The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-31
AN UNWRITTEN CHAPTER.

MIR. Depew Speaks Mysteri0usly of an I'M
portant Event in General Grants Life.
New York World.
Mr.. Chauncey NJ. Depew's statement at the
Grant memorial exercises of the Chamber of
Commerce on Monday, that there is connected
with the dead Generals name chapter of I'M
written history of the greatest import to the
Republic has excited curiosity. Mr. Depew
said that there was a crisis at the close of the
war when, but for General Grants frmness, the
country might have again been plunged into
civil strife.
II do not think the time has come for me to
explain Just what limited at" said Mr. Depew
to World reporter yesterday. That chapter
of history of the close of the war should not be
left unrecorded. But there are others who have
undoubtedly been told the same story. Some of
the intimate friends of the General, Mr. Conk
ling, General Sharpe, General Badeau and others,
would be as likely to know of it as myself who
was never, in any sense, his intimate l prefer
to wait some time before repeating the story as
it was told to me, but if no one else shall write
it then | will"
Mr.. Depew would give intimation as to
what the mysterious incident really was He
was asked if it involved an explanation of the
question of veracity between President johnson
and General Grant, in connection with the posi-
ton OF Secretary OF War and the proposed
removal of Stanton.
THAT is not the incident to which I refer, :"
was the response. 1T concerns those troublous
times when there was change of administra-
ton. Had it not been for General Grants
prompt action the incident would undoubtedly
nave been attended by tragic results Nor, he
said, did the revelation refer to the electoral
commission controversy.
When asked how it happened that he became
the repository of secret of so important a
Oh ell
''Fhree years or more ago was of the guests
at private dinner party. General Grant was
also present, and We were seated side by side
l had met him frequently at dinner parties and
in social way, but our relations had been some
what strained because OF my attitude towards
the third term movement But on the occasion
referred 10 he very friendly. By the time
the cloth was removed and cigars were reached
the conversation drifted first from one topic to
another. At length he told me the story in
question ard | asked him why it had never been
made public. He assigned as a reason the posi-
bility Of a bitter controversy that would be
aroused, as many of those who would have been
opposed to him were still alive Nevertheless
he said he might yet write it. We met fire.
Quently after that but [ never referred to the
subject again until during his last illness. Only
short time ago | had an extended interview
with him think, perhaps one of the last long
talks he had with any one before his voice failed
him. | found him depressed in spirits He
about his work on the autobiography. He said
that it was practically finished, and all that re-
manned 20 be done was in the way of revision
The General deplored the fact that mis- condition
would not permit of his treating some matters
more thoroughly. | then reminded him of the
special incident have spoken Of and he remem-
bered the conversation with me very distinctly
When inquired If he had Incorporated the story
in his "reminiscences he answered that he had
not. General remarked 4 doubt if there is
anything in your book so interesting as that
would prove to be- Perhaps not, he answered.
and proceeded to explain that it had been his
intention to write of it fully. There were many
things ne had left unaccomplished. and others
had been passed over hurriedly. He regretted
that his work had not been more complete and
thorough. AS to this particular thing. there was
no injunction of secrecy imposed, else / would
never have mentioned it in my remarks yester-
day. WHAT surprises me is that some of his
friends who, doubt have full knowledge of
1t, have not told the story before this. AS have
said, may take it upon myself to write it as he
told 1t to me-that is, if the public are curious
cOucpruipn