The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-04-02
NEARING THE END.

A Bare Possibility that the General May
Live Through To-Day.
Special to the Indianapolis journal
NEW YORK, April 1.--When General Grant
retired at o'clock yesterday morning he slept
peacefully til midnight, when he awoke, took
little nourishment, and dozed off again. AT
O'Clock the patient awoke and complained of
pain. DR.. Douglas became somewhat apprehen-
sive, and sent Harrison to wake Colonel Fred.
The General was in half waking state, and it
was plain that he was momentarily growing
weaker. At o'clock the patient was sinking so
rapidly that messenger was dispatched for DR..
Shrady. Afterward Rev. DR.. Newman was sent
for. When asked for news he shook his head
mournfully, and, while he did not answer in
words, his looks showed that he feared the
worst.
Ex-senator j. B. Chaffee accompanied the
clergyman, and the two soon disappeared within
the mansion
At SIS o'clock messenger was despatched
for DR.. Barker. No more information was OBJ
tanned till half an hour later, when ex-senator
Chaffee, who had reached the house about Z
o'clock, came out The Senator was very
gloomy, and when questioned could only say:
1.-THE General is growing weaker and weaker;
the doctors cannot tell how long he may live.
He is liable to stand it through the day, or to
die at any minute"
us the trouble with his throatl7
mot entirely; his throat is thickening, but
the main difficulty is with his heart"
''Is he consciousl'
''Yes, and calm"
At 10 o'clock the General seemed SO much
stronger that DR.. Newman and Dr. Shrady came
out and started up the street
"The General fully realizes the fact" said the
former, ''that this is simply prolongation of
his suffering, but the strength of his mand, and
his calmness and serenity are wonderful"
A few moments later, U. S. Grant, jr., ap-
peared. He could scarcely control his emotion
as he said: Father is very low. He has no
pain, but is growing weaker and weaker He is
in his chair now, with DR.. Douglas by his side
being more comfortable there than in bed.
1t is quite difficult for him to speak, and when
he wants anything he communicates with DIR.
Douglas with his eyes or hands. He has not yet
taken food. The entire family, including the
wives of my brother and myself are the same
floor with him. None of the ladies, however
except my mother stay in the room; they oc-
cupy the room adjoining the Office. That is all
1 can tell YOU"
At noon the General was able to partake of
nourishment, and made an unexpectedly hearty
meal of soup, and eggs and toast This gave
him strength and he walked across the room
After that he was not permitted to exert him
self in any way.
DIR. Douglas was at his side all the time and
anticipated every wish.
At 2 o'clock Drs Barker, Shrady
and Sands arrived, and held a
consultation with Dr. Douglas. They discussed
the situation for nearly an hour, although there
was but one opinion in regard to it. The ques-
ton was only one Of time, and the consultation
was held more to encourage the sorrowing mem
bers of the family than in the hope of being able
to relieve the dying man.
Being asked to describe the situation, DR..