The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-27

writing materials. We're I an artist I would
paint picture of that scene, showing the old
warrior sitting in his chair with his worsted cap
on his brow Before him, resting on the arms
Of the chair, was writing slab. On it was his
tablet and pencil, and before ihim burned a soil
tary wax taper Behind him and bending over
him with intense gaze were Mrs. Grant Mrs
Sartorls and Colonel Fred, manifesting the most
intense interest as to what he was writing His
first few words were written with great feeble
ness and unsteadiness of hand. His face was
the picture of suffering. His lips moved tremu-
lousy, as though striving to pronounce the
words ne was writing. After he had finished the
sheet he handed it to Colonel Grant. Of course
the family gathered around the Colonel to ascer-
tain what 1t was 1t related to his tender solicit
tude for tie comfort of Mrs Grant and place
of burial. He expressed wish that Mrs. Grant
might finally rest by his side"
Can You be explicit as to the place of burial
he desired?'
That is for the present family secret 1t
was feared that the writing would fatigue him
and the book was removed, but he called for it
again and wrote another message relating to
some matter Of business and the Colonel re-
sponded: Father, l have attended TO that
The board was taken away and he demanded
it again. but the family, fearing that he would
( overtax his strength was disposed to refuse his
request. But he raped on his chair slab with a
great deal of emphasis, Indicating that he in
sisted on having it, 1t was given to him, and he
wrote q third message. The family then retired
to the veranGa, and about IL o'clock he sent out
this sohcitous message to us: There is no earth
ly reason why you should sit up. l prefer that
you would retire This again was characteristic
of the man-at the point of DEATH still consid-
crate of others. Mrs. Grant remained with the
General till o'clock on Wednesday morning.
Colonel Fred all night. We were seated around
hlm when he broke the silence by saying: L
hope nobody will be distressed on my account
.rNttse we We're absent at dinner he was car
ried to couch from which he was never to rise
again. About o'clock on Wednesday night
death seemed imminent, but he was conscious.
We knelt around him and commended his de-.
parting spirit to his Creator 1t was altogether
the most solemn and impressive scene ever wit
messed. The depression continued until about
8 o'clock, when he gave signs of reviying
side. She asked for some token of recogni-
milton. He gently caressed her hand All
remained up during the night. The Generals
extremities were cold, especially the hands and
warm. Toward the morning the mucus gath
cred in his throat, and, because of muscular in
ability to eject it, it caused what is known as
the death -rattle-not particularly distressing for
him to endure but for US to hear. l spoke to
him about o'clock this morning, and to my
question whether he knew me he opened his
eyes 1t was sign of assent.
About in the morning Nellie approached
him and said: Papa if you know me, press my
hand He opened his eyes, looked gently upon
ner, ana gave some Sllght pressure or the mana.
That was the last individual recognition At s it
was evident that the end had come The Colonel
sat at the bed, leanngover his father Mrs. Grant,
and Nellie, and Jesse, and Ulysses with their
wives were grouped about the bed. At eight
minutes past he opened his eyes, looked upon
the group that stood before him, closed his eyes
and with gentle breath he was gone. Of course
there were scenes Of deep emotion. Mrs Grant
tenderly kissed him. Then led her to the sofa,
spoke cheeringly to her, and she soon regained
her composure General Grant had no fear Of
death. His only anxiety was about those whom
he would leave behind him. Once when death
seemed imminent and he revived, I asked him if
he had any anxiety. He replied: No. l felt
that l had the church beneath me for support
and comfort At other times he professed his
abiding faith in the scriptures. He had the most
comforting faith in Christianity. Death had no
terrors for him"