, 1888-05-29
GETTING BETTER.
Gen. Sheridan's Condition Con-
siderably Improved.
His Physicians Express Them
selves More Hopeful.
Although He is Not Declared
Out Of Danger.
News From sheridan.

WASHINGTON. May 2S.-There was a
general feeling of relief IN Gen. Sheridan's
household this morning when the physi-
clans issued their bulletin that there had
been a slight but distinct Improvement in
his symptoms. The night was an anxious
one. The distinguished patient seemed
to grow weaker and weaker and the
chances of his recovery less and less as
the hours dragged slowly along. Indeed
he was so low in the early hours of the
morning that the attendants almost aban-
doned hope. The history of the case
shows that the most dangerous time for
the general is between the hours of . and
6 o'clock in the morning, and this morn
ing was no exception to the rule. All the
physicians and nurses were with him dur
ing that period, and the discouraging
news that came from the bedside from
time to time filled the anxious watchers
with grave fears. Mrs. Sheridan bore up
bravely under the trying ordeal and
though unable to obey the doctors advice
to take some sleep showed rare confidence
and composurc.
Representatives of the press remained
in the vicinity Of the house all night and
received information from inside every
half hour. The usual answer to inquir-
les was that there was mo material change
in the generals condition" Towards
morning the reply was 81 am sorry to say
the general is no better or 1.-THE general
is not quite so well. This was the situa-
ton at s O'Clock when people began to ar
rive in numbers to inquire the generals
condition. At that hour there had been
slight improvement since daybreak but
the name of those who gave out the in
r,rn,aN.a, ,ro. 80 aalo,1okal =. oToul
callers much encouragement. Many prom
sent their servants for news. At the
agreed that the generals symptoms
showed slight improvement. This news
dispelled foT a time the gloom which
hung over the household during the
night, and bright glances of hope were
exchanged among the friends assembled
in the library.
A more hopeful tone pervades the
Sheridan mansion to night and the at
tendants and physicians all appear much
relieved at the strength and vitality shown
by the stricken soldier and the determine
ton exhibited by him to fight off the
attack. The weather, which has been
warm and close all day, has changed and
this evening a cool southerly breeze enters
the sick chamber. The general has had
more sleep during the evening thar at
any time since his attack first began and
Is said to be easy and regular and not due
to the use Of rarcotics. His respiration
has improved and even his slumber is
quite natural. He is weak and has not
left his bed during the day, but watches
closely everything that takes place around
him and is conscious and rational except
Immediately after the oxygen is admins
tered.
His mind is clear and bright, but this
may be due in part to the oxygen, which
possesses exhilaraung qualities. Milk, beef
tea and chicken broth are still given him
for nourishment. About II o'clock the
general awoke and more oxygen was ad-
ministered.
While his condition is improved some
what, the chances are all still against his
recovery and the fact is fully appreciated.
1t is impossible to tell when a charge may
occur and as several days elapsed between
the early attacks of the heart failure, there
is constant apprehension of its recurrence.
The disappearance of oedema in the leg
has been quite marked and has given rise
to fears that it may have been in part
caused by the fluid which produces swell
ing having gone to other and more vital
parts of the body. 1t was thought it
might have been due to tapping" but
recourse has not been had to this process,
and in the weakened state of the patient
it might not have a good effect. 1t is
thought the heart failure is also a COM
plant with chronic trouble OF the liver,
and that the existence of oelema is large
lY due to this complaint.
2:30 A. M.-Gen. Sheridan has been
sleeping quietly for about . hours. There
is no change in his condition. Everyone
in the house has retired except DR..
O'Reilly and two watchers.