, and races, meet and mingle in one empire, under the do- 
minion of one man, we begin to realize the responsibility that rests 
upon the Emperor of all the Russios ; and when we call to mind the 
great and liberal reforms undertaken and carried out by him, and 
that the measure of every nation's greatness is its progress in a given 
time, we must look upon Alexander 11. as among the greatest, if not 
the greatest man of his time. His heart must be imbued with the 
spirit, while his foot keeps step with the progress of the age. 
[Cheers.] 

** Mr. President, I have thus, in a few words, told a part of that 
secret, and given the reason why the people of the United States 
look with such friendly sentiments upon Russia and upon its present 
Emperor, Alexander, and these are the reasons why everywhere 
they now extend such a joyous and heartfelt welcome to our distin- 
guished guest, in himself a noble representative of Russia, and of 
his own great father. [Long and continued cheering.] 

To-day the Ducal partj^ has done the city. A drive 
was had through the principal streets, and brief stops 
made at one of the largest grain elevators in the city^ 
and also at the National Soldiers' Home. The visit to 
the latter place was very entertaining. The guest was 
shown through the various apartments by the officer 
in charge, and, after a tour of the institution, the vet- 
erans, some six hundred in number, indulged in a series 
of army and other popular songs, much to the gratifi- 
cation of Alexis and others of the party. 

GRAND BALL m HONOR OF THE DUKE. 

This evening the Duke is present at a grand ball 
given in his honor in the spacious dining hall of the 
Newhall House. The assemblage is a most brilliant 
one, and is made up of the iUte of Wisconsin society. 
His Imperial Highness was in the first dance, with 



ST. LOUIS. 145 

Miss Washburn, daughter of Goveruor Washburn, for 
a partner. The festivities will be continued until a 
late hour before they terminate. 

Chicago, January 5, 1872. 

The Grand Duke arrived in this city yesterday at 
one o'clock fh)m Milwaukee. In the evening he held 
a reception, at which a large number of people were 
present, and left this morning by special train for St. 
Louis. Previous to his departure, he handed to the 
Mayor five thousand dollars for the benefit of the 
poor of Chicago. 

MISSOURI. 

St. Louis, January 6, 1872. 

People began to gather at the Southern Hotel long 
before twelve o'clock, the time set for the reception 
of the Duke by the Mayor and our city officials. Po- 
licemen were stationed at the head of the grand stair- 
case, and none were allowed to pass up excepting 
those who held tickets, and the members of the press. 
Notwithstanding this precaution, the corridor into 
which the main parlor opened was well filled with 
those of our citizens who were anxious to obtain a 
sight of the Grand Duke Alexis, whose coming has 
been preceded by such favorable reports regarding 
his persona] appearance, his pleasant, engaging man- 
ners, and his good sense. 

A wide space along the corridor was cleared, the 
people gave way about the door, and the Duke and 
his party, escorted by members of the reception com- 
mittee, entered the room. 

His Honor Mayor Brown delivered an address, of 
which the following is the closing part : — 

19 



146 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

There has long existed great friendliness and cordiality between 
your government and ours, and we trust such will always be main- 
tained. And we especially desire to express to you our recognition 
of, and sincere thanks for, kindnesses shown by your august father 
to some of our citizens while in your country. Some of these gen- 
tlemen are now present, and hope to have the opportunity of show- 
ing you in some slight manner, at least, their appreciation of this 
flattering attention from the Czar of all the Russias. 

We are pleased to find that you were not satisfied with visiting 
merely the capital of our nation, but that you have penetrated to its 
centre, and intend visiting its western border, and thus have an 
opportunity of seeing our whole country and people. 

Our city we believe is yet in its infancy, though containing prob- 
ably four hundred thousand souls ; and as the country (I might say 
continent) lying west of us is as yet spiu^ely settled, it is fair to pre- 
sume that as that grows our city will grow; and if the last fifty 
years be taken as a guide to forecast the future, we shall have here 
one of the largest cities on this continent. 

We will feel great pleasure in showing you our public buildings 
and institutions, our iron and other manufactories, and the stupen- 
dous bridge across the Mississippi, now in course of construction, 
and aught else that will be likely to interest or please you. On 
Monday evening we anticipate the pleasure of your company and 
that of your suite, to an entertainment given in your honor, and 
where many of our people expect the pleasure of meeting you. 

Trusting that your stay with us may be pleasant and interesting, 
as we greatly desire it shall be, again, in the name of the people 
of St Louis, we welcome you to our city. 

RESPONSE OF THE GRAND DUKE. 

Messrs. Mayor and Gentlemen : I have come West with par- 
ticular pleasure, wishing to see as much as I can of the sources ftom 
which the great wealth of your country will in the future be derived. 
I shall be happy to avail myself of your kind invitation to visit your 
public buildings, your important manu&ctories, and that remarkable 
bridge which is to unite the East with the West, now divided by the 
waters of the Mississippi. 

At the close of the speech of the Grand Duke he 



ST. LOUIS. 147 

was vociferously cheered, after the manner of Amer 
icans, and especially Westerners. 

The speech of the Duke was delivered in a very 
clear and distinct manner, and with but little foreign 
accent; indeed the party, without exception, speak 
English, as well as several other languages, fluently. 

MOVEMENTS OF THE DUCAL PARTY. 

The Grand Duke, accompanied by Lieutenant Tu- 
deer, was out walking about the city this morning. 
They succeeded in preserving their incognito, and con- 
sequently had an unobstructed view of such public 
buildings and streets as they visited. At two o'clock, 
or a little later, the party entered carriages at the 
Fifth Street side of the hotel, accompanied mainly by 
the committee-men who went with them to the recep- 
tion parlor, with the intention of taking a drive of 
about one and a half hours. It was not designated 
before starting what places of interest would be 
visited. 

To-night the Duke and his companions will visit 
the Olympic Theatre, where seats have been reserved 
for them, and also for a sufficient number of commit- 
tee-men. 

After the address of welcome this morning, and 
when the Russian gentlemen had regained their apart- 
ments, a deputation of Creek Indians who are here 
en route to Washington, attended by an agent, entered 
one of the parlors and requested a presentation. Ar- 
rangements were made to indulge them. 



148 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

St. Louis, Mo., January 8, 1872. 

St Louis has had abundance of excitement and en- 
thusiasm to-day in honoring and lionizing the Grand 
Duke Alexis. For many days the whole community 
of this great southwestern metropolis has been indulg- 
ing in happy anticipations of the Imperial visit, and it 
is now gratifying to record a full realization of all their 
expected pleasure. Probably there never was a guest 
in the city who hiis been more cordially received and 
more hospitably entertained. All classes of people are 
united in honoring him, and the indications are that 
from the moment of the arrival of the illustrious Rus- 
sian up to the moment of his departure there will be 
an uninterrupted round of festivities. 

Early this morning eager crowds began to assemble 
in the halls and corridors of the Southern Hotel. The 
merchants of the city, knowing of the intended visit of 
the Duke to the Merchants' Exchange, had assembled, 
with many ladies, previous to the arrival of the multi- 
tude, and when the distinguished visitor appeared 
there was the most tumultuous and prolonged cheer- 
ing. Half an hour or more was spent in introduc- 
tions and social conversation, after which the party left 
and took a ride around the city. 

A GRAND BALL AT THE SOUTHERN HOTEL. 

The crowning event of the whole day and of the 
whole visit to St. Louis was a grand ball held in the 
Southern this evening. The decorations were numer- 
ous all over the house, and the spacious dining-room 
where the terpsichorean festivities were held, was most 
elaborately ornamented with -flags, bunting, evergreens, 
Und everything else pleasing to the senses of sight and 



ST. LOUIS. 149 

smell. The company assembled was most brilliant, and 
the dresses and toilettes of the ladies were elegant. 
The Governor and numerous State officials. Mayor 
Brown and the entire City Council were there ; also a 
brilliant array of army officers from the United States 
arsenal, and other distinguished gentlemen. The en- 
trance of the Duke into the brilliant dancing hall was 
a signal for a sensation. A few moments of social in- 
tercourse, a series of introductions, a promenade around 
the hall, and then the dancing commenced. The Duke 
was foremost in all of the sets up to the hour of mid- 
nighty and he will probably mingle in the festivities 
until the small hours of morning. 

January 10. 

The Southern yesterday wore a " day after the 
party" aspect, which was plainly discernible on its 
floors, covered with shreds of dresses and bits of laces, 
in its yawning waiters, and in its tired and listless 
guests. Late breakfasts were popular. The Grand 
Duke took his cofiee late. After he had finished it he 
started out for a walk with Lieutenant Tudeer. They 
walked up Fourth Street some distance and down 
through the business portion of the city, and then 
making a detour through Lucas Place, returned to the 
hotel. 

The day was spent in rest and quiet. No visitors 
were admitted, and none will be, diu'ing the stay of 
the party in St. Louis. The Committee of Reception 
having cordially performed all the functions of their 
office, have, with good sense, decided to withhold their 
services for the present. They have left, however, a 
carte blanche with the genial Admiral for a requisition 
upon them whenever they can add to the pleasure of 
His Imperial Highness or any of his suite. 



160 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

The notorious " Buffalo Bill," who has obtained a 
national reputation for his daring and adventures on 
the Plains, called on the Duke on Monday, and was 
very graciously received. He proflFered his services as 
a leader and scout for the party during the proposed 
bufialo hunt. Alexis treated him right royally, and 
presented him with a bottle of " fire-water " on leaving. 
He declined, however, to make any engagement with 
him. He referred him to General Sheridan, who has 
in charge all the arrangements for the expedition. 

Soon after dinner in the evening the Duke went to 
the theatre in company with Admiral Possiet and Coun- 
cillor Machin. The party passed quietly through the 
hall, and hurrying across the street to avoid the curious 
hangers-on, entered the Olympic. No announcement 
had been made of their coming, and but few in the 
audience were aware of their presence. They occupied 
the right hand box, and, in order to escape observation, 
took seats as far back from the front as possible. They 
left at the close of the third act, and, as they passed 
through the dress circle, were greeted with a round of 
applause, which Alexis acknowledged with a pleased 
smile and a slight bow. 

As the Duke has expressed a great deal of interest 
in our public school system, an invitation was extended 
to him yesterday to visit one of the schools. Admiral 
Possiet conditionally accepted the invitation, and offered 
to fix, if possible, upon an hour convenient to the party. 
It has not been determined which school will be vis- 
ited. 

St. Louis, January 11, 1872. 

The Duke was permitted to pass his time yester- 
day in a quiet and eminently sensible manner. The 



ST. LOUIS. 151 

halls and corridors of the hotel were thronged to a 
greater extent than usual, and more than the custom- 
ary number of young ladies gossipped and promenaded 
in the parlors, but beyond this there was nothing to 
indicate the presence of the distinguished visitor. 

He walked out accompanied by Lieutenant Tudeer, 
and both picked their way up and down the main 
streets through the slush of melting snow, and the 
lakes and ponds formed at every crossing. 

Shortly before five o'clock the Duke and Lieutenant 
Tudeer went out to drive. The appearance of the wait- 
ing carriage at the ladies' entrance, the same one that 
the Duke has employed during his pleasantly pro- 
tracted stay in the city, attracted a crowd of lookers- 
on about the doorway. Alexis, smoking a cigarette, 
ran the gauntlet, and springing into a carriage, was 
driven leisurely away in the direction of Chouteau 
Avenue. 

In the evening the Duke attended the Home Circle. 
It was the third assembly of the seventh series, and 
was a more than usually brilliant gathering. The home 
circles, as many of our readers are aware, are parties 
given by a social club, organized in the most careful 
manner. Five parties are given at the Southern Hotel 
during the winter, and only members are admitted to 
a participation in the festivities. The special attraction 
of last evening, the presence of the Duke, caused a 
rush on the officers of the club for permits for admis- 
sion, extravagant sums in several cases being offered, 
but none were granted save to regularly constituted 
members. 

Usually the assemblies are held in the ladies' ordi- 
nary, but on this occasion the main salon was used. Its 



152 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

beautiful decorations had been permitted to remain 
from the grand ball of Monday evening, and the hand- 
somely woven devices, the elaborate designs and pro- 
fuse display of bunting, with the mottoes, the statues, 
and, above all, the flag-canopied trysting^place at the 
head of the room, converted the large apartment into 
one of unusual attractiveness. 

The company was large and fashionable. The cos- 
tumes in many instances were more elaborate, and the 
party itself had more of life and beauty about it, than 
that of Monday evening. 

To-day at twelve o'clock, Alexis will bid St Louis, 
for a while only, good-by. He has made a host of 
friends by his frank, open, manly, and modest bearing, 
and his departure will be sincerely regretted. 

NEBRASKA. 

THE BUFFALO HUNT. 

Omaha, January 12, 1872. 

The Grand Duke Alexis and suite arrived at Council 
Bluffs at ten o'clock this morning by a special train 
over the St. Joseph road. Long before the train was 
transferred over the ice, about two thousand persons 
had congregated at the Union Pacific station, among 
them several classes of school children, accompanied 
by their respective teachers. The approach of the 
royal train was greeted with loud and continuous 
cheers from the crowd. General Sheridan, who claims 
the Duke as his guest from this place hence, accom- 
panied by Generals Ord and Palmer with their sta£&, 
and the Citizens' Committee, consisting of Acting Mayor 
Allen, Ex-Mayor Willard, and Governor Saunders, were 
there presented to the Duke, and extended to him a 
cordial welcome. 



OMAHA. 153 

The party then stepped upon the platform and pro- 
ceeded to the carriages in waiting. Alexis was escorted 
to a carriage to which four magnificent iron-gray horses 
were attached. He was accompanied by General Sher- 
idan, Governor Saunders, and Acting Mayor Allen. The 
rest of the company and the military took other car- 
riages, and the whole drove to the Union Pacific bridge, 
which is now nearly completed. After viewing this 
stupendous structure they went up Farnham Street to 
the new Grand Central Hotel, thence to Capitol Ave- 
nue, to the high school building. 

The Duke was then driven to Governor Saunders' 
elegant mansion on Capitol Hill, where a splendid din- 
ner was served. After dinner the doors were thrown 
open to the public, and a general reception and hand- 
shaking of the Duke followed. 

The party then took carriages and went to the 
station, where they embarked for the great buffalo 
hunt. The train for the West consisted of five Pull- 
man cars, two sleeping carriages, two parlor carriages, 
and one hotel dining car; the engine being draped 
with the American and Russian flags. The train left 
at three, p. m. 

The Duke expressed himself very favorably im- 
pressed with Omaha and its people, and while the re- 
ception was less formal than previous ones tendered 
him on this Continent, he enjoyed the hospitalities 
with the greatest freedom. 

