davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-12

broad drives, which will enable visitors to
drive all around the large grass plot where
the monument will stand aud get full
view of its every feature. The ground is
historic. A hotel which now stands there
was built before the Revolution, but it will
undoubtedly have to go when the land
scape gardener gets to work. The monu-
ment will probably be very close to the
site the hotel now occupies, short dis
lance above the place chosen for the tenn
porary tomb. Its conspicuous location will
make it visible to the passengers on all
the Hudson River boats, from the Jersey
City ferries to Yonkers.
PREPARING THE TEMPORAL TOMB.
No time was lost in setting to work to
prepare for the reception of the honored re-
mains. The New York Park Commissioners
were anxious as anybody to get an early
report of the selection of site made by
the family, for there was great deal of
preparation to be made and very little time
to make it in, before the ceremony. They
received telegram about eleven in the
forenoon, announcing that the family had
decided upon the Riverside site. In about
twenty minutes from that time, Mr.. J. Wrey
Mould, architect, had on paper the plan of
the temporary vault shown in one of the
accompanying illustrations. In less than
five minutes more the Commissioners had
approved the plan and issued acquisitions
for the purchase of the materials. The
temporary structure is q rectangle twelve
by seven feet internal dimensions, with
walls one foot four inches thick and four
feet high to the springing of the vault.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-12

as guard of honor at Albany, ON August 4,
returned with the body to New York on the
5th inst, and had position in the funeral
procession Of the succeeding Saturday. They
are mentioned specially because their offer
to act as guard of honor was the first made
and accepted.
RIVERSIDE PARK DESCRIBED.
On the morning of July %, Colonel Grant,
who had been on visit to New York. re-
turned to Mount McGregor and reported 70
his mother what he had done in the way
of inspecting sites suggested as proper for
the burial place of his father. He submitted
to her maps of the several spots visited.
She was not long in agreeing with him that,
all things considered, the Riverside Park
site was preferable to either the Mall or the
Watch Hill sites in Central Park.
There is no question of the absolute fitness
of the site preferred. The place on which
the monument to the memory of Grant will
be erected is situated about ten miles from
the City Hall. 1t commands long reach OF
lovely river view EMPOWERED in foliage and a
wide expanse of mountain scenery. The
smoke of the busy city is visible in the
distance, but with it's roar and noise as in
audible as if it were ON another planet.
Riverside Park is nearly three miles long,
but its average width is less than five hun
dred feet, and in some places is confined
almost exclusively to the broad carriage-way
and walk for pedestrians skirting the sum-
NIT of The bluff Early settlers of New York
used to ride out there and admire the beau
titul scenery long before the surrounding
hills were dotted with houses a. the ferry
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-12
SUPPLEMENT TO STAUNTON SPECTATOR.

death scene, until Tuesday, August 4, when
funeral services would be held at eleven a. m.
train would start for Saratoga at one clock,
reaching there in an hour. After stop of
thirty minutes the train would push on to
Albany. The body would lie in State at the
Capitol from 4:30 o'clock in the afternoon
until noon on August S, when it would pro-
coed to New York. It would lie in state in
the Governors Room, in the City Hail. until
Saturday, August 8, when public services
would be held at the interment in Riverside
Park. The offer from the U. S. Grant Grand
Army Post, Brooklyn, to guard the body
was also accepted. It was decided that the
body should pass, after the services at the
cottage, to the charge of a guard appointed
by the President, such guard to attend it up
to the time of interment. General Hancock
was designated for this duty by the Secre-
tary of War, and it was given him to make
the body lie in state at the Capitol in Al
bany, was brought about through Secretary
of State Carr, acting not only for Governor
Hill, but in his capacity as Commander of
the Third Division of the Grand Army.
Meanwhile military paced the grounds
surrounding the cottage at Mount McGregor,
an unwonted spectacle and heightening
the melancholy interest IF an event the ma
ture of which in itself forbade intrusion, and
rendered the presence of troops unneces-
sary. On July 26 they were Joined by men
belonging to the U. s. Grant Post, No. 1927,
of Brooklyn. This entire post assumed duty
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-12

