The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-04-14
GRANT IN THE sICK-RooM.
His Appreciation of Sympathy - Personal
Habits-Incidents of the War.


Habits-Incidents of the War.
New York Letterin Chicago News.
With all the details from the sick room Of
General Grant we find very few of his own ut
terances. The material from which to form a
distinct conception of his looks and his exact
surroundings is also singularly wanting. Hav-
ing called with an intimate friend of the Gen.
erals a few days ago, have noted some items
suggested by the oft-repeated questions of those
who most deeply sympathize with him. General
Grant did not look as he did when President If
you were sitting upon one side you would say
'he looks very much as he did when in the field
early in the war, though without the healthy
complexion. After the war he became heavier
and of fuller face. But one side is now consider
ably swollen, and has an entirely unnatural an
pearance. His voice lacks clearness and dis
tinctness, like one with severe cold and sore
throat He sits in large easy-chair with his
feet in another chair, and with light afghan
thrown over his lap
Col. Fred Grant, in bringing the word to the
recepton-room that his father wished TO see his
caller at once, said "But am to say that you
are to do oil the talking as father is not strong
enough to talk" But on the contrary, General
Grant really did most of the talking. He began
by dwelling upon the kindness of the people
everywhere. He seemed deeply moved by the
constant manifestations OF interest in him and Of
sympathy mentioning in particular the fact that
many persons and different bodies of Christians
were praying for him. He referred with evident
satisfaction to the uniyersality of this religious
expression on his behalf-that it was from all
denominations. Passing from this, he spoke of a
certain faith cure association in Massachusetts.
which had written him they We're TO begin
concert of prayer in his behalf on the lst Of
March. He said he did not see their letter until
March g. but that he then acknowledged it;
and said the General, II am trying to put
nothing in the way of their prayers" His
friend mentioned that he had been remembering
him in his prayers for some years, and that he
knew of others who were doing the same. When.
therefore, the General took him by the hand in
parting, and his friend said: rs there anything
can do for your the reply was: "Only to keep
on doing what you have been doing" General
Grant also alluded with kindness to Dr. New
mans visits and praying with him and the
family. 1t was evident that the General was
not stranger to the subject Of prayer, and that
his mind was much upon the near approach of
death and the mysteries that lie beyond.
General Grant has never been a scoffer at re-
ligion For many years he has given proof to
those near him that he WAS believer in
Christianity: not only in its practical duties, but
in the great truths of redemption, Immortality,
and the judgment.
A false impression has gone abroad in respect
to Grants habits when in the field. 1t is true
that ne was great SMOKER, Uut his OLnef per-
sonal habits were singularly correct He did not
drink strong drink. The writer occupied a tent
next to Grants when he reached the Tennessee
river on his way to Chattanooga, on his assum-
ing command of the combined armies of the
Cumberland aud the Tennessee Rosecrans had
been relieved. and Thomas had taken his place.
Sherman had succeeded Grant Rosecrans was
called ''Old Rosy for more reasons than one.
His face vas highly tinted, and not wholly by
roast beef and exposure to the autumn winds OF
northern Georgia. Having spent night at our
headquarters, he left flask of s'the ardent IN
that very tent where Grant was to sleep Grant
was told that Rosecrans left the flask He then re-
marked that he himself was not in the habit OF
drinking liquor The writer saw much or
him at that period, and during the great battles
about Chattanooga and never knew OF his TAX
ing single drink. He met him at banquets az
terward, and saw him decline wine Once Gen.
Sickles said to Grant. on seeing that he refused
the wine at one of his tSicklessl banquets; II
have some fine old bourbon, General; won't you
take some OF thatr "No, thank YOU And