A special schedule has been prepared for the Impe- 
rial train, containing the names of stations from here to 
Port McPherson, which place will be reached at about 
daylight The hunting camps have been established 
on Willow Creek, forty miles south of Fort McPherson, 

20 



154 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

where they will meet the notorious " Buffalo Bfll " and 
other old hunters, also "Spotted Tail" and a large 
party of Indians, who will accompany them on the 
hunt 

Twenty wagon loads of provisions have been pro- 
vided for distribution among the red men after the 
hunt is over, on the condition that during the hunt 
they will be good Indians. 

The party will be escorted by two companies of cav- 
alry, in command of General Palmer ; also by the Sec- 
ond cavalry band. The saddle horses to be used for 
the hunt have already been taken to the camps. 

North Platte, Neb., January 18, 1872. 

Toung Alexis, the Grand Duke of Russia, is now 
happy out here on the almost boundless plains of the 
West For several days to come he will enjoy pleas- 
ing seclusion, and indulge in the unrestrained sport of 
hunting and sla3dng the noble buffalo in untold num- 
bers. 

In company with his suite the Duke arrived here in 
his special train at six o'clock this morning, accompa- 
nied by General Sheridan and sta£^ who took a nm up 
as far as Omaha yesterday to meet the Imperial party. 
The time from three o'clock yesterday afternoon imtil 
this morning, was spent on the rail between the eastern 
terminus of the Union Pacific and this place. A most 
superb banquet was prepared on the train, and the rep- 
resentatives of the Imperial navy and of the United 
States army and their friends, had a very lively and 
agreeable time of it as the Pullman cars were hurled 
across the Plains. It was long after midnight before 
the company sought rest in the luxurious sleeping 




ON THE PLAINS. 155 

carriages; but they arose, nevertheless, bright and 
early this morning, each and every one anxious for the 
journey to the hunting grounds which Sheridan had 
selected. The three or four hundred rustic inhabitants 
who form the settlement were all out in the gray twi- 
light of morning to see and welcome the Imperial vis- 
itor. Their reception, however, was unlike those which 
the people of the East or Central West had awarded. 
There was no crowding, no cheers, no excitement, but 
a sort of reverential curiosity. 

As the Duke alighted from the train the rustic na- 
tives of North Platte formed in line along the plat- 
form, and involuntarily and simultaneously removed 
their hats in honor of the distinguished visitors. 
General Sheridan was master of ceremonies, and he 
was determined that not a moment should be lost 
in starting for the camp, fifly miles distant across the 
Plains. 

He had arranged with the genial and daring Buf- 
falo Bill to act as guide, and this renowned scout was 
promptly on hand and in his element. He was seated 
on a spanking charger, and with his long hair and 
spangled buckskin suit he appeared in his true char- 
acter of one feared and beloved by all for miles around. 
White men and the barbarous Indians are alike moved 
by his presence, and none of them dare do aught in 
word or deed contrary to the rules of law and civiliza- 
tion. 

A substantial breakfast had been partaken on the 
train, and there was nothing now to be done but to 
bundle into the ambulance wagons and start out for 
the camping grounds. There were half a dozen am- 
bulances and a single baggage wagon provided for 



156 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

the party. The Duke and General Sheridan bad a 
vehicle a trifle superior to the ordinary ambulance, 
and it was drawn by four very nobby steeds, while 
the other conveyances were propelled by mule power. 
Besides the Duke and his suite and General Sheri- 
dan, there were several officers of the General's staff. 
These military gentlemen occupied places in the ambu- 
lances with the Russian visitors, and entertained them 
as they passed through the couptry, with thrilling rem- 
iniscences of their life and adventures on the Plains. 
The supple and attentive Bill was in the saddle in ad- 
vance of all, and on either side of the Ducal vehicle 
were half a dozen mounted cavalry officers. At ex- 
actly a quarter past eight General Sheridan gave the 
word to move, and Buffalo Bill advanced on a gal- 
loping steed, followed closely by the Duke's and the 
other conveyances. 

The weather at the moment of departure was far 
from promising; the air seemed to be full of snow, and 
every element indicated one of the storms for which 
these vast plains are noted. All felt it possible and 
probable that the storm would soon burst upon them ; 
but not a man dared utter a word of fear, and thus it 
was they left the railroad station for a fifty mile ride 
into the interior of the country. A couple of miles 
from North Platte station the tourists and hunters were 
met by a company of the Second cavalry, which acted 
as escort to the hunting grounds, under command of 
General Palmer, commander of the forces at Omaha. 
No delay was permitted here — simply a salute of 
honor — and the journey was resumed. Red Willow 
Creek, the camping ground and general rendezvous, 
was reached after about eight hours' ride. There were 



ON THE PLAINS. 157 

no incidents of any moment along the route. Some 
stray buffaloes were seen, and His Imperial Highness 
brought down and wounded a few of them. Sioux 
Indians were also met, but they were full of joy and 
enthusiasm, and the Duke kindly acknowledged their 
demonstrations. Upon arrival at the camp everything 
was found in most comfortable order, and Greneral 
Sheridan immediately assigned the several guests to 
their various tents and . apartments. The quarters of 
the Duke and General Sheridan and their friends con- 
sisted of two hospital and a half dozen wall tents. 
Those of the guests and host are elegantly carpeted, 
and the others are also furnished with a degree of com- 
fort and elegance rarely found out here on the wild 
plains of Nebraska. For the attendants of the Ducal 
party and the military escort, there are some thirty or 
forty superior wall tents. The arrangements of the 
camp, in brief, are complete, not to say luxurious, when 
the bleak season and the remote and wild section of 
the country are considered. Besides the cavalry escort 
there are two mounted companies here to guard the 
Imperial tourist and sportsmen. 

Camp Alexis, Bed Willow Creek, Neb., January 14, 1872. 

After a dash of thirty miles on horseback over the 
Western prairie. His Imperial Highness the Grand 
Duke Alexis and the whole distinguished hunting 
party have returned to camp, bringing their trophies 
and their honors with them. The Grand Duke has 
shown himself to be a thorough and successful sports- 
man. He ha^ been looking forward to this occasion 
with special interest, and his anticipations have thus 
far been fully realized. 



158 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

More sporty however, awaits him. To-morrow is to be 
the grand chase, in which all are impatient to partici- 
pate, and which, with the Grand Duke and Sheridan 
and Custer in full gallop at the head, followed by the 
other guests who compose this Imperial hunting party, 
as well as by Spotted Tail, Pawnee Killer, Red Leaf, 
Whistler, and other less celebrated chiefe, with their 
bands of ambitious Indian braves, will constitute a 
scene such as never has been witnessed on these broad, 
unbroken prairies. 

Afler we left the railroad station at North Platte 
yesterday morning for the boundaries of the Red Wil- 
low, where we are now encamped, we made a swift 
and splendid run over the frozen prairies to this place, 
with no road to mark the way, but with Buffalo Bill 
as a guide. 

^ Buffalo Bill " is a famous Western scout, employed 
by Sheridan for Indian service, and one who is efficient 
and reliable. Bill is about thirty years of age, and is 
over six feet in height. He has a pleasing face and 
fine address, and would have been prominent in other 
walks of life had not circumstances made him famous 
as a Western hunter. As he dashed out from the rail- 
road station he was followed closely by the Grand 
Duke and General Sheridan in an open wagon, drawn 
by four powerful horses, which carried the two distin- 
guished representatives of two powerful nations, at a 
fearful rate of speed over tlie rugged prairies. The re- 
mainder of the party, in army ambulances, kept hard 
after Sheridan and Alexis, and all had an excellent op- 
portunity of appreciating to some extent^ the style of 
travelling here in the days of the old overland stage- 
coaches, before the Continent was spanned with iron 



ON THE PLAINS. 159 

rails and princes and generals and other people of high 
degree came out in palace cars to go sporting on the 
Plaina 

A halt was made at the Medicine River^ where 
horses were changed^ and a light lunch was speedily 
dispatched. Soon, however, when we resumed our run, 
the speed with which we were proceeding produced 
such effects as broken springs and spokeless wheels. 
Our course was a little southwest, and the distance 
over fifly miles. Just before the sun had sunk below 
the distant hills, and as we ascended some rising 
ground, we came in full view of a splendid military 
camp. The Stars and Stripes were seen flying fix>m 
a towering flagstaff on a broad plateau on the bank of 
Eed Willow Creek. A cheer arose from every mem- 
ber of our party as this scene burst upon our sight 
A few moments more and the band of the Second 
United States cavalry was playing the Russian hymn, 
while Sheridan assisted to alight the honored guest of 
this magnificent camp, which bears his Imperial name. 
It was not long before most of the remainder of the 
party had alighted and formed a picturesque group 
around «ie bla.mg, bright fire, which was bumbg in 
the centro of the camp as we came in. A few of the 
party were missing, however, and nearly an hour 
passed and they were missing stilL Their wagon had 
broken down five miles from hero, and the only way 
they could get here was to tramp through the snow. 
This, however, sharpened their appetite for the splen- 
did dinner which was announced just as they arrived. 

This Camp Alexis embraces about four acres of 
groimd, and is situated on a low grassy plateau, from 
which the snow has been removed, at the junction of 



160 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

the Red Willow with one of its small but now frozen 
tributaries. Two companies of United States cavalry, 
E and K of the Second regiment, are located here for 
the purposes of this Grand Ducal buffalo hunt The 
camp faces south, and looks out on Red Willow Creek. 
Twelve new wall tents, fitted up with all camp con- 
veniences, are arranged in a line for the accommoda- 
tion of the guests. The dining-room of our camp is 
formed out of two large tents, and is very handsomely 
festooned inside with flagh;. A sumptuous banquet was 
presented before the guests, after all had reached the 
ground, last evening. The meal included different 
varieties of game to be found on the Western prairies. 
Choice wines were served with the different courses. 
After dinner some songs were sung and yams spun 
over the blazing camp fire, and one by one the mem- 
bers of the party retired to their tents to sleep, per- 
chance to dream of the expected buffalo hunt on the 
morrow. Spotted Tail and his Indians had received 
notice to come up, and interpreters were sent off to 
hurry them. 

The splendid sunset of the previous evening was 
quite surpassed by the brilliant coloring of the clouds 
that hung over the horizon at dawn of the succeeding 
morning. The sun, however, soon dispelled the float- 
ing vapors, and the sky presented nothing but the sun 
itself in an unbroken field of blue. The weather here 
is wonderful for this season of the year ; the day has 
been warm and beautiful. Overcoats have been quite 
unnecessary, and some who brought them found them 
cumbersome. 

Very early in the morning Bufialo Bill went out 
to see what the prospects were. Before ten o'clock he 



ON THE PLAINS. 161 

returned with tidings that about fifteen miles distant 
there was a herd of buffaloes browsing on the grass be- 
tween the Red Willow and the Medicine. This was 
pleasing news to the Grand Duke and all the other 
sportsmen. Orders were given at once to make the 
necessary preparations to follow and to find them. 

Accordingly, soon after breakfast, the hunters in our 
party, armed to the teeth, were snugly in their saddles. 
General Sheridan, being slightly indisposed, did not 
come out with us in the morning, but we found in 
Custer, to whom was assigned the duty of the initia- 
tion of His Imperial Highness into the mysteries of 
buffalo hunting, the most dashing cavalry officer in 
the service, next to General Sheridan. 

The Grand Duke's hunting dress was very appropri- 
ate and simple. It consisted of jacket and trowsers of 
heavy gray cloth, trimmed with green, the buttons 
bearing the Imperial Russian coat-of-anns ; he wore 
his boots outside his trowsers ; his cap was an Austra- 
lian turban, with cloth top. 

General Custer appeared in his well-known frontier 
buckskin hunting costume, and if, instead of the com- 
ical seal-skin hat he wore, he had feathers fastened in 
his flowing hair, he would have pa^ed at a distance 
for a great Indian chief Buffalo Bill's dress was 
something similar to Custer's. 

When the three started off from camp together, the 
Duke, Custer, and " Bill" — all large and powerful, and 
all hardy hunters — they attracted the attention and 
admiration of every one. 

The face of the country was very much broken up, 
and the snow in some spots was eighteen inches deep. 
The Grand Duke availed himself of Custer's experi- 

21 



162 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

ence, asked many queRtions, and practiced running and 
shooting at imaginary bufialoes as he went ^ Bill " 
led us up and down and round ravines and over roll- 
ing lands — and sometimes within sight of howling 
wolves — a distance of nearly fifteen miles, when, just 
as we galloped up a rugged slope, we came close upon 
part of the herd that we had seen. 

The Duke and Custer charged together, but what 
seemed singular to the himters, the buffaloes did not 
run ; they stood at bay, as if they had been expecting 
the Imperial party, and as if to say ^ Come on ; ** but 
Custer charged through an open space and scattered 
them. He kept his eye close on a big bull that was 
waiting " to go for " the Grand Duke. Alexis, how- 
ever, rode close up to the animal and put a couple of 
pistol shots in him, when he started down the ravine, 
the Duke and Custer after him. Another pop from the 
pistol and he fell, when a shot from a rifle finished 
him. 

It was now getting late in the afternoon, and by 
unanimous consent it was concluded that we had bet- 
ter gallop back to camp before dark, and leave the 
larger herd beyond for the next day's sport In the 
best of spirits we now tiumed our horses' heads toward 
our camp on the Red Willow Creek. As we came 
within sight of it, just at sundown, we announced our 
return and our success in Indian style, with yells, which 
were responded to from camp. 

During our absence Spotted Tail with his braves 
had come hi from Blackwood and camped on the other 
side of Red Willow Creek close to our own. They will 
accompany us on our hunt to-morrow. There was 
some hard riding during the day, and the ground was 



ON THE PLAINS, 163 

slippery and rough. Take it altogether we have had 
satisfactory sport to-day and no serious accidents. We 
hope for no worse luck to-morrow. 

Camp Alrxis, Rbd Willow Creek, Neb., January 15, 1872. 

After a day's exciting sport we have returned to 
our comfortable camp on the banks of the Red Willow, 
well rewarded with game aud flushed with victory. 
When the party were mounted this morning, and the 
grand cavalcade was ready to move forward, an enter- 
prising photographer, who had arrived in camp, took 
a picture of it as it stood with the Grand Duke, Gen- 
eral Sheridan, and General Custer at the head, followed 
by the remainder of the Imperial suite, the officers 
and soldiers, and the great Indian Chief Spotted Tail 
and his band of experienced warriors. There had 
been a heavy frost during the night, so that the 
ground was well fros^n, but the weather overhead was 
fair, and the day was beautiful 

Nearly all the members of the Grand Duke's suite 
joined in the hunt to-day; but, much to his regret, 
Admiral Possiet was detained in camp to answer de- 
spatches he had received from the Emperor. We 
started off in a southeasterly direction, over rougher 
ground and deeper snow than we had travelled over 
yesterday. 

