New-York tribune., 1885-07-24
crx GRANTS STRUGGLE OVER
DEAfH COMES. TO HIN QUIETLY.
CONSCIOUS ALMOST TO THE END.
. GRADUAL SINKING ENDS IN DEATH AT GU
THURSDAY MORNIyG-HIs LAST HOURS

GRADUAL SINKING ENDS IN DEATH AT eoo
THURSDAY MORNING-IIIs LAST Hoo"S'
rsY TELEGRAPH THE TRIBUNE
Afr McGREeoR. N. Y, July 23.-The flag on the
cupola of the Mt McGregor Hotel waved today at
Iat-r,ost in the soft cool breeze that blew over
tbe valley from the Green Mountains in Vermont.
There was light haze on the air, and the guests
of tho hotel were sitting with solemn faces under
the shade of the pine trees or upon the ho'oi
piazza. or moved about on tiptOe, holding conVer-
sations in whispered accents, as If in fear that 'e
sound of their voices might awaken the grand oiu
hero who sleeps the quiet slumber OF death III MI
Drexeps cottage, only few feet away Altnough
the sun shone ont brightly, there seemeo W NC
borrow in the very air instead OF good cheer anu
tbe voice of Nature seemed hushed, IN unison WIN
the feeling of grief and sympathy that aooundea
in every heart.
The great struggle Is over ~ w
beep loug and trying one. 1t is now nine months
since General Grant first walked into Dr. Doug
lass Office and began to be treated for the disease
that finally caused his death. Hardly a momeh'
passed after that time, when the patient was con-
scious that he was free from the pain that always
accompanies cancer, but with fOrtitude that has
challenged the admiration of the world he pore MS
suffcrings without word of complaint, and met
the most excruciating pain as long as his strength
couragement TO his family and friends and ne
cave no evidence of the horrible torture through
which he was passing The gallant old Gen.
eral looked upon death thousand times
without hiuching, and when the end hnal-
ly came he met it, as ne always
hoped he would die, in perfect serenity ana
peace. Death to him had no terrors. and during
the last few days he looked hopefully forward TO
the time when he would breathe no more. But
while his spirit was willing to go, the only regret
being the separation from his family. his strong
physical constitution would not give up It's grlp on
life until every vestge of life-giving principle in
his body had been burned away. 1t was quiet
struggle. with not an unpleasant feature to mar the
grandeur of his taking of, and if he had been an
infant going to sleep IN its mothers arms he could
not have gone to his eternal sleep with more COM
plancecy.
While there Is an air of gloom, deep, dark and
heartrendiDg, hanging over the cottage III
which the gallant old warrior died.
it is mingled with tie welcome assurance that he
is AT rest and free from pain and torture Ihe long
vigil that has extended over SO many months is
ended and when the hands of the clock upon the
mante in his room pointed to sos o'clock this
morning General Grant breathed his last so peace
fully that the silent watch around his bed could
hardly believe that the end had come But II was
all over them and his weary spirit took its flight
and in moment afterward the electric spark had
sent the sad message of his death flying all over
the world.
NIGHT OF WA CHING AND PRAYING.
The last night of the General on earth was one
of watching and waiting and praying All his
family that he loved dearly were with him, and
before his mind became clouded, as it did
shortly before his death. he conscious OF their
presence though too weak to indicate the sat
ho hay felt a them
him. He Law in the parlor in the northeast end OF
the cottage in the bed that bad been provided for
his ply sicians. The most comfortable position that
he could get into was upon his back, slightly turned
toward his right side His head rested upon small
pillow, and white sheet was thrown overthe lower
portion of his body, while his hands were clasped
most of the time over his chest. He was put to bed
shortly before z p. M. on Wednesday. he was al
that time sitting in the easy chair that had been
such a comfort TO him. and close by the window
that commands view OF beautiful
stretch of country which he had been intently
watching He sat III perfect silence and no one
was permitted 10 approach him. There was FAR
away look in his eyes, which seemed to be opened
much wider than usua, and there was look OF un-
mistakable sadness on his face He seemed to have
become satisfied with the silent communion of his
soul and slowly turning his head so that he could
see Colonel Grant. who had been sitting In another
part of the room, he beckoned with his hand for
him to come nearer. Colonel Grant asked him II
be wanted anything. and the General shook his
head afrmatvely and motioned in the direction of
the bed When asked if he wanted to
lie down, he nodded again in the
affirmative and attempted to rise IN his chair but
the vgor of his wonderful constitution was broken
and he sank back into lis chair The nurse was
close at hand. aud he and Colonel Grant raised the
General tendery up from his chair and carried him
to the bed, He sank down upon the soft mattress
with an air Of great relief and closed his eyes as II
the change was just what he had been longing for
HIS head was raised only few inches from the
level and he lay position that for the last fod
months he has been able to get INTO for fear OF
choking and inducing spasmodic contraction In his
throat He sighed several times after he was COM
fortably fixed, and when asked il he
felt easy pleasant smile stole over his
pale face and his lips whispered family
"Yes. 80 good"
LAID UP THE BED FOR THs LAST TINE.
From the hour that his tired frame was laid upon
the bed he began to sink rapidly The signs OF dis
solution began with complete relaxation OF MS
entire physica: system, aud the muscles OF his
throat had become 80 feeble that, even though
there was a slight discharge of mucus into the
tracLea there was not sufficient power left TO III
duce spasm and all danger Of death from choking
passed away, much to the relief OF his physicians
and family The doctors gathered around the bed
side soon after p. m. and held consultation.
No examination of the throat was made. The dis
ease had not shown any marked progress in the last
forty-eight hours and there was no'hihg
to fear from it, The last examination OIL
the Generals throat was made week
ago to-day by the aid of strong reflection of sun
light, and there a condition found that indi-
Gated that the epitheloma had run its course done
Its work faithfully. and that the General at best
could only live a few daya When the patients