GENERAL GRANT: "I mean if the North carried enough members in favor of the admission of the South. I did not hear him say that he would recognize them as the Congress. I merely heard him ask the question, 'Why would they not be the Congress?'"
MR. JAMES F. WILSON: "When did you hear him say that?"
GENERAL GRANT: "I heard him say that in one or two of his speeches.
I do not recollect when."
MR. BOUTWELL: "Have you heard him make a remark kindred to that elsewhere?"
GENERAL GRANT: "Yes, I have heard him say that, aside from his speeches, in conversation. I cannot say just when: it was probably about that same time."
MR. BOUTWELL: "Have you heard him at any time make any remark or suggestion concerning the legality of Congress with the Southern members excluded?"
GENERAL GRANT: "He alluded to that subject frequently on his tour to Chicago and back last summer. His speeches were generally reported with considerable accuracy. I cannot recollect what he said, except in general terms; but I read his speeches at the time, and they were reported with considerable accuracy."
MR. BOUTWELL: "Did you hear him say any thing in private on that subject, either during that trip or at any other time?"
GENERAL GRANT: "I do not recollect specially."
MR. BOUTWELL: "Did you at any time hear him make any remark concerning the Executive Department of the Government?"