The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-25
MIR. HENDRICKs's DEATH.
An Intimate Friend Thinks 1t Was Caused by
Relatives Misconduct.

a Relatives Misconduct.
Frank A. Burr's New York Letter.
A gentleman just from Indianapolis, who
holds high position among the best people of
that Western city, said day or two since that
he thought he could explain the immediate cause
of ce-presidenJ Hendricks death. He had
known him intimately for good many years.
and had the very best opportunities for knowing
the truth. This is the story as he related it:
Mr.. Hendricks had always been very much
attached to his relations. not only those of his
own blood, but his wife's also. He had helped
them in numerous ways, not only with his
means. but with his influence in obtaining them
good positions. He was particularly interested
in young, bright and handsome fellow,
nephew of his wife A few years ago he estab-
llshed him comfortably in position in one of
the indianapolis banks, and for some time he at
tended strictly to duties, and the Governor was
delighted It was understood among the i'm
mediate friends of Mr.. Hendricks that he had
selected this young man for his heir. Soon,
however, the nephew conceived an itch for poll
tics, and it was not long before he got mixed up
with the machine ran with the boys and drifted
into bad habits. He went down with considera-
bic rapidity. First he lost his place at the bank,
and after various escapades, wound up with
Notifying all his connections by an imprudent
marriage. All this brought intense grief to the
Governor and his wife. because both were really
fond of the boy. 1.-The Governor decided to
make one more effort to reform him, and, with
that good end in view, visited Chicago and sue
ceeded in obtaining for the prodigal youth re-
sponsible position in the postofice He was
made chief of the stamp division. 1t is usual
to require bond In such positions, aud l pre-
sumo the Governor gave one. The young man
professed the gratest gratitude for this start
In life, and promised radical reform.
You remember it was only few days bs-
fore his last illness that the Vice president re-
turned to Indianapolis after this visit, during
which he contracted severe cold. He had en-
tire confidence in the young mans promises, and
it gave him great mental relief. On the after
noon Mr.. Hendricks died so suddenly the Iudi-
annapolis News contained short dispatch from
Chicago stating that nephew Of Vice president
Hendricks had been dismissed from his position
as chief of the stamp division for drunkenness.
The paper containing this sudden shock lay on
the bed. when Mrs. Hendricks returned to the
room and found her husband dead. presume,
during the brief absence of his wife, Mr.. Hen
bricks had taken up the paper to glance at the
news, and there what was fatal shock to
his almost paternal hopes"
This reminds of the incident that is sup
posed to have caused the death OF Gen. George
II. Thomas. He. like Hendricks. was a very
high-strung, sensitive man. and he felt any re-
Election upon him severely General Badeau
had given out a garbled list of his dispatches to
General Grant about the Tennessee campaign.
which greatly irritated him. The paper con-
tanning them was some days in reaching San
Francisco. The old hero received it and sat
down at his desk to answer it. when the dark
messenger came When he was found dead the
paper lay by his side. The old warrior had
passed away just as ne was to vindicate his char
acter as soldier.