General Sheridan took us straight across the coun- 
try, regardless of everything save the shortest route 
to reach the buffaloes. Sheridan and the other army 
officers were dressed in their army uniform, the Grand 
Duke wearing his hunting dress as he did yesterday. 
Buffalo Bill went ahead, under orders from Sheri- 
dan, to strike the herd we had lefl undisturbed when 
we returned to camp last evening. 



1G4 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

Hardly a halt was made for fifteen miles, when, aa 
we were passing through one of the nigged canons, 
General Custer, who was then in the advance, discov- 
ered a herd of buffaloes. He gave no alarm, but rode 
back to the Grand Duke and Sheridan, and gave the 
Indian sign that game was near, by riding in a circle. 
The Grand Duke and Sheridan advanced and dis- 
mounted — a proceeding that was followed by all the 
other members of the party. 

The horses' girths were tightened, curbs and bits 
examined, fire-arms loaded, and all immediately moved 
forward. Sheridan gave orders that only the Grand 
Duke and Custer should ride in advance of himself 
stating that he would ride at the head of the column 
until the Grand Duke should have selected his first 
buffalo. The formation of the ground was such, and 
so stealthy was our approach, that we were enabled to 
get within a short distance of the buffaloes before they 
noticed us. The canon was a long and widening one, 
with broken sides and high hills on either side, and 
formed a magnificent arena. 

Turning a corner in the caSon, the herd was now 
in sight, and clapping spurs to their horses they 
dashed amongst them before the astonished animals 
knew that any enemies were near. 

A cow was singled out to show to the Grand Duke 
how fleet of foot the females are, and the speed and 
skill essential to overtake and kill them. The animal 
chosen from among the rest was a full grown one, in 
splendid condition, and wearing a beautiful winter coat 
As soon as she espied them she started off at full 
speed, the Duke and Custer after her. Finding her- 
self hard pursued she ran up a steep acclivity on the 



ON THE PLAINS. 165 

right side of the canon, and gaining a footing on the 
slope, kept along the narrow ledge, while the Duke 
and Custer followed in a line along the bottom of the 
canon. 

Seeing the configuration of the canon and the im- 
minent danger involved in the pursuit, Count Olson- 
fieff called to the Duke in tones of caution ; but the 
game had been chosen, the Imperial blood was up, and 
Alexis heeded not, if he heard, the well-meant words 
of warning- The chase was most exciting, and the 
Grand Duke, exhibiting an enthusiasm and daring 
which the most experienced western hunter could not 
have surpassed, pursued his chosen game until she 
turned upon him. Describing a semi-circle with his 
horse, he dashed to the other side of her, and, taking 
a deliberate aim, discharged the contents of his re- 
volver into her fore shoulder, instantly killing her. No 
halt was made, however, for her calf kept running 
along on the other side of the gully, parallel with the 
canon. Coming within pistol shot, Alexis fired and 
wounded the brave little bull ; but though the blood 
was streaming from the wound he did not fall. Here 
a snow-drifl intervened, and, jumping it, and getting 
on the ledge beyond, whence there was no more room 
to run, the wounded animal came to bay. The Grand 
Duke fired one more shot, and down fell the animal, 
dead, into the snow. Those of the party who had fol- 
lowed on behind soon came up and congratulated His 
Imperial Highness upon the splendid success he had 
acquired so early in the day. 

After killing the calf, the Grand Duke returned 
down the canon, pausing to glance at the cow which 
he had killed. She had a magnificent head, and hand- 



166 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

some horns. The Grand Duke expressed his admira- 
tion of them, and said he would take them to Russia as 
a trophy of this morning's sport Accordingly, the tail 
and head of the cow were afterwards secured and 
taken into camp. The calf was carried in entire, and 
we are to have some of the beef for breakfast in the 
morning, before we leave the Red Willow to return to 
the North Platte, 

As we were ascending the acclivity to the ^ divide,** 
we met a courier from General Sheridan with a mes- 
sage announcing that another herd had been seen on 
the highlands in the distance, and he had hfdted his 
column and given orders that the herd should not be 
disturbed until the Duke arrived. The Duke dashed 
ahead, accompanied by Custer and myself, and in a 
very few moments we were once more by Sheridan's 
side. The whole party now moved forward, but, dis- 
covering the movements, the herd ran off. Another 
canon had to be crossed before gaining the plateau, 
where we could follow in pursuit Upon ascending the 
plateau nothing but the vast expanse of broken coun- 
try could be seen ahead, as the herd had disappeared. 

A halt was called ; the trail of the lost animals must 
be found. Custer went off in one direction and Buf- 
falo Bill in another ; but, to expedite the matter, they 
were called back, and Spotted Tail, with his band of 
chosen buffalo hunters, w^as brought to the front, and 
while our party paused, the Indians, headed by their 
celebrated chief, all mounted on fleet horses and carry- 
ing their bows and arrows, responded in silence to the 
signs, and dashed off to find the trail the herd had lefl. 
It was not long before they halted, and Spotted Tail 
motioned us to approach. He had found them in 



ON THE PLAINS. 167 

another canon, where they had sought safety by dis- 
appearing from our sight 

The original intention of affording the Grand Duke 
an opportunity to charge this herd was now abandoned, 
owing to the lateness of the hour, the roughness of the 
ground, and the chance which was now presented to 
have him witness from the heights the native Indian 
method of killing buffaloes with the bow and arrow. 

The party paused and formed into a group, while 
the Tndians were sent off to hunt and charge the herd 
down the broken sides of the bluff on which we stood. 
On dashed Spotted Tail and his braves. For many 
minutes they were lost to sight; but presently the 
herd was seen emerging from the head of the canon 
up the slope on the other side, with the Indians in hot 
and close pursuit Reaching the summit of the steep 
ascent, Spotted Tail and his chosen Sioux, with a wild 
whoop, charged into the midst of the fleeing herd, and 
with unerring aim let fly the feathered arrows from 
their bows. It was then that the Imperial party were 
favored with a splendid view of a scene that few white 
men, who have lived many years upon the plains, have 
ever witnessed. It was difficult to decide which to ad- 
mire the more, the skill of the Indian in managing 
his horse, or the rapidity and accuracy with which he 
let fly his feathered darts into the side of the doomed 
buffiklo. In some respects the scene resembled a charge 
of cavalry upon troops already routed and fleeing in 
disorder ; and the Duke was forcibly reminded of the 
riding of the Cossacks in his native country. The party 
remained wrapt in admiration of the scene until it grad- 
ually faded from our view. New interest, however, was 
awakened by the sudden appearance of a portion of 



168 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

the herd which had been turned by the Indians in the 
charge, and coming towards us rushed down the slope 
of the caiion on the other side. We started down to 
meet them, but as we advanced we came successively 
to obstacles which retarded our progress and were all 
but insurmountable. This gave an opportunity to the 
buffaloes to escape. Finally we succeeded in making 
the descent and crossed, the caiion ; but still more dif> 
ficult and dangerous obstacles met us on the other 
slope. The most fearless horsemen in the party, sur- 
veying the steep and slippery sides, were forced reluc- 
tantly to dismount and make the ascent on foot. 

After climbing to the summit we found that the herd 
which had been driven by the Indians, and the Indians 
themselves, had disappeared from sight While the 
Duke and Custer went ahead in search of some stray 
member of the disbanded herd, an Indian and an inter- 
preter met and told them the animals had fled and the 
country was too rugged to permit of pursuit 

Strewn all over the plateau as we rode along we 
came to dead buffaloes, which had been killed by Spot- 
ted Tail and his band. The Duke was anxious to ex- 
amine one of them more closely, in order to see the 
fatal wound an arrow made. The young warrior whom 
we met pointed to one which he himself had shot The 
Duke was astonished to find that the arrow had pene- 
trated clear through the body of the buffalo. This 
young warrior was but eighteen years of age, and this 
was the fourth animal he had shot and killed with ar- 
rows in the charge we had witnessed from the other 
side. 

The course of the arrow after it had passed through 
the body of the buffalo was traced by the blood upon 



ON THE PLAINS. 169 

the snow, and in accordance with the Indian custom to 
recover the darts after the game is killed, this success- 
ful Sioux searched until he found it He handed it to 
Custer, with the request that he would present it to 
the ^ Royal Chief" The Grand Duke accepted it with 
many thanks, saying that he would carry it back to his 
own country as another trophy of the hunt. An invi- 
tation was now extended to the warrior to visit the 
Duke in the camp, where a present will be given him 
as a reward for his exploits. It was impossible to col- 
lect all the trophies of the hunt. Dead buffaloes lay 
here and there on the " divide " and in the canons we 
had traversed. Those members of the party who en- 
tered actively into the spirit of the sport were rewarded 
with the satisfaction of getting the game they had gone 
out to hunt. 

The afternoon was now well spent, and we had yet 
nearly twenty miles to ride back to the borders of the 
Red Willow Creek. General Sheridan having come, it 
was decided that the party should return leisurely to 
camp, trusting to the chances of finding game in the 
direction of our homeward course. The Indians had 
by this time been collected by their Chief, and they 
joined us just as we started back. Small herds were 
seen in the distance at different points on either side 
along the route, but too far off for us to chase and 
shoot An ambulance had been sent after us in the 
morning with refreshments, and after we had ridden 
back five miles or so, we found it at the point previously 
indicated for a general rendezvous and halt. While the 
hungry hunters were eating the luncheon and drinking 
the champagne, a detachment was sent to get the calf 
and the head of the cow which the Grand Duke had 

22 



170 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

shot. After these had been secured, the cavalcade was 
reformed, and the whole party galloped over the fro- 
zen ground and through the snow-drifts back to camp. 
The sun had already set, and the darkness was gather- 
ing fast when the tents appeared in sight No loaded 
fire-arms have been allowed in camp, so now the Grand 
Duke and Sheridan, and all the party discharged their 
weapons in the air, which resounded with the reports. 
Responsive cheers came to us from the camp, and we 
dashed in, in the same order in which we had gone out 
Sheridan had taken us a ride of full ^^ forty miles," and 
every member of the Imperial party was glad to re- 
sign his seat in the saddle for his seat in the spacious 
dining tent 

Dinner was soon served, in the same sumptuous style, 
and relished quite as keenly as on the other days we 
had dined in this Imperial hunting camp. The Grand 
Duke was highly pleased with the sport, and was lavish 
in his expressions of delight Though he did not have 
an opportunity of seeing the immense herds of bu^ 
faloes which, especially in the autumn, run in thou- 
sands and darken the country for miles around, he had 
a chance to see an illustration of hunting on the rug- 
ged prairies of the West. 

THE INDIANS. 
Camp Alexis, Willow Crrek, Neb^ January \%, — Mornimo. 

Last night the Indian powwow took place in front 
of the Grand Duke Alexis' tent. 

First, General Sheridan sent for Spotted Tail, and 
presented to him a beautiful scarlet cloth cap, em- 
broidered with white beads ; a handsome brown cloth 
morning robe, trimmed with scarlet ; an elegant ivory- 



ON THE PLAINS. 171 

mounted hunting knife, and a general officer's belt, 
made of Russia leather, wrought with gilt. The de- 
lighted chief arrayed himself with these attractive 
looking articles, and presently appeared in the midst 
of his people, who surrounded and surveyed him with 
admiration. Spotted Tail was given to understand 
that these presents were not from the Great Father at 
Washington, but 'from Sheridan himseli^ as testimo- 
nials of esteem " from one chief to another." 

While the Imperial party were at dinner, prepara- 
tions were made for the great Indian war dance, to 
illustrate one of the curious customs of the red men. 
The Indians have a great variety of dances, each 
dance having its distinct significance. The one chosen 
for this occasion was the war dance. It consists chiefly 
in each warrior arising and recounting the history of 
his exploits, at the same time dancing in the circle 
formed by his hearers, and keeping time to the mo- 
notonous music of the musicians, who beat away on 
a kind of drum, while he extols himself in his native 
language. An immense log fire was built between 
the row of tents and the flag-pole in front of them. 
Meanwhile all the young warriors were busy in their 
lodge painting their faces afresh and decking them- 
selves with ornaments. 

The several bands of Sioux which Spotted Tail had 
collected, were camped near at hand, on the other side 
of Red Willow Creek, and the most successful of the 
warriors and several of the squaws came across to par- 
ticipate in and witness the Indian war dance. Lamps 
were hung about the flag-pole and arranged around 
the inside of the circle formed by the ^ chubs," the 
younger warriors and the spectators. The chiefs did 



172 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

not participate in the dance, their deeds being well 
known and acknowledged by the members of their 
respective bands, and, indeed, by all the tribe of which 
Spotted Tail is the controlling chief All the self-glo- 
rification was lefl to the less celebrated braves, who 
look forward to the succession as leaders of their 
bands. 

The Indians sat upon the grounS, the more noted 
ones in front, while near them sat the squaws. The 
glare of the blazing camp fires heightened the effect 
produced by the yellow and scarlet and carmine colors 
that were so conspicuous among those with which 
these dusky natives of the western wilds delight to 
stain their faces. Some of them were wrapped in 
blankets, some almost completely covered up with buf- 
falo robes, while others were dressed in all sorts of 
barbarous costumes. Some of them wore many kinds 
of curious trinkets. There were not nearly as many 
Indians as had been expected ; but there was a suffi- 
cient number to give the Imperial party a good idea 
of the characteristics of the race. There were repre- 
sentatives from all the bands that Spotted Tail could 
call in within the time appointed for the hunt Spot- 
ted Tail himself sat in a prominent place, and beside 
him was his wife and daughter. The dusky maiden 
was the object of marked attention on the part of 
some of the gallant young warriors from circles of our 
higher forms of civilization. Around the inside of the 
arena sat the lesser chiefs, heads of bands, Black Bear, 
Fiist Bear, Conquering Bear, Red Lea^ Two Strike, 
Little Wound, and Brave Shield, all of whom sat in 
silence and listened to the tales of their young warri- 
ors, who told of scalps secured and victories achieved. 



ON THE PLAINS. 173 

The Grand Duke and suite, with General Sheridan 
and staff, and all the other officers in camp, were pres- 
ent, and noted and commented on the incidents which 
attracted their attention as the braves described the 
wonderful deeds they had performed when on the 
war-path. At the conclusion of each recitation the 
squaws signified their approval, which was done in a 
shrill tone of voice. One of the interpreters stood 
near the Grand Duke and explained to him the sa- 
lient points in each red man's speech, and also an- 
swered all the questions which Alexis asked. His 
Imperial Highness was deeply interested in what 
transpired. 

