The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1885-08-01
GEN. GRANTS BODY--THE FUNERAL
ARRANGEMENTS.

ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Since the death of Gen. Grant his body has re-
posed in the Drexel cottage, at Mount McGregor,
in the room in which he breathed his last. 1t has
been embalmed and the face presents very nat
ural appearance. The public has not been per-
mitted to view the remains, only the members OF
the family and near friends being accorded this
privilege. A guard of honor from Grand Army
Post of Brooklyn, has charge of the body, and
the curiosity seekers, hundreds of whom have
visited Mount McGregor every day, are kept at a
respectful distance.
Since the day of the Generals death arrange
ments for the funeral, which will take place on
Saturday, August Sth, have been in progress. 1t
was some time before the final place of sepulture
could be agreed upon, there having been wide
difference of opinion on the subject between the
family and friends of the deceased. New York
city was finally settled upon as agreeable to the
family and the body will be inferred in a promi-
nent section of Riverside Park, where, in time,
grand monument is to be erected by the people of
the United States.
To-day-Saturday, August lst-private funeral
their conclusion funeral train will be in readi-
ness to convey the body, accompanied by the fam
iy and friends, to Saratoga. From thence the
train will proceed to Albany, where the body will
lie in state in the capital for two days. From
thence it will be taken to New York and be placed
in the City Hall, in order to give the thousands
who may desire to view the body an opportunity
of doing so. The final funeral ceremonies will
take place on Saturday, August Sth, when the
body will be removed to church, where the or
binary services, followed by an address, will take
place. The funeral will be conducted in accord
ance with military rules and will be in charge OF
cession, in which thousands of soldiers will take
part, and all organizations that may desire to do
so will be assigned places in the line. 1t will
doubtless be the largest and most imposing pro-
cession of the kind ever seen in this country.
The spot where the remains are to repose in the
park was selected Monday by Mayor Grace
and other prominent city officials, who were ac-
companied by Col. Fred. Grant. Steps are al
ready being taken to erect over the remains a
magnificent national monument, to which every
State and Territory will be expected to subscribe
its proper quota, and it is safe to say that it will
surpass in grandeur and beauty anything of the
kind heretofore attempted in this country.
Mr.. Drexel, who owns the cottage at Mount
McGregor in which Gen. Grant died, will deed it
to the State Of New York and it is to be kept just
as it was when the General died for all time to
come. As years roll by unborn generations will
visit this spot and view this mountain cottage
just as those of the present day 60 to Mount YER
non, on the Potomac, to see the house in which
Washington breathed his last.
The site selected for the location of the tomb
of General Grant, in Riverside Park, is the high
est point along the shore of the Hudson river, and
is in every respect well suited for the purpose
The surface is unduating, covered with heavy
grass, and, with the exception of fringe along
the line of tho Hudson River railroad, is almost
entirely clear of shrubbery or trees. 1t is sufh-
GENTLY elevated to make it from the river one of
the most remarkable objects on the Hudson,
while its magnificent drives and outlooks will
render it of the great attractions of the city.
| Opposite Pleasant Valley, it commands view of
many locations famous in history, and when the
|
completed, and the grounds are laid out and or
namented in accord with its design, the whole
will constitute one of the most beautiful spots to
be seen anywhere.
PLACED THE CAsKET.
The splendid casket made in New York for
Gen. Grant was received at Mt. McGregor on
Wednesday evening, when the embalmers and
undertakers transferred the body to its final re-
ceptacle. The hardeningprocess that results from
embalming had begun, and the embalmers ex-
pressed the belief that the body would remain in
its present condition without change for at least
six months.
A suit of black broadcloth placed upon the
remains, the coat being Prince Albert. A white
linen standing collar circles the neck and black
silk scarf is tied in plain bow at the throat The
tie was arranged by Harrison, the servant, and
he also adjusted pair of low-cut patent-leather
slippers upon the Generals feet when they had
been encased in white stockings. The act flying
the silk bows of the slippers was probably the last
personal service Harrison may do for his late
master. Gold studs were fixed in the shirt front
and plain gold buttons in the cuffs.
When the remains had been finally attired and
placed within the casket, the double breasted
Prince Albert coat was buttoned closely from top
to bottom. The right hand was folded across the
breast and the left was disposed in an easy posi-
ton by the side.
Col. Fred. Grant at this point entered. He ap
preached the casket, and leaning above it some
moments, he studied the face of his father in
silence. Taking in his own the right hand of the
General, Col. Grant placed upon the third hnger
plain gold ring, and then replaced upon the
breast the still, thin hand. Before turning away
the Colonel drew forth a small packet of mementos
and placed them in the breast pocket of the coat.
Having performed these last direct personal
offices Col. Grant retired, and those in charge
dropped the heavy plate-gass top of the casket
in place, and the casket was sealed by the turn
ing down of sixty that press the glass down
into its fittings, and which thus renders the cas-
ket air-tght.