Venue(s):
Metropolitan Hotel
Event Type:
Band
Status:
Published
Last Updated:
2 July 2014
“SERENADE BY THE GOVERNOR’S ISLAND BAND. . . . A few minutes after the return of the General to his hotel the Governor’s Island Band marched up in front of the building and discoursed several national airs. A crowd of some three hundred persons had assembled in Broadway who cheered and clapped their hands frequently. After “the Star Spangled Banner,” “Yankee Doodle,” and “Hail Columbia” were given, General Grant made his appearance at the window of his room, and merely bowed his acknowledgments. Loud calls were made for a speech, but it was no use. Whistling, stamping, cheering and clapping of hands were then resorted to, when the General said:--
‘Not to-night, gentlemen, if you please. Good night.’
This was the distinguished soldier’s latest oratorical effort; after which he retired, and so did the crowd.”