New-York tribune., 1885-07-24

cold they were repIaced by others and general
heat was for a time maintained at the surface OF
the body but it could not stay the chill OF DEATH
His hands and feet became cold and clammy, and
there was cold moisture upon his brow. lie was
sinking and as tho hours of night slowly advanced
tho sinking and weakness became more marked
His pulse was fnttering, and at frequent intervals
would cease altogether at the wrist Dr. shrady
or DR.. Douglas, which ever one happened to be
near him ut the moment, would place his hand over
the patient and the General would open his
eyes slowly and pleasant expression would pass
over his face as if to assure his attendants that he
was still alive. He breathing entirely through
his mouth. 1t became dry, and the nurse Henry
placed wet sponge on his lips every few moments
He could not swallow any liquids, and it was
deemed advisable to give only the smallest guam
titles at q time. as it was feared that coughing
might be brought on, and even llght
attack of this would speedily end his life.
His respiration increased in frequency up to mid
night when it registered A to the minute. In
breathing the General did not use the diaphragm at
all, the whole motion being confined to the upper
portion of his chest He still conscious at that
hour and made an attempt to free his throat from
an accumulation of mucus. but he was so weak
that an effort to cough died away III
Ia low Kissing sound. The Generals family
would go into the sick chamber every few
moments and stand by the side of the bed, watch
ing the progress of dissolution. Colonel Grant at
times would smooth his fathers brow, and he
would open his eyes and look around the room
Mrs. Grant would enter the room every few mo-
ments and take his hand and entreat him TO speak.
but he would not say word. He knew her. but
could not shake off the weakness, and made no
sign of recognition. lie was slowly becoming
unconscious. Dr. Shrady gave him some milk by
dropping it slowly upon his lips. II trickled down
his throat but he gave evidence that he had
any knowledge that food was being given to him.
Shortly after midnight DR.. Newman walked from
the porch into the room He was followed by Mrs.
Grant and all the family, walking on tip-toe So as
not to disturb the General who seemed to be sleep
ing. Walking up to the bedside, Dr. Newman
reached out his hand and placed it upon the Cen
erals head. 1t was cold, and the dew of death was
on his brow The General slowly opened his eyes
and looked in the Doctors face. At the foot and
side of the bed stood the family. anxiousy watch
ing for any signs of recognition There
was none. The General closed his eyes and
turned his face in the direction where
Mrs. Grant was standing. Then DIR. Newman
bowed his tall form and fell upon his knees close
by the old warriors side. All the family then
knelt around the bed and the voice of prayer
III
of the midnight hour and was waited heavcnward
through the rustling music of the pine-trees. The
burden of the petition was that the ending of the
Journey OF the sick man over the River
Jordan might be as peaceful as the begin
ming and that God would strengthen the
family to bear its irreparable loss with
with portion of the fortitude shown in the hfo
history of the dying man. Subdued sobs were
heard when the prayer was ended, but the old
General remained with closed eyes, as if he did not
know what was going on around him.
GIVING no HEED TO QUESTIONS.
Just before o. m. the hour at which the Gen.
era has many of his bad attacks, he sank rapidly.
His pulse could not be felt at the wrist and his
respiration was so and very faint II was Thought
he was gong. The family gathered around him
and waited the dreaded hour The clock struck
and the hearts of those present quivered with
alarm. The General was faint. and 1t was thought
he could not last moment longer But
he suddenly gave quick sigh and
turned his head slightly from the
glare of a lamp that had been brought INTO the
room. He seemed to rally for few moments and
then lay so still that II might have been thought
he was dead if it not for the quick, irregular
movements of his chest. Questions were put 10
the General by members of his family ms
they walked to and fro from his room
to the porch as to whether he was suffering and
whether he wanted anything. but he gave 10 heed
to the sound
CoIope Grant placed his hand on the Generals
head lust after the clock struck and said !:
" Father, would you like a drink Of waterf" The
answer came quick. faint and startling from
the Generals lips: YES The
water was brought at once, but
he could not drink. When his lips were touched
with sponge he moved and partially closed thcm
hut his strength was gone and he could not move
his tongue. HIS legs and arms were cold from the
extremitics close up TO the body. His face was
perfectly calm and happy in expression
and without the slightest trace of suffering. He
lay in comatose condition. paying no attention to
the repeated pleadings of Mrs. Grant TO speak ono
word of comfort until n few moments past three.
Colonel Grant then spoke to him after he bad
taken him by the hand and held it for a moment.
Father, is there any hing that you wantU The
General answered family, but loud enough to he
heard ali over the room: Water" This was shc
last word that the dying warrior uttered
and it told that he was conscious
of bis great thirst and that his mind was still
family active Repeated attempts to induce the
General to speak after this failed utterly.
PEACEFUL END.
The hour of four passed and the General was
still alive, but sinking rapidly. and the end was
looked for every moment. When the morning sun
arose above the Green Mountains and came
dancing over the valley few stray
beams trickled through the the pine trees and
lattice work in front Of the Generals room and fell
upon the sad face of Lincoln. whose picture hung
above the head of the bed by the side Of of the
General in the fulness Of health AS the sun rose
higher IN the heavens the beams of light moved
slowly downward. and at the moment when the last
tingc of sunlightslipped off the picture the spirit
of the great commander left it's tenement OF clay
and took its flight to that unknown country the
dwelling place Of the soul.
The General opened his eyes about five minutes