Mark Twain Speaking

36. Army of the Tennessee Reunion

130 MARK TWAIN SPEAKING -36A reunion ofthe Army ofthe Tennessee in Chicago was a two-day outpouring of patriotic frenzy: clamorous bands, roaring cheers, dazzling gold braid, and thousands ofUnion veterans marching down Michigan Avenue. Mark Twain, the quasi-Confederate, was a favored visitor. For the meeting at Haverly's Theater, attended by an overflow audience oftwo thousand, the stage was set to represent afort at Vicksburg. Mark Twain had a prominent place on the stage, along with two or three dozen Union generals and political bigwigs. When the house shoutedfor a speechfrom him, somebody yelled, "Tell us about Adam!" Caught offguardfor once, he responded briefly. Impromptu Speech Thirteenth Reunion, Army ofthe Tennessee, Haverly's Theater, Chicago, November 12,1879 Ladies and gentlemen: I just within a moment heard General Sherman say to a gentleman sitting in my neighborhood that, if he would promise not to speak more than two minutes, he would let him get up. He didn't say that to me, and Ijudge, by his remarks to me, that he wouldn't allow me quite so much. But-is that loud enough?-I have not listened to a bad speech tonight, and I don't propose to be the one to furnish you with one; and I would, if I had time and permission go on and make an excellent speech. But I never was happy, never could make a good impromptu speech without several hours to prepare it. Text / CTrib, November 13, 1879. ...