One of the incidents of the evening was that in 
which the daughter of Spotted Tail took a silent but 
a prominent part. She is a modest maiden of some 
sixteen summers, and that she is comely is clear from 
the fact that some of the members of our party were 
evidently more interested in her than in the sanguin* 
ary stories of the warriors who were shouting and 
stamping in the circle. Several of her white admirers 
vied with the others in their efforts to secure some indi- 
cation from her that she regarded them with especial 
favor. At first she seemed to show the coyness char- 
acteristic of her sex, and if the rosy tints that bloomed 
so brightly on her cheeks were not natural, there are 
many maidens and married women among the ^^ pale 
faces," as the Indians call our people — ladies who 
adorn the highest circles of civilized life — who will 
appreciate Miss Spotted Tail's process for improving 
her complexion. Either they strive to civilize a sav- 
age custom, or she has attained proficiency in one of 
the fine arts of Christian civilization. Like some of 



174 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

her civilized sex she was not averse to admiration. 
Presents from her admirers soon began to flow in upon 
her. Some presented confectionery and fruits, and 
others such trinkets as they could procure at short 
notice. 

When the war dance was concluded, the presents 
brought by the Grand Duke for Spotted Tail and his 
subordinate chief were given. They consisted of a 
number of red and green blankets, colors so much 
admired by the Indians, and a large bag of silver dol- 
lars, to which General Sheridan added a number of 
other articles, including some handsome hunting- 
knives. Sheridan had also on the ground for Spotted 
Tail and his people three months supply of provisions 
ready for distribution in the morning, the condition 
being that they would continue to be good Indians. 
Spotted Tail, with his wife and daughter and the 
other chiefs, were then conducted into the Imperial 
dining-tent, where they were treated to luxuries which 
they have not been accustomed to. 

Miss Spotted Tail, after she had finished her supper^ 
gathered up the fragments and the food within reach 
of her, and, deliberately storing them in her blanket, 
took them away with her. The party were much 
amused at the way the chiefs conducted themselves at 
the table and enjoyed the champagne. 

In the mean time all the other Indians returned to 
their lodges on the other side of the Red Willow. 
The subordinate chiefs soon followed them, leaving 
Spotted Tail, who desired to confer with General Sher- 
idan concerning the interests of his people. A council 
was then held in the General's tent It was a sort of 
semi-official council. The Grand Duke and others of 



ON THE PLAINS. 175 

the Imperial party were present by invitation. The 
Duke reclined on Sheridan's bed, Custer sat on the 
table, Spotted Tail, with his wife and daughter, sat on 
Sheridan's baggage, and the others occupied the re- 
maining limited space lefl within the tent. In accord- 
ance with Indian usage, Spotted Tail fii*st took a 
smoke. When he had finished, he handed his pipe to 
his wife, and then, in a dignified and deliberate man- 
ner, arose, and, through the interpreter, addressed 
some sensible remarks to General Sheridan. 

Alluding first to the interesting occasion which had 
brought them all together, he expressed his gratifica- 
tion at being enabled to see the Grand Duke Alexis, 
the representative, he understood, of a mighty chief 
across the broad and angry water. He was glad to 
have had a hunt after the wild bufialo with him and 
with General Sheridan, the chief who represented here 
the Great Father whom he had met in Washington. 
He was very glad to meet all the officers and gentle- 
men who accompanied the Grand Duke and General 
Sheridan, because he desired to preserve peace and 
friendship with the white man, and when they met 
again he hoped it would be with the same good feel- 
ing which now prevailed among them. He had been 
to Washington to speak with the Great Father, and 
had promised him that he would always remain faith- 
ful to his treaties, and never more go on the war-path. 
This promise he had kept, but there were still two 
favors that he desired to ask ; that they were simple 
and reasonable would appear to the great chief whom 
he now addressed. First, he asked that he and his 
people might be allowed to hunt south of the River 
Platte, until their farms on the reservation could be 



176 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

cultivated to produce enough food for their support 
Second, he saw when he went to Washington that the 
white man was not compelled to trade at a single 
store or with one trader, but could go to any store ; 
and if one trader asked what seemed to be too high a 
price he could go and bargain with another ; but such 
was not the case with Spotted Tail and his people. 
The Great Father had only allowed them one trader 
on their reservation. This he did not think was right ; 
and in order to have some safety against extortion he 
requested that at least one more trader might be per- 
mitted on the reservation. If the Great Father would 
grant these simple and reasonable requests, the heart 
of Spotted Tail would be made glad, and joy would fill 
the bosoms of all his grateful people. 

General Sheridan in reply said to the interpreter, 
who translated the language into that of the Sioux 
Nation : — 

Say to Spotted Tail that he has made a very good speech to me ; a 
mach better one, I think, than I can make to him ; that I believe I 
fully comprehend the points he has made, and they are two. First, 
he wants permission to hunt south of the Platte until his farms can be 
made to produce sufficient to support his people ; and second, he wants 
more traders upon their reservation. Now, say to him that, while the 
control of the Indians does not come under my department, as he well 
knows, I appreciate the force and justice of his requests. So long as 
we are at peace with each other, I see no objection to his people hunt- 
ing buffaloes south of the river Platte. Should war at any time arise 
of course this privilege would be withdrawn. With reference to al- 
lowing him more traders I can only promise this : I am going to 
see the Great Father before many days, and I shall remember that 
speech and ask him to let Spotted Tail and his people have more 
traders. I am very glad to see him here ; I have great respect for 
him, because he has faithfully fulfilled his treaty obligations. It has 
given me great pleasure to have had him respond so promptly to the 
invitation to join in the hunt with the Grand Duke Alexis, who comes 



ON THE PLAINS. 177 

here from a far distant country, the son and representative of the 
great, if not the greatest of chiefe in Europe. If hereafter Spotted 
Tail should have any request to make that I can grant, consistently, 
I will remember his promptness on this occasion and do all I can for 
him. 

The deepest interest was shown by those who lis- 
tened to the speeches of Spotted Tail and the reply of 
Sheridan. 

After a social smoke the council was closed, and 
after shaking hands with the hardy huntsman and re- 
ceiving the personal thanks of the Grand Duke, Spot- 
ted Tail and his family returned to the village of his 
people across the creek. 

North Platte, Nebraska, January 16, 1872 — Evening. 

The Imperial hunting party took their final leave of 
Camp Alexis at an early hour this morning, and have 
returned to their special train on the Pacific Railroad. 
Before leaving the camp several photographs were 
taken by the enterprising artist. They will be inter- 
esting souvenirs, especially to the Imperial members of 
the party who participated in the hunting expedition 
with General Sheridan and His Imperial Highness. One 
large view was taken of the party as they sat at break- 
fast. Pictures were also made of the camp itself, and 
among the others which were taken by request of the 
Grand Duke were those of Buffalo Bill and Gen- 
eral Custer in his buckskin hunting dress. The band 
of the Second cavalry was on the ground and figured 
in the parting scene. All the members of the party 
bade adieu to General Palmer and the officers who 
remained behind to break up what many will long re- 
member as Camp Alexis. 

The Grand Duke thanked the Genersil most cordially 

23 



178 THR GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

for the complete success which had crowned the efforts 
of himself and his efficient officers to contribute to the 
comfort of the whole hunting party. 

When the Grand Duke and General Sheridan jumped 
into their open wagon, and the other members of the 
party took seats in the ambulances, the band struck 
up an appropriate air, and, with Buffalo Bill ahead 
again as guide, all dashed across the open country, 
headed northward toward the line of the Union Pacific 
Railroad. The return ride was not marked by any 
very unusual incidents. Some springs were broken, 
and one ambulance was upset, but, fortunately, nobody 
wa« hurt 

A halt was made at the Medicine River, twenty miles 
from the Red Willow, and luncheon was partaken o£ 
When the line of vehicles approached the Platte the 
Grand Duke and Sheridan dashed ahead and reached 
the railroad long before the rest of the party, the am- 
bulances being heavily loaded. 

Every one has now returned safely to the railroad 
track, and all are delighted with the experience of the 
last few days, as well as grateful that, while no serious 
accidents occurred to leave unpleasant memories in the 
minds of any one, everything happily conspired in con- 
tributing to the comfort of, and complete success as a 
whole, of the Grand Ducal hunting expedition. 

General Sheridan and the officers who have come 
here with him will accompany the Grand Duke and 
suite on to Denver, and then via the Kansas Pacific 
Railroad back to St. Louis. The special train will leave 
here late to-night, and is due at Denver to-morrow 
evening. 



DENVER. 179 

COLORADO. 
Dbmver, Colorado, ./anuary 17, 1872 — Evkning. 

Tlie Grand Ducal party arrived here at the capital 
city of Colorado this evening. They came directly 
through from North Platte, immediately after return- 
ing from the pleasures and excitements of the buffiilo 
hunt on the Plains, and were about nineteen hours on 
the rail. General Sheridan and staff, who accepted an 
earnest invitation of the Duke to accompany him 
around to St. Louis, augmented the party in numbers 
and contributed largely to relieve the tediousness of 
the journey. Although it was late at night when the 
Ducal train passed the small villages along the line 
of the Union Pacific, there were, nevertheless, large 
crowds to cheer the distinguished visitor. 

As the cars went by at Cheyenne, which was reached 
at about ten o'clock this forenoon, nearly the whole 
population was out to see and welcome Alexis, and 
when he appeared in sight in response to their calls 
he was most heartily cheered. Colonel King and the 
officers of the Ninth United States infantry also called 
upon His Imperial Highness and spent a few moments 
in social intercourse, and subsequently the passing vis- 
itor was tendered the compliment of a serenade by the 
band belonging to the regiment The party were also 
met here by Governor McCook, Ex-governor Evans, 
and several other members of the Territorial govern- 
ment, who acted as a committee of escort to this city. 

After about half an hour's detention at Che^'enue, 
the journey was resumed ; but before the train was 
fairly under way there occurred quite an exciting and 
almost serious accident. The train was backing up a 



180 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

" Y " track, when an imperfectly secured rail ^ spread 
up" and threw General Sheridan's and the Duke's 
drawing-room car from the track. The General's car 
was turned over almost on one side, and if it had 
gone four or five feet further would have been com- 
pletely capsized. Only the rear truck of the Ducal car 
was thrown ofi*, but the passengers inside were never- 
theless well shaken up and not a little alarmed. In 
General Sheridan's car the scene was even more excit- 
ing. The party were mostly standing at the time, and 
of course were thrown around in great confusion. Some 
one of the number managed to get a pull at the bell- 
rope, and the train was thus stopped in season to pre- 
vent what might have otherwise been a serious acci- 
dent. 

As it was, no one was injured, but all were fright- 
ened. The Duke's car was soon got upon the track 
again ; but General Sheridan's was in a worse condi- 
tion, and was not got upon the rails for several hours. 
The General insisted upon the Duke continuing his 
journey, promising to follow as soon as his car was in 
condition. The Ducal party therefore came on, and 
General Sheridan and his staff arrived here some four 
hours later. 

A large and enthusiastic crowd followed him with 
cheers to the American House, half a mile or more dis- 
tant. The evening was spent in quiet ; but to-morrow 
the distinguished visitor will be shown around the town 
by Governor McCook, and in the evening there will be 
a grand ball in his honor, at which all the distinguished 
citizens of this portion of Colorado will be present. 



DENVER. 181 

Denver, Colorado, January 18, 1872. 

Duke Alexk and General Sheridan have been most 
heartily entertained here to-day by the sturdy and hos- 
pitable mountaineers of the Colorado Territory. The 
Grand Duke of course has been the special object of 
attraction and honor. His reception has not embraced 
all the pomp and splendor of the ovations in the east- 
em cities ; but the demonstrations were, nevertheless, 
as hearty on the part of the people. The fatigue of a 
long railroad journey was not favorable for an early 
rise this morning, and it was considerably after the 
hour of noon before His Imperial Highness had finished 
breakfast The members of the Territorial Legislature 
now in session here, accompanied by Governor McCook, 
called early in the afternoon, and were presented to the 
Ducal tourist. Among them were several Mexicans, 
whose appearance and manners as contrasted with 
those of the unadulterated Anglo-Saxons, attracted the 
attention of Alexis and caused him to make several in- 
quiries concerning their abilities as representatives of 
their people. 

He conversed fireely and at considerable length with 
nearly every member of the legislative body. The 
ride around the city was one of rare pleasure. The 
weather was most charming, the atmosphere clear and 
bracing, and every other element of nature combined 
was favorable for a delightful view of the lofly Rocky 
Mountains, of which the Duke said he had read and 
heard so much. Proceeding a mile or two into the 
suburbs, Pike's Peak loomed up conspicuously in the 
south, and the party paused for a considerable time 
to view its lofly proportions. West Denver was also 
visited, and a short stop made at the extensive brew- 



182 THE GRAND DVKE ALEXIS. 

ery of the Denver Ale Company. The whole opera- 
tion of brewing was most minutely shown and de- 
scribed to the Grand Duke, and before leaving he 
refreshed himself with a draught or two of some of 
the choicest productions of the establishment The 
Holly Water Works were also visited, where it is 
presumed the distinguished visitor partook in judicious 
quantities of some of that beverage known as ^ Adam*s 
ale/' as well as a few other fluids, which were freely 
dispensed at a collation furnished after an inspection 
of the water works and the powerful machinery em- 
ployed to force the water into the city. 

THE BALL. 

As a fitting termination of the day's enjoyment^ 
there has been a grand ball this evening in honor of 
the Duke and General Sheridan. It was given in the 
dining hall of the American House, under the auspices 
of the Pioneer Club, an organization composed exclu- 
sively of the early settlers of Colorado and the Rocky 
Mountain territory. There were some two hundred 
couples present, and the occasion was of that jovial 
carnival nature peculiar to festive gatherings in this 
section of the country. The ball-room was not too 
elaborately decorated, but a single American and a siur 
gle Russian flag told the story that the guest of the 
evening was welcome. Among those present^ besides 
Alexis and General Sheridan and their immediate 
suites, were Governor McCook, Ex-governor Evans, and 
the various members of the Legislature. There was 
also a brilliant array of ladies, and their toilettes were in 
many instances very elegant and costly. The festiv- 
ities were continued until atler midnight, and there 
were few dances which the Duke failed to mingle in. 



DENVER. 183 

Dknvkr, Colorado, January 19, 1872. 

