The two presidents then met the following old-timers who were in the United States’ service during the Civil War: H. A. Bogardus, W. K. Applebaugh, S. M. Brown, Madison Buell, W. W. Burhans, M. J. Childs, Eli Cole, C. D. Hammond, J. D. Truax, Isaac McMichael, J. La Bonte, G. H. Peck, W. B. Somerville, L. B. Spellman, O. K. Newton, F. A. Nash, Geo. Purdon, and many others.
President Fred Catlin of the telegraphers’ tournament decided it would be more patriotic to devote the day to entertaining the great presidents and generals in a different way and let the harder part of the programme come along later, and his views were accepted.
The members of the United States Military Corps were everywhere introducing and being introduced, Fred Loomis, George Baxter and Marion H. Kerner being particularly happy.
General Grant was surrounded by a throng of admirers. He proved himself not very strong on the “send,” but a most cheerful listener.
“When I was with Grant,” began Fred Loomis.
“When were you with Grant?” queried George Baxter.
“Oh, that is just in the song,” was the laughing reply, and even General Grant smiled as he remembered about the tramp “who was with Grant” just ten years before the war.
No attempt was made to give an exhibition of fast sending or receiving, as the United States Military Corps were too busy in showing attention to former officers, with whom now, however, they hob-nobbed like college chums.
It was a glorious day, filled with enthusiasm, glowing speeches and patriotic sentiment.
General Washington’s old body-guard, “Sam,” was on hand and he took much delight in relating the oft-repeated story how he approached Mr. Washington one day, doffing his hat at the same time.