boats had cut paths across the river. The
drive became more popular as the city
became more populous, and the aristocrats
used to fill the Golfers of landlords of roomy
road houses, of which now only one or two
remain as landmarks. Carriages turn into
the wide driveway at I'D Street and ascend
gradually to bluff that commands splendid
view of the river from the Palisades to Jersey
City. Almost at the beginning of the drive
is the only piece of territory that complies
with the popular idea of park. The slope
to the river Is gradual, and people who want
to get out of the dust may wander at will in
grassy dells shaded by thick growth Of
fine old trees. But near god Street this
ceases, and the descent from the bluff to the
river becomes abrupt. From this point
nearly to the place of General Grants
tomb the edge of the bluff is skirted by
a solid stone wall, with openings and steps
at long distances to permit persons to reach
the river bank beneath. The views along
the drive from start to finish are striking
and picturesque. At intervals along the
road the park is wide enough to admit of
grass plots on either side of it, some
times mere ribbons of greenness separating
the path for pedestrians, and in other
places broad plots laid out with growing
trees. From 121st Street to 125th Street.
which is substantially the part set aside for
General Grants resting place, the park
widens again, and gradually ascends to
the bluff on which the monument will
stand. The carriageways separate into two
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-12

The Generals body still lay on the bed clad
in the white flannel gown and the light ap-
parel that he had last worn. The face SEEM
ed to have filled out somewhat, looking more
as in familiar portraits of him.
CHOICE OF A BURIAL PLACE.
There is no doubt the General felt
when the arrangements for taking him to
Mount McGregor were in progress, that he
would not return alive to New York Shortly
before leaving the metropolis for his last
residence on earth he gave detailed instruc-
tons in regard to his effects, but only to one
or two OF the family, as he was studious to
avoid the infiiction of pain. On June "a he
gave to Colonel Grant slip of paper on
which he had written these words, the first
intimation OF his wish regarding his place of
burial:
''There are three places from which wish
choice of burial place to be made:
West Point:-I would prefer this above
others but for the fact that my wife could
not be placed beside me there.
"Gdlend, or some place in IHinois:-Be-
cause from that State 1 received my first
Generals commission
"Neao York:-Because the people of that
city befriended me in my need
The day after the Generals death it was
| arranged that his remains should rest in New
York. Mayor Grace of that city rendered a
burial site for the body in any of its parks,
with the provision that Mrs. Grant should
finally rest beside him. On the same day a
plan was also devised leading up to the time
| OF mterment. twas arranged that his body
should de at the cottage, in the room of the
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-12

vice was sent on from Denver, Colorado, the
gift of Mrs. Amos Bissen. Three bouquets
of roses and lilies rested beside it. A laurel
wreath lay on the table. The vacant willow
porch chair, which was lately draped, was
set at the foot of the canopy, The coffin
rested in the middle of the room
where the Generals bed had stood
when he died. There was no drapery in the
room except the canopy. The General 8
chair, occupied by him during his stay at
Mount McGregor, stood in one corner of
the room.
GENERAL HANCoCK's FIRST ORDER RELATING TO
THE BURIAL.
General Hancock issued his frs: order as
the General in charge of the funeral cere-
monies, in the afternoon of July 20. 1t was
as follows:
HEADQUARTERS DIVISION OF THE ATLANTIC, Y
GOVERNORS ISLAND, New YORK CRY.
July 90, 1885.
1. Having been placed by the President in
charge of the ceremonies connected with the
funeral of ex-President of the United States.
General Ulysses s. Grant, and in command
of the escort for the obsequies, military and
civic organizations and associations intend
ing to participate will, upon promptly report
ing such intention, be assigned positions in
the procession, which will take place in the
city of New York on Saturday, August 8,
1885.
II. Major General John G.. Farnswortn,
Acknowledgement of the State of New York,
is announced as aide, will act as Chief Mar
shal Of the obsequiss of General Grant ut Al
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-12

