The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1886-08-27
THE GRANTS AT HOME
Long Branch Letter to the Philadelphia

Until late oneevenlng i sat upoh the
porch OF an historic residence, looking
out upon the almost unrufled sea end
within upon the room where the great
man who once dwelt there began the
last and most remarkable work OF his
life. Twas seated with family group,
recalling vividly the important and
stormy past as it contrasted with the
peaceful yet serious present. The
conversation driIted slowly and So
berly about that past and the men-
ory OF him whose life and associations
have filled it with wonderful play and
incident. 1t was the Grant cottage
where spent my evening, cordially
received by Mrs. Grant and her eldest
son, Frederick, who, with his pleasant,
handsome wife and their healthy,
merry, rompins children, are residing.
in the quiet-loolsing, simpleappearlng
! dwelling the occupation OF which by
President Grant when living gave to
this place it's earliest renown and made
1T the nations Summer capital"
When | was last here the great
soldier, and also a greater citizen,
was among us, apparently strong, and
evidently hopeful and confident OF a
future of quiet and dignilied usefulness.
He was honored then by all; yet he
was never so loved and revered as
new that he was gone. The nation
recalls the struggle of the last months
OF his eventful life, when he sought to
clear his name and yet leave those
he loved with the means OF independ-
ence about them. Mrs. Grant is look
ing very well-stlll thestrong, matron-
woman, and digniiied, yet forceful,
.ady the American people long since
earned to respect. Col Grant is
| luieter and easier in his manners and
speech, and shows a deeper thought
'ulness and reserve force than former
Y. 1t was q quiet evening, full OF
sober associations, that still were not
lnduly sad. felt in all the talk the
| presence OF q sentiment there. I'M
touched with restlessness and bearing
a still feeling OF confidence in the as-
sociations and memories OF the father
and husband whom they mourn and
revere. The merry voices OF the happy
children filled the parlors and piazzas
with a sound that had evidently
brought peace and content to the lady
who sat there, the honored matron OF
| II famous household. Col. Grant is
working hard at various things and is
mindful always OF what he deems i'm
perative Obligations
THE GRANT COTTAGE.
The Grant cottage stands simple
and unpretentious, looking like, what
1t is, a pleasant summer home, with
out ostentation or glare. 1t stands
amid two miles ormore ofvillas, many
OF which ale otherwise, that from the
west end line Ocean avenue. From this
roadway the Grant cottage is partly
hidden by a small grove of frs and
other ,shrubbery, in the midst ofwhich
are the stables and lodges. A large
sweep OF lawn, set off by few large
vases filled with brilliant -hued flowers
bring the visitor over a gravel walk
and drive to aplan structure ofwood,
with sloping roof, broken by dormer
windows. The building is colored in
gray and reddish brown, which harm
onize well with the soft color torres OF
earth. sky and sea. Broad and
graceful piazzas on three sides
set off the plain building. The en-
trance, which faces the avenue, is
let in deeply, so as to form another
piazza on the hall floor and deep bal
cony on the second, now all brilliant
with q mass OF radiars flowers. The
establishment is necessarily smaller
| than in the Generals lifetime. The
stables show this, but everything is
well kept and cared for. A quickset
hedge, thick and we'll trimmed. runs
with the public walk and part of the
| way on either side OF the grounds,
! below which q neat wire fence sepa-
rates the Grant place from the state.
lier one OF George w. Chllds to the
east and from u very rich mans resi-
deuce to thewest. Gen. Grant favor.
lite lounge was on the side facing the
ocean, and there the family sat until
quite late last evening. Within the
residence is simply yet neatly furnish
ed, though there are many evidences
OF the great position filed by him who
has passed away.
1t is an historic family group that
fills it,and around them are souvenirs
that indicate theunique place it's head
occupied in more than national af-
fairs. A superb portrait OF the gener-
! W. SaLhE ECtt WIN IiiS nag, HIS
the eye. On the floor OF hall and sa-
Ion are seen a number of superb robes
and skins-tigers', lions, panthers',
etc.-trophies probably OF that famous
Journey around the world. Other ev-
/ idences are to be noticed, but my in
terest centered on the living
The conversation was cheerful and
not notably reminiscent. 1t recalled
to Inc more than to the family, doubt
less, my last visit to and conversation
with Gen. Grant in this home of his
personal choice. Mention was made
OF the absent sons and dates were Civ
en- OF the expected visits of themselves
and families, and there was tender
mention OF the absent daughter, Mel
lie, the beloved one OF this strongly
united family.
eve have just received an interest.
ing letter from sister. She writes cheer
fully other English home and surround.
ings. She draws us a vivid picture Of
her new house i'll London, in which
she will spend the winter. She writes
Of the delight OF her country home and
tells us that next summer she and her
husband, with their children. will pay
us visit. She is as much American
as ever and loves to return to her na-
tive land. But her life abroad is a
cheerful one and she seems happy in
| There wac much relief in this simple
statement made by Col. Grant in the
ease OF our evenings chat. He said
much more, but this is the eist in nv
own way OF his reference to this familv
matter. None of it was intended for
publication, but am taking the re.
| sponsibility OF writing some facts
| in relation to the present life
of Mrs. Sartoris, in the hone
Eof arresting the wildly ex-
travagant romances of her domestic
L NH Il,