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.