It has q ssbarrel' roof running the whole
length of the structure, turned with two
rims of brickwork. The floor of the tomb
is about four feet below the ground level.
The entrance to it is guarded by a strong
iron door four feet wide by six feet high.
The coffin rests free on two stones or
brick piers The structure took four
teen thousand brick and 176 feet of four
inch tagging stone. The base and cornices
are of bluestone The site affords ample
facilities for drainage and as will be seen
from the picture, provision has been made
for necessary ventilation.
THE HERO IN HIS COFFIN.
The body of the dead hero was placed in
the coffin about dusk on July 49, When this
was done the double glass top was placed
over the body and sealed for the night.
Then the lid was laid on and flag draped
over the lower part. At nine o'clock Cap
tain johnson, who was in charge of the Brook
lyn detail, went to the cottage with some
comrades. The upper part of the lid was
removed and the guard looked upon the
calm face of their charge. The son of I'm
dertaker Merritt announced his readiness
to deliver to the guard the trust that had
been his. Colonel Grant was summoned.
Standing at the coffin he addressed Captain
johnson and his comrades, giving the i'm
mediate care of the body to the U. S. Grant
Post of Brooklyn. Captain johnson formally
accepted the charge, and the two comrades
accompanying him became thereby the first
detail at the coffin. With the coffin that eve
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-12

compact, was one of the people, citizen of
the nation in which all men are born free
and equal; and the memorial of the last
honors paid to his remains, is consequently
of that tender and lasting interest which
cannot be felt in countries bereaved
of great man belonging to the Royal or
Aristocratic class. The hero mourned was,
moreover, simple, straightforward and I'M
destinations man, and his death, while sur
rounded by his family, had in it homely
pathos which touches all hearts and fills
all eyes with tears.
DEATH OF U. S. GRANT.
A change had come. DIR. Shrady sent for
the family. The bed stood in the middle of
the room. DR.. Douglas drew chair to the
head near the General. Mrs. Grant came
in and sat on the opposite side. She clasped
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-12

junior stood at the foot. DIR. Douglas was
behind the Colonel. The wives of the three
sons were grouped near the foot. Harrison
was in the doorway, and the nurse, Henry,
near remote corner. Between them, at a
window, stood DR.. Sands.
All eyes were intent on the General. His
breathing had become soft, though quick. A
shade of pallor crept slowly but perceptiblv
over his features. His barred throat quiv-
cred with the quickened breath. The outer
air, gently moving, swayed the curtains at
an east window. Into the crevice crept a
white ray from the sun. 1t reached across
the room like rod and lighted picture of
Lincoln over the deathbed The sun did
not touch the companion picture, which was
of the General. A roup of watchers in a
shaded room, with only this quivering shaft
Of pure light, the gaze of all turned on the
pillowed occupant of the bed, all knowing
that the end had come, and thankful, know
ing it, that no sign of pain attended it-this
was the simple setting of the scene.
The General made no motion. ONLY the
f1uttering throat, white as his sick robe.
showed that life remained The lace was
one of peace. There was no trace of pres
emit suffering. The moments passed in
silence. Mrs. Grant still held the Generals
hand. The Colonel still stroked his brow.
The light on the portrait of Lincoln was
slowly linking. Presently the General OPEN
ed his eyes AMI glanced about him, looking
into the faces of all. The glance fingered
as it met the tender gaze of his companion.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-12

