Pittsburgh in the 1870s
It was more of the same 150 years ago today as President Andrew Johnson’s Swing Around the Circle rode the rails from Columbus, Ohio to Pittsburgh. According to the September 14, 1866 issue of The New-York Times the tour met supporters and opponents along the route.
Apparently only a few persons assembled at New Market, Ohio, but they “had posted a placard containing the words ‘New-Orleans’ ‘New Orleans.'” Someone in the crowd propose three cheers for Thaddeus Stevens. General McCallum announced that the President would have nothing to say to the crowd since they disrespected him. The audience called for Custer. General Custer said, “‘I was born two miles and a half from here, but I am ashamed of you.’ The cars then moved on.”
Four or five thousand people received the presidential party in Steubenville, Ohio. Mr. Johnson chose not to bicker with the surly elements in the crowd. He thanked his supporters then reportedly waxed stoically poetic regarding the hecklers:
“Shall I set my like upon a throw
Because a bear is rude and surly? No
A clever, sensible, well-bred man
Will not insult me, nor no other can!”
The president then quietly went back inside the train.
