Historical Note :

from The San Francisco Alta, Sept. 21, 1879

"We do not believe in the history of San Francisco, or, we will say, the history of California, there has ever been such a magnificent, unstinted, warm-hearted, enthusiastic reception tendered to any citizen of the country, than was that offered to General U.S. Grant yesterday.At 5:37 the first gun from Fort Point boomed across the parapets [at left] and announced to the expectant multitude that the long awaited welcome guest was entering the Golden Gate"

Escorting ships, steaming out to greet City of Tokio [at center] included: China, Ancon, Elder, St. Paul, Parthenius, McArthur, McPherson [carrying General Irwin McDowell], and the tug Millen Griffith [at far right, carrying dignitaries including U.S. Grant, Jr.].

The Alta reporter continues: "The first person to board the Tokio was young Ulysses Grant, and as he reached the deck he was met by his brother Colonel Fred Grant who escorted him to the hurricane deck where stood General and Mrs.Grant." [In the painting, General and Mrs. Grant are depicted in minute detail standing on the hurricane deck].