The date of July %, 1885, will always be
memorable in American annals. On that
day General Grant, the greatest soldier in
the war of the Union and twice President
of the United States, departed this life.
With the fitting accompaniment of unprece
dented pomp, the nation buried its hero on
August 8, 1885, and to-day the myriad fami-
lies of the Union of Commonwealth which
constitute the great republic, read the ac-
count of Grants obsequies with the interest
of those who have buried one of their own
household. For the man whose victorious
arm restored the integrity of the Federal
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-12

late of the National Guard, State of New
York, is announced as aide to the Major
General commanding during the obsequies
of General Grant in the city of New York,
and is instructed to establish an Office in that
city as to the place of which he will make
public announcement, and is charged with
the preparation of the routes of march for
the funeral procession from the City Hall to
the place of interment as to its final disper-
sion as basis of orders for these purposes.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-12

hlnS went thlrty-elght
men of Battery A, Fifth
Artillery, from Cover
nor's Island. Lying in
his coffin the dead
General presented a
sight never to be
forgotten by those who
saw it. The electric
lamp under the flag
draped canopy in the
parlor sent during the
early part of the evening
a glow of soft light upon
the body. 1t lay asst in
peaceful sleep. The arms
crossed the breast in
natural repose. Only
the wasted hands re-
called his pain. The
face was calm. 1t show
ed no signs of where
the dread disease crept.
There was fullness in
the outline and nothing
of the death pallor.
The hair was combed so
that the gray scarcely
appeared. Bunches of
white were in the beard,
but it was trimmed as
Of old. The lips were
speaking lips, slightly
parted, yet with no space
between them. Death
had made the faceyoung-
er by ten years. Art
had done much to hide
the attenuation of the
body. 1t was clothed
In broadcloth. Above
the buttons of the
Prince Albert coat a gold
stud glistened. Besides
this there was a plain
gold ring on tn e
little finger of the left
hand. The stud and the
ring were the only jew
elry. White stockings
showed above the tops
of patent leather slip
pers. The body lay
quite flat, but the head
was raised slightly by
its pillow of satin, bring
ing the face into fine
relief. The room was
fragrant with flowers.
At the head of the can
opy stood a table. A
device in immortelles.
a pillow with an an
Choir and heart worked
skillfully upon twas
the handsomest and
largest piece. This de-
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-12

gently one of the white hands in her own.
When the Colonel came in DR.. Douglas gave
up his chair to him. The Colonel began to
stroke his fathers forehead, as was his habit
when attending him. Only the Colonel and
Mrs. Grant sat. Mrs. Sartoris stood at her
mothers shoulder. DIR. Shrady a little be-
hind. Jesse Grant leaned against the low
Aeadboard tanning the General. Ulysses
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-12

". Brevet Major-General Martin T. Nc
Mahon, late United States Volunteer Marshal
of the United States for the Southern District
of New York, is announced as aide and is
charged with the conduct of the march of
civic organizations in column as body and
for their due dispersion after the ceremonies
are concluded. He will establish an office
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-12
PEACE HAS COME AT LAST.

bany, N. Y, in due concert with the civil
authorities, and is charged with all details of
the ceremonies and care of the remains at
that place, as the representative of the
Major General commanding during his alb
sence and until his arrival, and is also
charged with the preparation of orders to
meet all contingencies there between the
reception and departure of the remains.
Ill. BrigadierGeneral Lloyd Aspinwall.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-12

A startled, WaVerlnS mo-
ton at the throat, a few
quiet gasps, a sigh and
the appearance of drop
ping into gentle sleep
followed. The eyes of
affection were still upon
him. He lay without a
motion. At that instant
the window curtain sway
ed back in place, shut
ting out the sunbeam.
"At last" said DIR.
Shrady, in a subdued
whisper.
SIT is all over" sigh
ed DIR. Douglas.
Mrs. Grant could not
believe it until the Col
onel, realizing the truth,
kneeled at the bedside
clasping his fathers
hand. Then she buried
her face in her hand
kerchief. There was not
a sound in the room, no
sobbing, no unrestrain-
ed show of grief. The
example set by him who
had gone so quietly
kept grief in check
at that moment. The
doctors withdrew. DR..
Newman, who had en-
tered in response to a
summons just at the in
slant of the passing away
looked into the calm
face, now beyond suffer-
ing, and bowed his head.
There was a brief sill
ence. Then DR.. New
man led Mrs. Grant to
a lounge, and the others
of the family sought
their rooms.
The General had not
been dead two minutes
when the sad news
was being telegraphed
from Mount McGregor,
all over the country.
An undertaken was on
his way from Saratoga
almost as soon as the
family had left the
death chamber, and a
message was sent to the
Rev. Stephen Merritt,
New York, to go on
to Mount Nc Gregor
at once to take charge of
the funeral arrange
ments. Sculptor Co.
hardt was Immediately
informed that he might
take the death mask.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-12

