The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1888-08-15
AT THE DEATHBED.
Review of the General Illness and the
Events of the Last Hours.

General Sheridan was taken i'll on Monday,
May u. being attacked by what is known as
valvular trouble Of the heart. He came near
dying that day, but rallied nj night. He suffered
q second sinking spell on Tuesday. but recovered
when evening came. The following Saturday
his death was momentarily expected. Five
army surgeons watched by his bedside night
and day. He received the last sacrament of the
church from his pastor, who also remained with
him throughout these trying moments. He was
perfectly conscious and devoid OF all fear and
excitement. He made his will. and, with the
utmost coolness completed all arrangements to
provide for the worst.
The subsequent days were oiled with care and
anxiety for the faithful wife and the doctors,
who cling to their posts at the dying Generals
side. They watched every symptom and became
alarmed at the slightest sign OF anything I'M
favorable. For days they continued their vigil,
battling bravely with the angel dea h, which
seemed determined TO grasp the old hero
from their loving arms. II was such
n fight sturdy constitution and
science can make when put to such
fearful strain and test. He bore his illness and
suffering with great hefoism and made a gallant
fight against eath. Often he was thought 60 be
preserved and prolonged his life. Gen. sheridan
was his Gcathbed when Congress, june ],
passed the bin TO give him four stars as Gener-
al He took the oath OF Office that day and also
signed his name TO letter OF thanks TO the Pres
ident.
June 30 Gen. Sheridan was removed from his
residence in Washington in Red Cross anbu-
lance 10 the United States steamship Swatara,
which set sail the same day, and proceeded by
slow and easy voyages for Nonquitt, Mass, ON
the shores Of Buzzard's Bay. The vessel arrived
in New York harbor the evening of July G. IL
proceeded 20 New London and dropped anchor
of Nonquitt the afternoon Of July s. The Gen.
eral was accompanied by his wife and four small
children--three girls and n boy.
The stricken soldier and his family occupied
n new and pleasant cottage near the shore of
the sea, under the grateful air Of which he
seemed toJally. When the General left Wash
ington he WIS considered by the army physi-
clans who were in attendance and the local doc
tors who had occasionally been lied into con-
tultation in precarious condition. and the
voyage to Nonquitt was undertaken only a
last hope.
For the FIRST eighteen days after his arrival the
change OF climate md surroundings worked
fictitious improvement. WIFI the physicians
eager.y proceeded 10 bulletin TO the world as the
normal and healthy stages Of progress In his
case which would lead 10 ultimate recovery Dr.
Robert O'Reilly, who had been in charge OF the
case since the first attack accompanied him 20
that place, but he remained only a few days. He
returned 20 Washington. leaving only Drs. Mat
thews and Yarrow In charge
A few days ago IL became evident that the
General really retrogrndfng instead Of pro-
crossing. The reaction which had been occa~
stoned by the chance Of climate had been ex-
hausted, and symptoms OF rapid decline were
noticed. DIR. O'Reilly was hastily summoned,
and on his arrival acknowledged that the case
was hopeless. He at once sent word 10 DIR. Pep
per, of the University Of Pennsylvania, the fpc-
tialist who had been called into the case when
the General was at Washington and dissolution
seemed imminent. 1t was, however, given QUITO