The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-01
The Day in the Sick-Room.

Mt MCGREGOR June 30.-To-day it has been
two weeks since General Grant was moved from
NeY York. On the day he came the tempera-
ture was 49, This morning it was So at the cot,
tage. Dr. Douglas was asked, this morning TO
review the fortnight that General Grant has
passed upon the mountain: His life has been
prolonged by the invigoratng air here Instead
Of being aggravated by the great neat of New
York, the disease has progressed in the natural
way but, as have said before, it is of in
creasing debility. The General was likely to
die at any time in New York, and had he re-
manned there instead Of coming here, he would,
in all human probability, have expired before
this His present weakness is the natural re-
suit of the disease J He is each day less strong
and, though the loss from day to day is scarcely
perceptible, the aggregate of fourteen days be-
comes noticeable. Two weeks ago General
Grant left the city. If he was in New York to-
day he could not be moved here, as his strength
is not equal to such a journey. Now, if you ask
me when the end will probably be- Cannot tell.
No one can tell He grows weaker and weaker,
aud at last the point of exhaustion will he
reached. That is all, and nobody can say when
that shall be-"
Referring to the local conditions, Dr. Douglas
said the mouth and throat unusually clear
as the result of quiet and close attention during
the tYx> 9qvs o4sts but nhoz th;s is oaia it mus,
be remembered that the tongue is so swollen AS
to render articulation difficult and thorough ex-
animation impossible. The loss of voice is due
partly to inflammation Of the vocal chords and
partly to lassitude and Taxation of the parts
The glandular swelling is decreased but when
the hand is passed over the neck, the nodosites,
or carcerous knottings of the glands are found
to be not abated, but becoming harder con.
stanty The weakness of the patient is now
evident in lack Of ability and desire to walk the
cottage piazza, as he did ten days ago There is
disposition on the Generals part to economic
his strength, and there is lessened interest in
his literary works
The Doctor this morning reports that the
General had fairly good night and gained con-
siderable sleep. He is remaining in his room
this morning, the air being raw and chilly.
Fires blaze in the cottage and at the hotel
General Grant remained in his room this
forenoon, and at l o'clock his physicians said he
had passed very good day up to that time,
sleeping and resting without pain. The family,
for the first time today, went up to the hotel
for lunch.
While the family were at lunch the sick man
retired to his room. called for materials, and
began writing what will become a passage in his
book. When DR.. Douglas entered at ocl ock,
the General penced some allusion to the fact
''Do you feel as we'll as you did week ago."
asked the Doctor.
Better" was the Generals reply.
Al about $50 this afternoon tine physician told
General Grant of the comparative estimate of
his strength which bad been sent out in these
dispatches to which the General assented in the
following note, which he handed to the Doctor:
1.-THE atmosphere here enables me to live in
comparative comfort, while [ am being treated,
or while nature is taking its course with my
disease. have no idea that should have been
able to come here now, had l remained in the
city. 1t is doubtful, indeed whether | would
have been alive. Now would be much better
able to move back than come here.'k
Having written the above and while the Doc
tor was reading it, the General, in writing asked
Dr' Douglas if he would like his signature to the
above as the patients Endorsement of the
Doctors Judgment The Doctor assented. and
the General then added the signature, ~. S.
Grant, June 30 1885"
At $50 DR.. Douglas had composed his nati4nt
for the night. The Doctor said he had scarcely
cleared his throat during the evening so little
had been the mucus secretion. The General
would have been able to speak this evening had
he exerted himself. The Doctor believed the in
dcations for comfortable night were as strong
as last night Samuel l.. Clemens Mark Twainj
arrived at the cottage this evening.
MIDNIGHT.-The General has slept at inter
walls since being put to bed, and the cottage is
now quiet.