in New York and announce the same. All
such organizations desiring to take part will
report directly to these headquarters, send
ing duplicate of the same to General Nc
Mahon, and will state title of same, name of
chief officer, and number to parade.
W. s. HANCOCK,
Major-Gensral commanding.
General Hancock also issued an order To
General Shalsr, commanding the First Bri-
gade, National Guard, accepting the services
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1885-08-20
How to Induce Sleep. ~

Until recently L have not been able
to secure much sleep on the first night
of a railway journey, and it may be an
advantage to many travellers to know
how the inability was overcome. An
excess of blood in the brain prevents
sleep. How to remove the surplus is
the problem for the unfortunates who
wish to sleep but cannot. A pump is
needed for the purpose, and it may
easily be provided rs follows: Having
assumed the usual position of repose,
inhale and exhale slowly and steadily
long breaths, deyoting the whole at
tention to making the inhalation and
exhalation of exactly the same length.
The length should be much greater
than. that of ordinary breathing, al
though not sufficient to disturb the cir
culation by working the lungs to their
utmost capacity. Any person who
has force of will enough 10 concentrate
his whole attention on the maintenance
of this style of breathing can compel
sleep in very unfavorable circum-
stances, and victims of insomnia should
know is.
The value of the method is not solely
in its holding the mind to one object
of thought, but the process of breath
ing here described is really equivalent
to the insertion of pump to draw off
its excess of blood. Te convince your
self that this is So. fill your lungs with
al ths air that they will hold, and then
expel it. repeating the operation three
or four times as rapidly as possible,
the result will be = feeling of faintness,
unless yoa are other than aR ordinary
nertal, and its cause will be defi-
eieRcy Of blood in the brain, produced
by the pumping process. Such vi
client breathing will not induce sleep,
however, as there is reaction which
sends the life current rushing back to
the seat of the mind. Scientists say
that the reason why fear, surprise or
any ether sudden emotion sften causes
faiRtness is because it rapidly drives
the bleod from the brain, and the fact
is significant for those who wish to un-
derstand how to induce sleep, whether
on the railway train or in their beds at
homo, by pumping the excess of blood
from their brains by peculiar method
of breathing.-NeI0Y York. Nail and En-
press.
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1885-08-20

olinist, with peculiar habit of locking
himself in his study and playing for
hours at time. Bat when thus per.
forming IN seclssioa hAs playing was
inferisr to his public performance; the
difference was SO great as to casse re-
mark.
1he govEpess feH IA love with tho
man in spite Of the fact that hs was
married, and though she recognized
her danger. and snee resolved to leave
the house, she was 30 fascinated by
him as to be prevailed on to remain.
Mysterious roDbsries were committed
in the neighbsrhood, and tho master of
the house skillfslly directed the pursuit
of the robbers. He had planned trip
for his sick child to Italy in caro- of the
gOverncss, who was to be chaperoRed
by her mother and escorted by him.
self Circumstances directed the at
tention of the young govorness to per-
sons whom she suspected of tho rob-
berries, and she joined hor employer in
directing pursuit of the mon. At
length they were caught through in
formation given by the governess, and
the leader of the band was found to be
her employer. His wife proved to
haNO AOhS UCeh IL nclpIoSS VlCLlIu Oh MS
iron will. whom he had put up in
cell of room to kill her gradually.
Tho servant had been his accomplice
in numerous forgsrics; and the mystor-
ious persons who went and camo about
the house were men who gave the
master the information on which he
planned some of the most daring rob-
berries The mon were tried in London
about ten years ago, amid the utmox
exstement. and the young lady was
the chief witness.