The channing and wonderful Clear Creek canon, 
which winds its way through the Rocky Mountains, 
has been the chief attraction to-day for the Duke 
Alexis and General Sheridan. Both the distinguished 
visitors and their accompan3nng suites and friends ac- 
cepted an invitation of the Colorado Central Railroad 
Company to visit the mines of the mountains, and left 
by a special train about noon. The journey by rail was 
terminated at Golden City, where the visitors were 
cordially received and entertained at the Golden Hotel. 
Some two hours having been thus spent in the now 
prosperous city, the party were conveyed in carriages 
up the canon for a distance of eight or ten miles. Ex- 
tensive mines at this point were inspected. 

The atmosphere was a trifle arctic in its nature, but 
none of the party would admit the fact On the con- 
trary, they all indulged in loud praises of the weather, 
and, with frostbitten ears and uncomfortable feet, in- 
sisted that the day was one of the most charming and 
inviting of the season. During the brief stay in the 
immediate neighborhood of the mines. General Sheri- 
dan and staff contributed to the amusement of the 
party with a few old army songs, and the Duke, and 
even the elder Russian tourists accompanying him, 
could not resist the temptation to join in the chorua 

The journey to and from the mines was through the 
most delightful portion of the Clear Creek cafion, and 
although the lofly peaks and towering ranges were but 
faint specimens of the highest grandeur of the rocky 
range, they were, nevertheless, sufficient to impart to 
His Imperial Highness an intelligent idea of the extent 
and eminence of the rocky cliffs which divide the At- 
lantic and Pacific. 



184 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

Several stops were made during the journey, to al- 
low the Duke to gaze in admiration on the enchanting 
scenes which surrounded him, and it was with reluc- 
tance that he consented to leave in season to pursue 
the return trip by daylight Several of the peaks 
which crown the lofty cliflfe were properly christened, 
and will hereafter be known as ^ Peak Alexis " and 
** Sheridan's Peak." 

The wonderful fertility of the gold, silver, and coal 
mines, was faithfully described to the observing Rus- 
sian tourist 

The party returned to Denver at about five o'clock 
this evening, and at ten left on the Kansas Pacific road 
for St. Louis. It is probable that brief stops will be 
made at Kit Carson, Topeka, Kansas City, and Jeffer- 
son City. 

Kit Carson, Colorado, January 21, 1872. 

During the last two days the Imperial visitor has inr 
dulged in all the hardships, excitements, and pleasing 
rewards of a daring frontier life, and as an amateur 
buffalo hunter he has distinguished himself in such a 
manner as to exite the admiration and wonder of the 
pioneer huntsmen of the whole buffalo country. The 
exciting hunt on the Nebraska Plains in the early part 
of the week dwindles into insignificance compared with 
the chases, uncertainties, and final triumphs of this last 
campaign. 

No preparations were made until yesterday, and the 
whole event was of an impromptu nature. While in 
Denver the idea was conceived of a brief cruise into 
the buffalo grounds in the neighborhood of Kit Car- 
son ; but the matter of obtaining sufficient horses and 
transportation facilities for the party was a serious one. 



THE COLORADO PLAINS. 185 

Orders were at once telegraphed, and the result was 
that upon the arrival here of the Ducal party every- 
thmg was in readiness. The choicest bufialo horses 
were selected, and, to use a Western phrase, the whole 
outfit was " almighty elegant" The grounds where 
the noble buffalo was to be foimd in all his national 
element, were some half a dozen miles distant from the 
railroad. Some of the party went out in the saddle, 
and others, less anxious to rough it, took seats in a 
comfortable ambulance. 

Experienced scouts who were in advance had inter- 
cepted the party within half an hour after leaving the 
cars and reported the presence of a small buffalo herd 
m the immediate vicinity. At this time the mounted 
hunters and those in ambulances were widely sepa- 
rated, and it was decided to wait until the latter came 
up before precipitating the attack. A junction of 
forces having been formed, General Sheridan suggested 
that only Alexis and General Custer should join in the 
hunt at this time, but that after the Duke had brought 
down his game the onslaught was to be universal. All 
agreed to this proposition. The approach to the herd 
was very favorable. The animals were grazing lazily 
in a valley, and the cautious huntsmen were almost 
upon them before they were discovered. Of course 
the natural instinct of the beast to run upon the ap- 
proach of humanity was indulged in, but the Duke 
and General Custer put spurs to their horses, and fol- 
lowed in hot pursuit. The horses were accustomed to 
the chase, and seemed inspired with as much enthusi- 
asm as their riders. They fairly flew through the air, 
and at length it was apparent that both the Duke and 
the experienced General had lost all control of them. 

24 



186 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

The race lasted for a mile or more, when the herd of 
buffaloes as well as the horses began to give up. The 
Duke gazed with admiration upon a huge and 'sprightly 
bull which mingled in the herd, and, as soon as he 
came within range, he opened fire with his revolver, 
and followed it up with the skill and rapidity of a vetr 
eran huntsman. 

General Sheridan, who had intended to remain in 
the rear as a spectator, could not resist the temptations 
of the exciting sport, and he at once headed his horse 
for the Ducal party, and soon became an interested par- 
ticipator. It was now that the real, lively sport com- 
menced. The trio poured a shower of bullets into the 
ranks and flanks of the noble buffaloes. The experi- 
ences were becoming unusually exciting for even such 
veteran sportsmen as Sheridan and Custer. Unlike the 
sluggard animals of the Nebraska Plains, these were 
disposed to make a desperate effort for escape. 

The Duke, full of enthusiasm and excitement, put 
spurs to his steed and followed on, with Custer and 
Sheridan close behind. The Duke all the while kept 
his eye on the mammoth bull which he had first fixed 
upon, and when he came within range a second time 
he gave him the contents of half a dozen barrels. This 
seemed only to enrage the old fellow, as he did not ap- 
pear to be injured in the slightest, but evidently cher- 
ished an ill feeling toward the distinguished Russian. 
He looked him full in the face, pawed the earth for a 
moment, and then made a furious charge for His Im- 
perial Highness. Alexis now had an opportunity to 
distinguish himself, and he improved it His superior 
horsemanship was very useful, and barely saved him 
from a fate which an amateur of ordinary skill would 



THE COLORADO PLAINS. 187 

have been likely to have suffered. The wounded buf- 
falo^ finding that he could not harm his antagonist, re- 
sumed his hasty retreat, and waa as closely pursued 
by the Russian sportsman. He put the spurs to his 
horse most vigorously, and when he had come again 
within range drew his revolver, but in the midst of 
haste and excitement it slipped from his grasp and fell 
to the ground. No time was to be lost to recover the 
weapon, and General Sheridan, having witnessed the 
accident, rode up alongside the Duke and passed him 
his, and it was then but a moment before the buffalo 
was brought down. Those who had witnessed the 
whole exciting scene were now wild with excitement 
and enthusiasm, and gave vent to their feelings with 
loud and repeated cheers. The Duke himself was es- 
pecially delighted with his triumph, and indulged in 
many an exclamation of joy. The head of the slaugh- 
tered animal was decapitated and will be preserved and 
taken to Russia as one of the trophies of the Colorado 
Plains. 

During the successful pursuit and fight of the Duke 
with the particular beast which he had selected, the 
other members of the party charged upon the balance 
of the herd and succeeded in slaying a dozen or more. 
While surveying the scene of triumph, one of the 
guides rode up and reported a large herd qf buffaloes 
some two miles distant, and a forward movement was 
at once made. On the way a couple of large bulls 
were found isolated from the others, and the Duke and 
General Custer went for one of them and the balance 
of the party for the other. 

After a brief and lively gallop, Alexis was within pis- 
tol shot of the fated animal, who, with a few well di- 



188 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

rected shote; was soon dispatched. Further along the 
large herd reported was overtaken. The Duke and 
General Custer took the lead, and were followed 
closely by the rest. As soon as the leaders charged, 
the herd scattered, but the huntsmen followed in hot 
pursuit, and the chase became at once lively and ex- 
citing beyond description. 

For over two miles the Duke and the General pur- 
sued the flying herd. As soon as the Duke reached the 
rear of the drove, he sent a fatal bullet through the first 
bufiyo that was within range of his pistol, and a mo- 
ment or two later dispatched another that came in his 
way. The fleeing herd was fresh, and the horses ex- 
hausted, and as it appeared useless to continue the 
pursuit, the party rested and lunched for an hour, and 
then prepared to return to the Kit Carson station. On 
the way a single bu£falo was observed, and the whole 
party went for him. He saw that he was being over- 
taken, and turned at once upon his pursuers, very sin- 
gularly selecting the Grand Duke as the special object 
of his revenge. He eyed him with an anger and de- 
termination somewhat serious to behold, and finally 
turned upon Alexis and charged with a fierceness that 
showed he was battling for dear life. The Grand Duke 
and his experienced horse were equal to the emergency, 
and although they dodged the infuriated animal every 
time, the escapes were sufficiently narrow for even 
a Bufialo Bill to boast of Finally, General Custer 
came to the rescue, and, by diverting the attention of 
the animal, the Duke got a dozen or more broadside 
shots into his carcass, and then dismounted and finished 
his tenacious life with a rifle. It was now getting late 
in the day. The party had their fill of buf&lo sports. 



TOPEKA. 189 

and the journey in the direction of the town was again 
resumed and pursued to the end without interruption. 
Numerous herds were seen along the road, but none of 
them were molested. The Duke brought down five 
bufialoes altogether, and retained the tail of each as 
trophies of the day's sport 



KANSAS. 

ToPEKA, January 22, 1872. 

The Grand Duke and his friends had a very gay and 
festive time of it on the road between Kit Carson and 
this place. They left yesterday forenoon in their spe- 
cial Pullman train, and jogged along so leisurely as to 
not reach Topeka until nearly noon to-day. The trip 
was one of the pleasantest railroad journeys that His 
Imperial Highness has had since he commenced his 
American tour. 

The bufiklo-hunting experiences of the day before 
were substantially repeated for nearly the whole length 
of the road. Vast and numerous herds were seen, and 
of course the temptation to take a few shots was too 
strong to be resisted. The first herd seen was fully half 
a mile firom the track, and the train was moving along 
at an average speed of about twenty miles an hour. 
The Grand Duke and General Custer, each armed with 
a Spencer rifle, took positions in the baggage car, and 
Alexis very soon leveled his piece at a ponderous ani- 
mal and fired. The shot fell short of the mark by 
about twenty feet, and of course the herd scattered 
rapidly and promiscuously. The enthusiastic Russian 
seized another piece, and although the coveted game 
was over half a mile distant, the Duke's unerring aim 



190 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

brought the doomed bufialo to the ground. The train 
was immediately stopped and the wounded bufialo soon 
overtaken and finished, and his tail brouglit away as 
another trophy of the Imperial hunt on the American 
Plains. During the balance of the day shots were fired 
at stray herds along the track, and the Duke probably 
brought down no less than half a dozen of the animals 
before twilight 

Generals Sheridan and Custer and others who were 
on the train contributed to the diminishing of the buf- 
falo tribe. 

The inhabited stations along the line of the Kansas 
Pacific Railroad were few and small, but the people liv- 
ing in the neigborhood of the route were invariably 
out to catch a glimpse of the Imperial visitor as he 
passed. In some cases Alexis responded to the calls 
by putting in an appearance, and was of course heart- 
ily cheered. 

At Fort Wallace two companies of the Third infantry 
came over from the fort and received him in fine style. 
The band stationed at the fort was also present and 
tendered a serenade during the few moments the train 
remained. 

At Fort Hayes there was also an enthusiastic assem- 
blage, and several officers of the post were presented 
to the Duke by General Sheridan. 

RECEPTION IN TOPEKA. 

The train arrived here this forenoon at about eleven 
o'clock. Several thousand people were assembled at 
the station to see the Russian guest and unite in the 
excitement and enthusiasm of his hearty reception. 

The Topeka band gave an uninterrupted strain of 



TOPEKA. 191 

^Hail to the Chief!" from the moment the train 
stopped until the Duke had entered and been driven 
away in his carriage. The crowd, of course, cheered. 
The streets through which the distinguished guest 
passed were filled with an enthusiastic multitude. 

Alexis and General Sheridan rode in a carriage with 
Lieutenant-Governor Elder and Mr. Cobb, Speaker of 
the House, and the gentlemen of the different suites 
were accompanied by State and city officers. 

The party first proceeded to the Fifth Avenue Hotel, 
where a brief rest was had and a few informal intro- 
ductions gone through with. Then preparations were 
made for the formalities incident to the visit. 

These consisted of a welcome on the part of the 
Legislature and subsequently a public reception. This 
latter was attended by almost the whole community — 
the ladies largely outnumbering the other sex. All 
were full of enthusiasm and admiration. 

From the Fifth Avenue the party went directly to 
the State House, first visiting the Executive Depart- 
ment and paying their compliments to Governor Har- 
vey, the members of the Executive' Council, and the 
several Justices of the Supreme Court During this 
interval the doors of the House of Representatives 
were thrown open, and the space not occupied by the 
members was quickly filled with an anxious multitude. 

The session of the lower branch of the Legislature 
was soon brought to a close, and then the two branches 
went into joint convention. 

Then the hero of the hour, the Duke Alexis, was 
ushered into the presence of the august body. 

He was accompanied by Lieutenant-Governor Elder 
and by him introduced to Speaker Cobb. 



192 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

At this moment all eyes were strained to see the 
guest of the day, and his tall form was soon recognized 
and frequently admired and complimented After the 
momentary sensation caused by his entrance was over, 
the Speaker proceeded to welcome the guest in behalf 
of the people of Kansas. 

In doing so he spoke as follows : ^— 

Your Imperial Highness: It gives me unfeigned pleasnie to 
welcome you to our capital, to invite you to partake of the hospitality 
of our beloved State. I do this in a spirit of republican simplicity 
befitting the State of Kansas. We are conscious that our offering 
does not rival the splendor of the ovations which have greeted you io 
other portions of the republic, but be assured that our hearts thrill no 
less warmly with feelings of good-will towards you, your Imperial 
fiither, and your country, than those of others of our countrymen who 
elsewhere in America have hailed you with joy. Kansas, the child 
of the nation of universal freedom, delights to honor the son and rep- 
resentative of him who, seated on the mightiest throne in Qiristen- 
dom, by the sublimest acts of justice and of courage struck the chains 
from millions. Alexander and Lincoln, great emancipators. We 
couple them — our martyred President ; your noble Emperor. Now, 
in behalf of the State of Kansas, friend of my country, I welcome 

you to the State of Kansas. 

