General Ulysses S. Grant, his wife, and his military aides had been touring the cities of the eastern United States for several weeks, receiving enthusiastic welcomes wherever they went. They now returned to their hometown of Galena, Illinois that the General had not seen seen since he left for the start of the Civil War. His was met with an unparalleled reception, of course, as well as the gift of a fine house from his fellow citizens. (By John Osborne)