The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-01-12
eENERAL IGRANT's FREpLY FOR MRS. GRANT


Ee NEW YORK CITY, Jan. 10, 1855.
DEAR SIR-Mrs. Grant wishes me to answer your
letter of this evening, 10 say that, while she ap-
preciates your great generosity in transferring 10
0O0, she cannot accept ii in whole. She accepts
with pleasure the trust. which applies to the
articles enumerated in your letter to go TO the
Government of the United States at my
death, or sooner, at her option. In this manner
you have anticipated the disposition which had
contemplated making OF the articles. They will
be delivered 70 the Government as soon as ar
rangements can be maoe for their reception. The
papers relating to all the other property viii be
returned, with the REQUEST that you have il sold
and the proceeds applied TO the liquidation OF the
debt which so justly owe you. You have stated
history of the transaction which brought me in
your debt. have only to add that regret your
giving me your check for the amount without
inquiry, as an act OF marked and unusual friend
ship The loan was to me personally. got the
money. as believed, to carry the Marine National
Bank over for day, being assured the bank was
solvent, but owing to unusual calls needed as
sistsnce until II could call in Its loans. l was as
suIed by Ferdinand ward that the firm of Grant
4 Ward had over $500 600 to their credit in the
Marine Bank, besides 81 300, ,0C0 of unpledged Sc
curities in their own vaults. / can not conclude
without assuring you that Mrs. Grants inability
to avail herself OF your great kindness in no way
lessons either her sense oi the obligation or my
own. Yours truly, U. s. GRANT.
To W. II. Vanderbilt. ESQ,
vANDERBITs REPLY.
No. $40 FIFTH AVENUE, jap. IL, 1885.
General U. g. Grant:
MY DEAR SIR-on my return home last night
found your letter, in answer TO mine to Mrs
Grant appreciate fully the sentiments which
sctuate both Mrs. Grant and yourself in dectH
ing part of my proposition relating to the real
estate. greatly regret that she feels IL her duty
to make this decision, as | earnestly hoped the
spirit in which the offer was made would
overcome any scruples in accepting f. But
1 must insist shall not be defeated
in purpose TO which / have gwen so much
thought and which have so much at heart. will
therefore, as fsst as the money is received from
sales OF real estate deposit II in the Union Trust
Company. With the money thus realized l will
at once create with that company trust, with
proper provisions for an income, to be paid to
Mrs Grant during her life, and giving power 10
her 10 make such disposition of the principal by
her will as she may elect. Very truly yours.
~ WILLIAM Il. VANDERBILT.
General U. s. Grant
GENERAL GRANTS ANSWER.
NEW YORK, Jan. IL.
DEAR sIR-YouT letter this date received. Mrs.
Grant and regret you can not spt propo-
stion to retain property which was mortgsged in
good faith to secure debt of honor. But your
generous determination cempels Us TO no longer
resist. Yours truly, o. S. GRANT,
W. H. Vanderbilt
MRS. GRANT STILL REFUSES.
NEW YORK, SUNDAY, Jan. II, 1856.
To Ny Dear Mr.. Vanderbilt:
Upon reading your letter this afternoon General
Grant and myself felt it would be ungracious 10
refuse your princey and generous offer Hence
his note to you. But upon reflection IND can
not will not, accept your mun1hcence In any
form. beg you will pardon this apparent vaccil-
alton and consider this answer definite and final.
With great regard, and sense OF obligation that
will always remain, am yours very gratefully.
JULIA ID. GRANT.
To M. william Il. Vanderbilt