• 

The Duke listened attentively to the address, and 
seemed to catch and appreciate every word. He hesi- 
tated a moment, and then responded as follows : — 

Mr. Speaker : The kind reception which you and your fellow- 
citizens of Kansas have awarded me is cme which I cannot forget I 
am glad to meet so many friends of emancipation, and I have no doubt 
but my brief visit among you will be a pleasant one. 

The joint convention was immediately dissolved, and 
then came a series of introductions of the Duke and 
General Sheridan, to the legislative members, and the 
public generally. 



JEFFERSON CITY. 193 

Subsequently the company partook of a collation 
at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, and then drove to the sta- 
tion, and at five o'clock left for Jefierson City and St 
Louis. 

MISSOURI. 

Jeffbrson City, January 23, 1872. 

The anticipated arrival of the Ducal party has for 
some days past been the frequent subject of conversa- 
tion in both official and unofficial circles. 

The Ducal train consisting of four Pullman cars, did 
not arrive at the station till ten a. m. The weather 
was extremely cold, with a piercing wind, and the im- 
mense throng on the platform, who for nearly an hour 
had been stamping their feet and keeping time to gen- 
erate 'heat, sent up some rousing cheers of welcome 
when the train arrived. 

As the Imperial train approached the station, a na- 
tional salute was fired from Capitol Hill by a section 
of Sigel's Battery, Captain Thurbor, serving the guns 
with eighteen artillerists. The salute sent a thrill of 
excitement and the crowd towards the Capitol. 

Six carriages were in waiting at the station, to con- 
vey the Duke to the State Capitol. The following, 
composing the Duke^s suite, took seats in the carriages : 
His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke Alexis, Yice- 
Admiral Possiet, His Excellency Councillor of State 
W. F. Machin, Lieutenant Tudeer, of the Imperial 
Navy, Count Olsonfieff, Consul-General Bodisco, Dr. 
Koudrine, Imperial Navy. 

The Senate took a recess yesterday, to meet at nine 
o'clock this morning. As the appointed hour drew 
nigh firequent glances at the clock showed that expec- 

25 



194 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

tation stood on stilts. At half past nine the Senate 
was called to order by the president. 

Several reports of standing committees were re- 
ceived, and one bill was passed. At a quarter past ten 
the shrill whistle of a locomotive, and shortly after the 
booming of cannon announced the approach of the 
Ducal party, whereupon the President announced that 
the Senate would proceed to the hall of the House of 
Representatives. 

During the brief morning session the lobby of the 
Senate had become densely packed with visitors, Vk large 
portion of whom were ladies, while the rotunda of the 
Capitol was filled with a seething mass of excited, anx- 
ious humanity, through which the Senate ploughed its 
way to the hall. 

DOINGS IN THE HOUSE. 

The Governor occupied a seat just in front of the 
clerk's desk, while chairs were arranged for the com- 
mittee of reception and the Ducal party, on either side 
and a little in front of the Governor's seat 

At half-past ten, the doors were opened to admit 
the ladies to the lobby, when the tide of humanity 
rushed in and filled every available space. 

The booming of cannon told the impatient, expect- 
ant throng of the critical moment Necks were 
stretched, and eyes peered round to catch the first 
glance of approaching royalty. 

At length the doors were again opened, and in 
walked Senator Rollins and the Grand Duke, followed 
by the Ducal party and the Committee of Reception. 
As the party proceeded up the broad aisle, Governor 
Brown advanced a few steps, when he was introduced 
to the Grand Duke by Senator Rollins. 



JEFFERSON CITY. 195 

The Lieutenant-Governor called on the chief clerk 
to read the concurrent resolution inviting the Grand 
Duke, as follows : — 

Whereas, it is the practice of nations at peace and in friendly rela- 
tions, to extend hospitality to and receive with becoming fitness and 
distinction each other's representative men, and the Grand Duke 
Alexis being among us, and now the guest of St. Louis, and it being 
the intendon of His Imperial Highness to accompany General Sheri- 
dan in a buffalo hunt, and as it is probable they may pass by our capital 
upon their way West, 

Therefore be it Resolved by the House of Representatives, the 
Senate concurring therein, that His Imperial Highness be and he is 
most cordially invited to remain over upon reaching the capital of 
the State, that the Representatives of the people of Missouri in 
Council assembled, may be allowed the privilege of extending their 
hospitality to His Highness, and through him to the great nation he 
has the distinguished honor to represent, and to assure him of their 
desire that the friendly relations which have prevailed between us in 
the past may continue in the future, to the greatness and prosperity 
of the government. 

Resolved^ that a committee of five be appointed, three on the part of 
the House to be appointed by the Speaker of the House, and two on 
the part of the Senate to be appointed by the President of the Senate, 
who shall notify him of our action ; and, if the invitatioa is accepted, 
to receive and conduct our guest into the hall of the House of Rep- 
resentatives, where he may be received in joint session of both 
Houses, in an appropriate manner by His Excellency Governor 
Brown. 

While the resolutions were being read, the Grand 
Duke was standing by the side of Senator Rollins, one 
of the Reception Committee, fronting the Speaker's 
desk, the other gentlemen of the party, being in the 
rear. 

The Governor then advanced and said : — 

YouB Imperial Highness : The General Assembly of the State 
of Missouri has devolved on me the duty of extending to you, in 



196 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

their uaiue aud in that of the Commonwealth, a welcome to our cap- 
ital. 

Representatives themselves of a free people, proud of the simple 
Republican character of our institutions, and unused to the distinc- 
tions of rank and the hereditary power which obtain in your land, 
they yet recognize many reasons which confirm this greeting as most 
fitting. You are nearly related to the governing head of a great em- 
pire, allied to our nation by many interchanges of friendship in the 
past, and by marked courtesies extended to our countrymen abroad. 
You come hither to study the workings of a social and political sys- 
tem different from any you have known. You come with youth, 
frankness, and unreserve. Such credentials will always command 
regard. 

Trusting, therefore, that nothing may transpire in the future, to 
interrupt the good understanding which has prevailed between the 
two countries, that your experiences may all be pleasant as well as 
favorable, and that you may return in safety from this transatlantic 
tour, I renew to you again the words of welcome. And now permit 
roe to introduce the presiding officers of the General Assembly. 

After the introduction, Alexis, in response, said, — 

Mr. Goyernor : I am very glad that during my journey through 
the States, I have been able to acquire much valuable information 
about the working of your social and political institutions, for I am 
sure the more we know each other the firmer will our friendship 
become. I thank you for your cordial welcome, and I am glad to 
have an opportunity of seeing the House of Representatives in ses- 
sion. 

After the Duke was seated, the House went to work, 
without an apparent effort, to show the way legis- 
lation was transacted. The special order was sus- 
pended, and the report of the judiciary committee 
made by Mr. Thomas on the confirmation of land 
titles was taken up, and the bill passed without de- 
bate. A message from the Governor was read, when a 
recess was had. 

The Ducal party entered the Senate as Senator Es- 



JEFFERSON CITY, 197 

sex was explaining the object of a bill. The Duke's 
party occupied seats in the front of the desk, and lis- 
tened to Essex's remarks, at the close of which the bill 
was passed. 

The Duke then heard an interesting discussion on 
the right of eminent domain, Mr. Brockmeyer having 
reported adversely to a bill concerning land to be used 
as a part of the Governor's mansion lot, and supported 
it by a speech. Pending the discussion the Senate took 
a recess, and another season of hand-shaking took 
place. The Ducal party then started on a visit to not- 
able places in the city. 

RECEPTION AT THE GOVERNOR'S BfANSION. 

Aflber listening with much apparent interest for up- 
wards of one hour to the regular order of proceedings 
in our Legislature, the Ducal party proceeded to the 
Governor's mansion, where everything was in readiness 
to entertain our distinguished guest in a style worthy 
the great State of Missouri. The spacious rooms had 
an appearance of comfort and elegant refinement The 
table of the Governor was bountifully supplied with a 
sumptuous repast Old Epicurus himself would have 
felt abundantly satisfied with the rich and delicate 
viands. The Grand Duke was assigned a position at 
the head of the table, with the wife of Governor Brown 
on his right. 

Besides the Ducal party, the State officials, Judges of 
the Supreme Court, General Custer, Judge Krokel, the 
Committee of Reception, and several members of the 
General Assembly participated in the festivities. After 
dinner the Grand Duke with his party were invited up 
stairs, where a pleasant chat was had over a box of 
choice Havanas. 



198 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 



LEVEE AT THE MANSION HOUSE. 

The Duke and party then repaired to the Mansion 
House, where the remaining half hour of his stay was 
occupied in a general reception. 

DEPARTURE OF THE DUKE. 

The Duke was then escorted to the train by the 
Governor and committee of reception, and at half-past 
four o'clock the engine sounded the signal of de- 
parture. 

St. Louis, January 24. 

With but little display the Ducal party, accompanied 
by General Custer, arrived here at twenty-five minutes 
past ten last evening, on the Missouri Pacific Railroad. 
It was in accordance with his wish that there should be 
no formality. The party entered the carriages sent to 
the station from the Southern Hotel pursuant to orders, 
and were rapidly driven there. 

In nearly every carriage was found some trophy of 
the great hunt. Admiral Possiet had a collection of 
arrows from the wild tribes, and Lieutenant Tudeer 
possessed various souvenirs. Indeed, all had some- 
thing to tell of a grand, glorious hunt on the frontier, 
and were unanimous in their expression of delight It 
has been to them the great event of their American 
tour. 

When near Brookville station, coming in, a herd of 
buffaloes came near the train, and the Duke in the de- 
light of the moment, as he terms it, '* let fly " at one 
of the leaders of the herd, and " brought him down." 
The train stopped. The Duke and a portion of his 
party dismounted to see the finale, which was indulged 



ST. LOUIS. 199 

in by all, with the Duke in the lead. This was his last 
and one of his most successful shots. 

The Duke is somewhat bronzed from the effect of his 
trip, but expresses himself delighted with his experi- 
ences. He says buffalo hunting, like bear hunting, has 
its dangers as well as its intense excitement. 

The party will spend the balance of the week in this 
city in comparative quiet The Duke will decline all 
invitations of a public nature, preferring to see the city 
at his own convenience and in his own way. He at^ 
tended the ball of the Home Circle Club on the 26th, 
and on Sunday visited the Benton Mission Sunday 
School, on which occasion Mr. Machin delivered a brief 
address to the children. 

THE DUKE*S DEPARTURE. 

January SO/A. 

The Grand Duke Alexis and suite left the Southern 
Hotel at five o'clock yesterday evening, in order to 
reach their special train bound for Louisville, the un- 
certain state of the ice in the river rendering an early 
crossing necessary. The departure was a quiet one. 
Before leaving, the Grand Duke expressed to several 
citizens the pleasure he had experienced in St Louis. 

The few days spent in St. Louis, after the buffalo 
hunt, were called " days of rest,*' but, in truth, our Rus- 
sian visitors have hardly had a quiet day since their 
feet first touched the soil of the United States. What 
with their journeying from place to place, their recep- 
tion in the different cities, and their private business, 
all their waking hours are fully occupied. The Grand 
Duke, the Admiral and the Councillor of State, these 
three especially have an immense amount of private 
correspondence to attend to. and this is promptly de- 
spatched by mail and telegraph from day to day. 



200 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

KENTUCKY. 

Louisville, January 31, 1872. 

At half-past two o'clock yesterday afternoon twenty- 
five carriages left the Gait House for the Bridge station 
to meet the Ducal train. At that hour there were more 
than a thousand people congregated in front of the 
stately building, and the crowd was momentarily in- 
creasing. The front of the house was decorated with 
the American and Russian flags, which swayed in the 
breeze in close proximity to each other, and the steps 
and rotunda were thronged with people. The gamins 
of the street had gathered in force, and their shrewd 
comments on the events of the day, so near its culmi- 
nation, were the source of much amusement. 

The train arrived at a quarter past three o'clock, and 
a portion of the committee entered the cars, with Gen- 
eral Preston at the head. Introducing themselves and 
announcing the object of their presence, the Duke tak- 
ing the arm of General Preston, they proceeded to 
the carriages, and were soon on their way up Main 
Street. The street was thronged with spectators, and 
almost every window was filled, many with ladies, who 
waved their handkerchiefs at the cortege as it passed, 
and all the party, including the principal guest, ac- 
knowledged the salutes with polite bows. A number 
of flags were displayed at various points along the 
route, and here and there a cheer went up as the party 
swept by. The city was alive with excitement and in- 
terest. 

Arrived at the Gait House, the Ducal party and the 
committee alighted and proceeded to the parlor, where 
General Preston made the excuses of the committee. 



LOUISVILLE. 201 

who retired, leaving the visitors to be conducted to 
their apartments in order to rest after their long ride 
by rail. 

The rooms were most elegantly fitted up. 

THE RECEPTION AND BALL. 

The house rapidly filled with visitors and people 
anxious to catch a glimpse of the guest, and as nine 
o'clock approached, the crowd exhibited considerable 
nervousness and impatience. The spacious parlors 
were well thronged, and the Committees of Citizens 
and of the Legislature were present with their respec- 
tive chairmen, and every preparation was made for the 
formal ceremony. At length, at about half-past nine 
o'clock, the doors of the crimson parlor were thrown 
open, and the Ducal party emerged into the music 
parlor, with the Imperial visitor at their head. Halt- 
ing in front of the Committees, who were arranged in 
convenient positions, General Preston advanced and 
spoke as follows : — 

Your Imperial Highness : It affords me great pleasure, in be- 
half of the people of Louisville, to welcome you to the city and the 
State. We, iu common with our countrymen, appreciate the course 
of Russia to the United States, and the constant and unaltered friend- 
ship which has always existed between our governments. The peo- 
ple remember the early assistance rendered by Russia when we first 
struggled to establish the freedom of commerce and equal maritime 
rights. By the powerful aid of the most extensive empire of the Old 
World those principles have now been finally and happily established. 
A concord based upon great ideas and generous purposes, leading to 
free commercial wealth and widened civilization, is, in this age, the 
surest augury for permanent amity; and we trust that this strong 
bond between our countries may never be severed. The hospitalities 
tendered to Your Highness to-day are the spontaneous offering of the 
people of this city, in an unofficial way, simply intended to testify to 

26 



202 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

Your Highness the pleasure your visit has caosed^ but the L^islature 
of the State and its authorities share these sentiments, and have ap- 
pointed a committee, now present, to extend an official welcome. I 
trust, therefore, in conclusion, that Your Highness will permit me to 
introduce the Speaker of the House of Rq)re8entative8, the Hon. 
Mr. McCreary. 

