Veterans welcome him.
Just before 12 o'clock the party reached the Soldiers' Home, and as they drove up the broad carriage-way a salute of welcome was boomed forth by thirteen guns.
The Soldiers' Home Band, headed by
Major N. V. Randolph, greeted the party, and conducted its members into the mess hall, where, after the cheering had subsided
Major Randolph introduced
General Wheeler, who delivered an eloquent address.
Judge DeArmond followed him in a speech abounding in good feeling, and the speech-making was closed by
Captain Lamb.
The veterans then formed in line and
General Wheeler shook hands with each one, after which he went through the hospital and greeted cheerily those who were confined to their beds.
Many faint cheers from the sufferers followed the active, wiry figure of the old hero, whose coming was a bright spot in the lives of the old soldiers.
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Nearly an hour was spent at the
Home, and the party returned to the city, driving at once to the
Woman's Club.
From 2 to 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon
General Wheeler was tendered a reception and luncheon by the
Woman's Club, and practically all the members embraced the opportunity to meet the old hero.
It was thought that 1 o'clock was the hour set, and before that time the room began to fill.
Upon
General Wheeler's arrival with his escort—
Major Thomas Brander,
Captains Laughton and
Lamb,
Colonels Cutshaw and
Cussons, and
Judge DeArmond—they were crowded.
Governor Tyler was the first to welcome him, and he was immediately conducted into the parlor, where the
Reception Committee were in waiting.
These were the officers of the club—
Mrs. L. L. Lewis,
Mrs. Thomas,
Misses Guillaume,
Jane Rutherfoord, and
Mrs. J. B. Halyburton.
In a graceful speech
Mrs. Lewis introduced the
General, referring happily to the distinction which made the introduction unnecessary.
General Wheeler then in a brief address paid a fine tribute to woman.
He had not anticipated that he would be asked to make a speech, but had thought he would simply have the pleasure of meeting the ladies of the club.
