Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. III.djvu/123

 ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 95 in them; but persons that once lost his confidence never regained it. After retiring from the presidency, March 4, 1877, Gen. Grant decided to visit the countries of the Old World, and on May 17 he sailed from Philadelphia for Liverpool on the steamer &quot;Indi ana,&quot; accompanied by his wife and one son. His departure was the occasion for a memorable demon stration on the Delaware. Distinguished men from all parts of the country had assembled to bid him good-by, and accompanied him down the river. A fleet of naval and commercial vessels and river boats, decorated with brilliant banners, convoyed his steamer, crowds lined the shores, greeting him with cheers, bells rang, whistles sounded from mills and factories, and innumerable flags saluted as he passed. On his arrival in Liverpool, May 28, he received the first of a series of ovations in foreign lands scarcely less cordial and enthusiastic than those which had been accorded him in his own coun try. The river Mersey was covered with vessels displaying the flags of all nations, and all vied with each other in their demonstrations of welcome. He visited the places of greatest interest in Great Britain, and was accorded the freedom of her chief cities, which means the granting of citizenship. He received a greater number of such honors than had ever been bestowed even upon the most illustrious Englishman. In London he was received by the