The Duke bowed assent, and Mr. McCreary then 
came forward and said, — 

Your Imperial Highness : We have been deputed by the House 
of Representatives of Kentucky to extend to you and your suite a 
cordial invitation to visit the capital of this State. We trust that 
Your Imperial Highness will find it convenient to name a day when 
it will be agreeable to you to visit us, in order that the representatives 
of the people of this Commonwealth may have an opportunity of re- 
ciprocating that courtesy and hospitality which your Imperial fitther 
so generously extended to two United States Ministers, citizens of 
Kentucky, and which your people have uniformly shown to all Amer- 
ican citizens. 

The Grand Duke replied to both as follows : — 

Gentlrbcen : I thank you heartily for the cordial welcome and 
generous reception which you have accorded me. I thank the people 
of Louisville for this display of their kind feeling and hospitality, and 
I thank the Legislature and State authorities for the kind invitation 
they have extended. It is a source of deep and sincere pleasure to 
me to have been so warmly and hospitably received. I deeply regret 
that my time is so arranged that I am unable to visit the city of Frank- 
fort or the city of Cincinnati. Permit me again to thank you for your 
kind and generous reception. 

The General then proceeded to introduce the mem- 
bers of the Committees, and afterwards the other per- 
sons present, to His Highness. 

Some time was spent in these introductions, the 
members of the suite haying also to receive the wel- 
comes of the citizens, and a brief interval of informal 
conversation followed, when the ball-room was thrown 



LOUISVILLE. 203 

open, the dance was announced, and in a few minutefi 
the parlors were comparatively deserted. The Duke 
led the grand quadrille with Mra Preston. The ball 
was the most brilliant that has ever taken place in 
this capital It seemed as if all the beauty and fash- 
ion of the country had gathered there to honor the 
royal guest, and to do justice to the reputation of the 
Commonwealth. 

It was an outpouring of Kentucky's fairest and 
brightest daughters and her bravest and most gallant 
and chivalrous sons. It was a right royal welcome, of 
which the city and the guest may alike be proud. 

THE BANQUET. 

The banquet was even beyond expectation. The 
bill of fare embraced every concomitant of an excel- 
lent supper, added to which were the rarities which 
made it a superb banquet At the signal of the march, 
the company gradually deployed from the hall and 
filled the supper room ; the room being occupied until 
late in the morning. The arrangement of the table 
was in admirable taste. Extending around three sides 
of the room, it was filled with various articles which 
satisfied hunger or tempted the palate. Of the pyra- 
mids, there were a dozen or more, around which were 
grouped the minor items of the bill of fare. Just in 
the centre of the table was a large representation of a 
line-of-battle ship bearing the Russian colors. 

Louisville, February 1, 1872. 

Yesterday afternoon the Grand Duke and suite ac- 
companied by members of the Reception Committee, 
took a drive around the city, especially through that 
portion where most of the elegant mansions are sit- 
uated. 



204 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

They visited the Locomotive works of the Louisville 
and Nashville Railroad, where they alighted to inspect 
the machinery and operations of the extensive estab- 
lishment. 

They then drove to the Kentucky Club House, where 
they were agreeably entertained at lunch. They re- 
mained at table an hour, and were much gratified with 
the entertaiment^ and with the hospitable spirit which 
prompted it. 

Later in the afternoon the Duke took another drive, 
and in the evening the Imperial party visited the 
Opera House. 

The Opera House was crowded to its utmost capac- 
ity. The dress circle and parquet glowed with the 
bright costumes and still brighter faces of the beauties 
of Louisville and Kentucky. The Ducal party occu- 
pied the two lower proscenium boxes, the Duke him- 
self, with several gentlemen from this city, being in the 
box at the right as one enters the theatre. 

The Ducal party will leave here at nine o'clock this 
morning by special train on the Nashville road, accom- 
panied by a number of ladies and gentlemen, for the 
Mammoth Cave, which they intend to explore this 
evening, when the ladies and gentlemen will return, 
and the Duke and suite proceed to Memphis. 

They leave behind a most favorable impression of 
their own intrinsic worth and high characters, and a 
knowledge of their courteous manners and good sense 
which could only have been gained from the inter- 
course afforded by the visit now brought to a close. 
The good wishes of the people of Louisville foUow 
them on their way southward. 



CAVIS CITY. 206 

VISIT TO THE MAMMOTH CAVE IN KENTUCKY. 

Cavb City, February 1, 1872. 

The Grand Duke and suite, accompanied by a number 
of ladies and gentlemen from Louisville, arrived here 
to-day by special train at seventeen minutes after one 
p. M. They left immediately for the Mammoth Cave. 
The train was directed to await their return. The 
party had just finished dmner when they arrived, and 
were consequently in excellent spirits for the nine 
miles of staging across the picturesque country. They 
enjoyed the ride amazingly, and the time was passed 
in a most agreeable manner. On arriving at the Cave 
Hotel, they lost no time in preparing for the explora- 
tion ; which, as everything was in rieadiness, did not de- 
lay them long. They spent four hours in the cave, and 
were deeply impressed with the great subterranean 
wonder. The bottomless pit and side-saddle pit elicited 
many expressions of wonder and awe, the former esh 
pecially striking the beholders as a present illustration 
of the mouth of the infernal regiona When the guide 
threw a lighted piece of oiled paper into the pit and 
lit up its gloomy depths, the entire party involuntarily 
stepped back from its mouth. 

They were deeply impressed with the beauty and 
sublimity of the scene in the star chamber, and won- 
dered greatly at the perfect resemblance to the sky, 
with clouds and stars. They trod the great under- 
ground avenues inspired with that feeling of awe 
which all feel on a first visit to the cave. 

They made many minute inquiries concerning the 
formations in the great cavern, and especially in regard 
to its history, and seemed much interested in the story 



206 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

of the Indian woman and child found mouldering there 
by some early explorers, pitying the fearful fate of the 
poor woman dying amid that awful gloom and silence, 
with her heart racked with agony at the doom of her 
child. They were also much interested in the account 
of the Saltpetre Works near the mouth of the Cave, 
and in the ^ Methodist ChapeL'' In many places the 
party tried the echoes and shouts^ and in others com- 
mented with just the slightest show of anxiety on the 
hollow sound of the floor under their feet 

On returning to the region of light and life the party 
partook of some refreshments^ which were certainly 
needed, and set out on their return to this place. Dur- 
ing the drive, the time was occupied with an animated 
discussion of the wonders they had seen, and in listen- 
ing to descriptions of other caves in the vicinity. 

They reached here at fifty-five minutes after eleven 
p. M., and soon bade a reluctant farewell to their escort, 
leaving behind some souvenirs of their visit, and pro- 
ceeded on their way to Memphis, their train moving 
off from the platform exactly at a quarter past twelve 

A. M. 

TENNESSEE. 

Memphis, February 8. 

The arrival of the Grand Duke was the event of 
yesterday. The weather was provokingly unpropitious. 
The sky was overcast, and a drizzly, icy raia prevailed, 
rendering sight-seeing anything but enjoyable. For 
this reason the crowd along the route firom the Mem- 
phis and Louisville Railroad, was not as large as it 
would have been had the sky been as clear and bright 
as on Thursday. Tet a great deal of interest was 



TC 



MEMPHIS. 207 

manifested in the arrival of the city's guest^ who was 
greeted in a spirit becoming his exalted rank and the 
Republican simplicity of the people. 

At one o'clock the Committee, of which Colonel 
Pinson was chairman, left the station at the head of 
Main Street, and at Bartlett met the train of the Grand 

Duke. 

Very soon Colonel Pinson and his friends wpre 
ushered into the presence of His Imperial Highness. 
Colonel Pinson stated that as the representatives of 
the City Government, and of the merchants of Mem- 
phis, he came with others to escort His Highness to 
the city, whose guest he was to be while he chose to 
sojourn with us. The Grand Duke said he would be 
well pleased to conform to the wishes of the Commit- 
tee. 

Before the hour indicated for the arrival of the 
Ducal party in the city, a great concourse of people 
gathered at the Ohio station, and crowded every 
avenue of approach so densely that there was no pos- 
sibility of getting on the platform, without the exer- 
cise of more force than was compatible with equanimity 
of feeling. 

On arriving, the party was taken to the Peabody 
Hotel, where there was a very large gathering of peo- 
ple eager to see them. 

The Mayor was in wftiting to receive the Duke and 
his suite, which ceremony was performed with much 
urbanity and simplicity. Presently the parlors became 
crowded with ladies and gentlemen, with many of 
whom the Ducal party exchanged friendly salutations. 

After the reception, the visitors retired to their 
rooms, to recover from the fatigue attendant upon 



208 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS, 

their journey to the city, preparatory to dinner, which 
was served at half past six o'clock. 

THE BALL AT THE OVERTON HOTEL. 

Considerable time and taste were spent and exer- 
cised in the ornamentation of the rooms. The dining 
room was converted into a handsome ball-room. 

The Ducal party arrived soon after nine o'clock. At 
half past nine, accompanied by the Reception Commit- 
tee, they entered the Hall. The Duke stepped out a 
few paces from the music stand, and the interesting 
ceremony of presentation took place. The Duke is 
an expert at such things. He merely inclined his head 
to each person, at the same time giving a decisive 
shake of the hand, and then stepped back a pace or so 
until the next couple came up. There was no conver- 
sation with any of those who were introduced, and in 
this way two hundred couples were presented in the 
space of forty minutes. The style, manner, and dress 
of the ladies of Memphis were faultless. Everything 
was done with the utmost courtesy and simplicity, 
indicative at once of the most perfect good breeding 
and self-possession. At eleven o'clock there were fully 
four hundred couples in the ball-room. The dresses of 
the ladies were all superb, without being extravagant, 
meant to enhance the natural beauty and grace of the 
person, and not to overshadow them. It is no exag- 
geration to say that the ball presented an array of lov- 
liness, grace, and elegance that could not be surpassed 
in the United States. 

From eleven to twelve o'clock the supper rooms 
were thronged with ladies and gentlemen, who were 
admiring and criticising the beautiful, and even artistic 



MEMPHIS, 209 

display. The rooms appropriated to the Grand Duke 
were, of course, the focus around which the crowd 
gathered. And certainly the picture was a pretty one. 
At the head of the table was a full-rigged ship in min- 
iature, with the Kussian colors flying from the peak. 
Pyramids, and meringues, and Charlotte Russe stands, 
and fruits, and flowers were so nicely arranged and 
presented such a charming appearance that it seemed 
a pity to destroy them. One ornament in nougat, a 
Russian cottage, was praised by all the ladies, as being 
a piece of excellent work in its way. 

The supper over, dancing was resumed, and the ball 
was kept up till a late hour. 

Memphis, February 6. 

In conformity with the previously arranged plans of 
the Committee of Reception, the Grand Duke and suite 
yesterday visited the prominent places of interest in 
the city. They first went to a cotton-shed where cot- 
ton is stored until it has been sold, compressed, and 
shipped to its final destination in the East or Europe. 

They then examined the cotton for sale at some of 
the commission houses, and especially a bale of unusual 
quality which had taken a large prize at the St. Louis 
fair. The mode of sampling cotton, by which samples 
sales are made, was explained to them. They next 
visited the jail, and examined it in detail. The Duke 
asked for full information upon everything connected 
with the institution. 

After looking at the school-houses, they drove to the 
" mammoth " cotton-press, the proprietors of which in- 
itiated them into the mysteries of preparing cotton for 
shipment to distant markets. This press is one of the 

27 



210 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

most powerful ever erected in this section of the 
country. 

The party were then driven to the hotel, and ex- 
pressed themselves well pleased with their three hours 
excursion about tlie city. Later in the afternoon, Mr. 
Barinds, a Russian by birth, now a resident of Memphis, 
presented to the Grand Duke a bale of cotton of fine 
quality, and accompanied it by an address setting forth 
the rapid growth and future prospects of the city. His 
Imperial Highness thanked Mr. Barinds for his expres- 
sion of attachment to his native country and its sover- 
eign, and assured him of the pleasure it gave him to 
receive the specimen of the product of the soil. 

In the evening, a young negro, Albert Thomas, 
somewhat noted for his artistic skill, presented to the 
Grand Duke a copy which he had made of a sketch 
representing the Ducal party at the dinner-table, at the 
house of the Russian Minister at Washington. 

The drawing was received very kindly, and was 
much admired and commended for its fidelity, both by 
Alexis and the mem^iers of his suite. This done, the 
Duke conversed with Thomas concerning his present 
status and former condition as a slave. Thomas told 
the Duke that the kindly relations that had ever ex- 
isted between his old master, his father, mother, and 
himself were in nowise interrupted by their freedom, 
that he felt a liigh sense of gratitude for all that had 
been done for liimself and for his race by the people of 
the South, and that so long as he lived he would be 
grateful. The Grand Duke said he could well under- 
stand his feelings, since much the same subsisted be- 
tween the Russian nobility and the serfs who had been 
freed by his illustrious father. The Duke seemed to 



VIGKSBURG. 211 

enjoy the interview, and frequently recurred to the 
similar positions of the slaves of the South and the serfs 
of Russia. The Grand Duke will carry the picture 
with him to his distant home in Russia, as a souvenir 
of his visit to Memphis. 

An impromptu ball was given in the evening at the 
Peabody Hotel, at which the beauty and elegance of 
the city was represented. It was a very enjoyable 
occasion, and appeared to give great satisfaction and 
pleasure to the Ducal party. 

DEPARTURE FROM MEMPHIS FOR NEW ORLEANS. 

February 8. 

At ten o'clock yesterday the Ducal party went on 
board the steamer James Howard^ one of the finest ves- 
sels upon the Mississippi River. A large crowd had 
gathered at the landing and upon the bluffiL Amid 
cheers and the booming of cannon, the steamer took 
her departure, and soon disappeared around the bend 
above President's Island, leaving nothing behind but a 
long line of black smoke, which gradually evaporated 
as it spread skyward, and thus parted the Royal Duke 
Alexis with Memphis and the Memphians. The skies 
were clear, the weather fine, and the prospect excellent 
for a pleasant voyage down the Mississippi. 

ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. 

ViCKSBURG, February 14. 

His Imperial Highness, the Grand Duke Alexis, ar- 
rived here at eight o'clock last night, on the steamer 
James Howard. As he was not expected until to-day, 
but few persons were on the landing. 



212 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

The Committee of Citizens, and his Honor the May- 
or, appointed by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, 
hearing that the Ducal party had arrived much earlier 
than was anticipated, proceeded to the boat and were 
presented. 

The Committee explained to the Grand Duke that 
arrangements had been made to entertain the party 
to-day, and regretted the inability of the distinguished 
visitors to remain. The Grand Duke stated that he 
expected to spend the day here, but had received 
orders to join the fleet at Pensacola, and was forced 
to proceed at once. 

