Before many weeks Edward could “stenograph” fairly well, and as the typewriter had not then come into its own, he was ready to put his knowledge to practical use.

An opportunity offered itself when the city editor of the Brooklyn Eagle asked him to report two speeches at a New England Society dinner.  The speakers were to be President Hayes, General Grant, General Sherman, Mr. Evarts, and General Sheridan.  Edward was to report what General Grant and the President said, and was instructed to give the President’s speech verbatim.

At the close of the dinner, the reporters came in and Edward was seated directly in front of the President.  In those days when a public dinner included several kinds of wine, it was the custom to serve the reporters with wine, and as the glasses were placed before Edward’s plate he realized that he had to make a decision then and there.  He had, of course, constantly seen wine on his father’s table, as is the European custom, but the boy had never tasted it.  He decided he would not begin then, when he needed a clear head.  So, in order to get more room for his notebook, he asked the waiter to remove the glasses.

It was the first time he bad ever attempted to report a public address.  General Grant’s remarks were few, as usual, and as he spoke slowly, he gave the young reporter no trouble.  But alas for his stenographic knowledge, when President Hayes began to speak!  Edward worked hard, but the President was too rapid for him; he did not get the speech, and he noticed that the reporters for the other papers fared no better.  Nothing daunted, however, after the speechmaking, Edward resolutely sought the President, and as the latter turned to him, he told him his plight, explained it was his first important “assignment,” and asked if he could possibly be given a copy of the speech so that he could “beat” the other papers.

The President looked at him curiously for a moment, and then said:  “Can you wait a few minutes?”

Edward assured him that he could.

After fifteen minutes or so the President came up to where the boy was waiting, and said abruptly: 

“Tell me, my boy, why did you have the wine-glasses removed from your place?”

Edward was completely taken aback at the question, but he explained his resolution as well as he could.

“Did you make that decision this evening?” the President asked.

He had.

“What is your name?” the President next inquired.

He was told.

“And you live, where?”

Edward told him.

“Suppose you write your name and address on this card for me,” said the President, reaching for one of the placecards on the table.

The boy did so.

“Now, I am stopping with Mr. A. A. Low, on Columbia Heights.  Is that in the direction of your home?”

It was.

“Suppose you go with me, then, in my carriage,” said the President, “and I will give you my speech.”