LOUISIANA. 

ARRIVAL AT NEW ORLEANS. 

February 13. 

The Grand Duke Alexis and party arrived on Sun- 
day night; at nine o'clock, at Carrollton, on board of 
the steamer James Howard^ which was moored there 
for the night. 

At about a quarter to ten o'clock yesterday, the Houh 
ard arrived at the wharf opposite Gravier Street^ where 
Mayor Flanders, and a Committee of citizens, together 
with about three thousand people, had assembled to 
receive the Grand Duke. 

As soon as the boat touched the wharf and the stag- 
ing was ready, the Mayor and his attendants walked 
aboard and met the Grand Duke in the cabin, where 
the Mayor, in a few words, welcomed His Imperial 
Highness to the city. The Mayor spoke as foUows : 
" We have come, sir, to welcome you to our city, and 
to extend to you its hospitalities, and to hope that you 
may have a pleasant sojourn among us. We have 



NEW ORLEANS. 213 

come in an informal manner^ hearing of your well- 
known dislike to public displays." 

The Duke, who was surroimded by his suite, replied 
in as few words, and the two groups mingled and in- 
dulged in mutual congratulations, while the carriages 
provided for the occasion were being brought up to the 
edge of the wharf Owing to the presence of the vast 
crowd, this operation required fully fijfleen minutes. 
During the interval the entire party stood on the boiler 
deck, from which a splendid view of the active scenes 
on our broad levees could be had. 

The official reception was so simple as to baffle the 
efforts of the reporter of the most sensational turn of 
mind. 

The personal appearance of the distinguished visitor 
is in perfect accord with this simplicity. 

The impression conveyed by the Grand Duke's ap- 
pearance and manner was most favorable. His bear- 
ing is easy and elegant, and marked with a pleasing 
modesty. 

Amid hearty cheers from the assembled multitude, 
in company with the Mayor and the Committee of Cit- 
izens, he left the steamer and proceeded to the St. 
Charles Hotel. A salute of thirty guns was fired by 
the United States Artillery at the head of Gravier 
Street. 

The rotunda, ladies' parlor, and corridors of the 
hotel were filled with an expectant crowd of guests 
and visitors of both sexes, all of whom were anxious 
to catch a glimpse of a scion of the distinguished 
Romanoff 



214 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

THE GRAND DUKE AT THE OPERA. 

Last night, just after the performance of the Anvil 
Chorus in the " Trovatore," His Imperial Highness, the 
Grand Duke Alexis of Russia, accompanied by his 
suite, entered the proscenium box to the right of the 
stage, which had been appropriately and richly fur- 
nished for the reception of our distinguished guest. 
The Grand Duke remained standing a few moments, 
while the orchestra performed the Russian National 
Hymn, and the audience signified their welcome by 
applause as hearty as it was dignified and respectful. 
There was neither noisy demonstration nor unseemly 
curiosity manifested, and the impression made by the 
royal visitor was as favorable as it was marked. 

The presence of the Grand Duke of course brought 
out the beauty and fashion of our city in force, the 
audience being one of the largest and most brilliant 
ever seen in our opera house. 

When the Grand Duke returned from the opera, he 
retired immediately to his apartments. Meanwhile the 
parlors and dining-hall were filling with the guests of 
the hotel who had attended the opera. 

MARDI-GRAS. 

New Orleans, February 14. 

No man, woman, or child, who was in the Crescent 
City yesterday will, we trust, ever forget the occur- 
rence, which, perhaps, more than any other that has 
transpired within a quarter of a century, has made 
New Orleans famous. No city on the American con- 
tinent has ever bowed so humbly at the footstool of 
King Comus as ours. No city yields so rapidly to the 



NJSW ORLEANS. 215 

sway of the god of mirth and laughter, and in none do 
the people bow more submissively to his rod. 

Mardi-Gras is a festival with which our brethren of 
more Northern climes have little or no acquaintance. 
They know nothing of its laughter-provoking incidents, 
its ludicrous enactments, nor the gorgeous displays 
that are made, all taxing ingenuity to its utmost, that 
the day may be made " the day of days." 

AT THE CITY HALL. 

At about two o'clock crowds of ladies and children 
commenced arriving, and an hour later the entire space 
between North and South Streets was filled with ladies 
and children. The sun threatened for a time utter 
devastation to the complexions of the fair spectators, 
but toward four o'clock the immense expanse pre- 
sented one bouquet of beauty. In the meantime the 
hall had rapidly filled with ladies, and the corridor, 
especially, was for the time transposed into a perfect 
parterre. The Mayor's parlor, too, was thronged, and 
for an hour, at least, the merry sounds of voices meta- 
morphosed that usually grave apartment into a very 
creditable bower. 

At four o'clock the Grand Duke Alexis, and several 
of his suite, accompanied by the Mayor, reached the 
hall, and were introduced to Governor Warmoth, Gen- 
eral Longstreet, and several other persons. The Gov- 
ernor and His Highness at once entered into conversa- 
tion, and were occupied imtil the procession arrived. 

The loud cheers which heralded their appearance 
brought the party to the platform in front of the hall. 
A seat of honor had been prepared for the Grand 
Duke, which he, however, declined to accept ; but, tak- 



216 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

ing a chair beside the Governor, they still continued 
their conversation. When the procession reached a 
point opposite the hall, the column halted, and the 
band played the Russian National Hymn. 

In the evening, the Grand Duke, in company with 
Admiral Possiet and several other gentlemen, went to 
the Varieties Theatre, and was ushered into a box 
which was ornamented with the American and Rus- 
sian flags. After the close of the performance he went 
to a ball at the Academy of Music, and was received in 
a very courteous manner, the band on his entrance 
playing the National Russian air. He remained for 
some time, and then went to the ball at the St. Charles 
Theatre, where he entered one of the private boxes, 
and was loudly cheered by the many in attendance. 

RECEPTION OF THE FOREIGN CONSULS. 

February 15. 

About half-past twelve o'clock yesterday afternoon, 
the foreign Consuls assembled at the Austrian Con- 
sulate, and thence proceeded to the St. Charles Hotel 
to pay their respects to the Grand Duke Alexis. 

The French, British, Italian, and Spanish Consuls 
were arrayed in full official uniform. The Austrian 
and Greek Consuls were in civilians' dress, and wore 
their crosses of honor. 

The introduction took place at one o'clock. 

After mutual salutations, the Greek Consul, Mr. N. 
M. Benachi, as Chairman of the Committee, was for- 
mally introduced to the Grand Duke by Mr. Schroeder, 
Russian Consul at this port, and Mr. Benachi in his 
turn introduced each of his colleagues, accompanying 
the introduction with a few remarks of welcome to His 
Imperial Highness. 



NEW ORLEANS. 217 

His Highness replied in a few words expressive of 
his appreciation of the compliment paid him by the 
representatives of the first nations of the world. 

A short conversation ensued concerning the nations 
represented by the respective Consuls^ and upon other 
appropriate topics. The Grand Duke then took leave 
of his visitors and retired. 

The Consular visitors are unanimous in their expres- 
sions of gratification at the perfect ease and entire 
cordiality with which they were received by our Im- 
perial guest. 

The Committee of the congregation of St. Trinity 
(Greek) Church, consisting of Messrs. A. Cietcovich, D. 
Agapitos, N. Killilis, Dr. Ulrich, and P. Benachi, ap- 
pointed as a Greek and Russian delegation to wait 
upon His Highness, were next introduced into the sit- 
ting-room of the Grand Duke. After a short delay, 
the latter appeared, whereupon Mr. M. N. Benachi in- 
troduced the Committee to him. Mr. Benachi took 
occasion to add a few remarks on their behalf, pray- 
ing His Highness to thank his mother, the Empress of 
Russia, for the kind solicitude she had manifested for 
their Church, and the rich presents which she had be- 
stowed upon the tiny edifice, situated on Dorgenois 
Street, near the comer of Ursulines ; and also to ex- 
press to the Empress the wishes of the Greek and 
Russian congregation of New Orleans for the welfare 
and prosperity of the Imperial family of Russia. 

The Grand Duke addressed each member of the del- 
egation, inquiring into details appertaining to their 
congregation and their little church. The conversa- 
tion was carried on with a aam cirimorde which highly 

28 



218 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

pleased the visitors ; and after a short and agreeable 
interview, His Highness took leave of the delegation. 

AT THE ST. CHARLES. 

Every seat in the spacious Old Drury was secured 
yesterday in anticipation of the announced visit of the 
Grand Duke to see Lotta in the " Little Detective." 
The fact that there was left standing room only, was 
posted at the entrance of the theatre, but notwith- 
standing this, nearly five hundred tickets were sold 
during the evening. It is, therefore, unnecessary to 
say that the audience was one of the most brilliant 
that was ever seen in this city. 

The exterior of the St. Charles was splendidly dec- 
orated with the national emblems of Russia, Germany, 
Great Britain, Italy, Spain, and the United States, the 
scene being illuminated by the handsome arched lights 
over the main door. 

The Grand Duke made his appearance a little before 
the rising of the curtain, and took his seat with his 
suite in the proscenium box to the left of the stage, 
which was decorated with the Russian and Union 
flags. 

The porch of the St. Charles Hotel was brilliantly 
illuminated by the addition of numerous gas brackets 
diuing the entire evening, and about half-past eleven 
o'clock the Grand Duke was serenaded by a band com- 
posed of fifty of the leading musicians of the city. 

The Grand Duke listened to the music for nearly an 
hour from the piazza of the hotel adjoining the portico, 
and was accompanied by Governor Warmoth. 

The occasion offered an excellent opportunity to a 
large crowd to see the Grand Duke. 



NEW ORLEANS. 219 

February 16. 

The Imperial visitor remained in-doors yesterday, 
until mid-day, when he walked through the principal 
thoroughfares. 

The Grand Duke and several of his suite attended 
the performance of "L'Africaine" at the opera last 
evening, occupying the large and elegant stage box 
set apart for them by the directors. 

The chef d'ceuvre of Meyerbeer was given at the 
Grand Duke's special request The performance was, 
with few exceptions, of the most successful character ; 
and the artists must have been gratified by the evi- 
dences, repeatedly manifested, of the great pleasure 
their singing and acting gave to the Imperial listener. 
He evidently is well versed in operatic music. 

February 17. 

According to announcement, the Grand Duke dined 
yesterday at the Louisiana Jockey Club House, but the 
afiair was private, and therefore the press had no ac- 
cess to the entertainment 

The reception, from what we learn, was a splendid 
one, and entirely worthy of the distinguished guest. 

The entertainment must have prolonged itself late 
into the evening, for he did not make his appearance 
at the Academy of Music, where a large audience ex- 
pected him. 

February 18. 

The departure of the Grand Duke Alexis has again 
been deferred. The illness of His Excellency, Mr. Ma- 
chin, is one of the causes of the delay. 

As indicated in his note on Thursday, the Grand 
Duke Alexis and his suite, accompanied by Governor 



220 THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS. 

Wannoth and General Custer, attended the matinee 
yesterday at Dan Rice's circus. A spacious platform^ 
elegantly carpeted and draped with Russian and 
American flags, had been provided for the royal party? 
which afforded a comfortable position whence to wit- 
ness the exhibition. The Grand Duke appeared to en- 
joy exceedingly the canvas canopy and sawdust sur- 
roundings. He was much interested in the trained 
horses, and remarked that some of them were the most 
beautiful he had ever seen. At his request the infant 
gymnasts, the Nelson children, were introduced to him 
on tlie grand stand, and received his compliments. 

The Grand Duke visited the opera last evening, and 
occupied the same proscenium box that had been pre- 
pared for him on Thursday. 

To-night His Imperial Highness will again visit our 
temple of music, for which he manifests a decided lik- 
ing. At his request Goimod's " Romeo and Juliet" 
will be sung. 

DEPARTURE FROM NEW ORLEANS. 

Febrxiary 20. 

The Grand Duke took his departure last night, at 
twelve o'clock, in a special train of the New Orleans, 
Mobile, and Texas Railroad. 

As already announced. His Imperial Highness pro- 
ceeds to Pensacola via Mobile, and will immediately 
sail with his squadron for Havana. 

ALABAMA. 

Mobile, February 20. 

About six o'clock this morning the Grand Duke 
Alexis arrived here from New Orleans by a special 



PENSACOLA. 221 

train. He was not received by the city authorities, 
haying declined the hospitalities extended to him, on 
account of the necessity of joining the fleet at Pen- 
sacola. He proceeded at once to the steamer. At the 
wharf, a crowd had assembled, and a band struck up 
the Russian National Hymn. Arriving at Tensas he 
took a special train for Pensacola. 



FLORIDA. 

Pensacola, February 21. 

The Grand Duke arrived in the city yesterday after- 
noon at three o'clock, by a special train from New 
Orleans via Mobile. 

There was great disappointment among the citizens, 
that the necessary preparations for an immediate de- 
parture of the fleet obliged him to decline a public re- 
ception. Long before the arrival of the train, a crowd 
had assembled in and about the station. The Duke 
went at once on board the frigate Svetlana. Soon 
afterwards. Commodore Middleton, commanding at the 
Navy Yard, was presented. He was received with the 
customary salute, which was responded to from the 
Navy Yard. 

February 22, 1872. 

The departure of the Russian fleet to-day for Ha- 
vana, terminates the visit to this country of His Impe- 
rial Highness, the Grand Duke Alexis. 



iin)EX. 



Annapolis Maryland M 

Boston MassachuBetts 64, 78 

Bridgeport Connecticut 61 

Buffalo New York 118 

Cambridor Massachusetts 67 

Charlestown Massachusetts 69 

Chicago Illinois 127, 145 

Cleveland Ohio 121 

Denver Colorado 179 

Detroit Michigan 125 

Jefferson Citt Missouri 193 

Louisville Kentucky 200 

Lowell Massachusetts 76 

Mammoth Cave Kentucky 205 

Memphis Tennessee 206 

Milwaukee Wisconsin 135 

Mobile Alabama 220 

Montreal Dominion of Canada 107 

New Orleans Louisiana 212 

New Tore New York 9, 87, 60 

Niagara Falls New York 116 

Omaha Nebraska 152 

On The Plains Nebraska 154 

On The Plains Colorado 184 

Ottawa Dominion of Canada 110 

Pensacola Florida 221 

Philadelphia Pennsylyania 52 

Springfield Massachusetts 62 

St. Louis Missouri 145, 198 

ToPEKA Kansas 189 

Toronto Dominion of Canada 114 

ViCKSBURG Mississippi 211 

Washington District of Columbia 80 

Waukbgan Illinois 185 

West Point New York 47 



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