The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-08-22
A Nation MOurns,

The body Of General Sheridan on the day
after his death, lay in the main parlor, which
he occupied since his arrival at Nonquitt. A
sheet covered it, and its appearance showed
how well the embalmer had done his work.
The body was encased in loose, light under
wear, and presented a most natural appear
ance.
The process Of embalming has been con-
cluded, the utmost care having been taken.
The body lay in tie front psrlor. 1t pre-
sented a natural appearance, only the lower
limbs being at all emaciated. The chest and
body showed but little effects Of disease. All
the distinctive features Of the face were clear
ly preserved. The familiar iron gray mus
tache and goatee were shaved of, and the
clean shaven face presented calm appear
ance.
When the doctors declared him dead, Mrs.
Sheridan could not believe it. She took him
by the shoulder, and implored him to recog-
nize her, but in vain. and as the cruel truth
forced itself upon her, the devoted wife,
overwrought by the elimination Of her sor-
sows fell to the floor. Up stairs the children
slept, ignorant of their fathers death. They
had bade him Good night" for the last time.
When they awoke Mrs. Sheridan told .t, them
of their loss, and the scene became piJllli.
The father always petted his children. Little
Phil can hardly comprehend what has
happened. Mrs. Sheridan has borne herself
nobly through all the sickness, and now she
bears herself as brave mans wife should
The following executive order was issued
by the President as soon as he received the
sad news:
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 1888.
GAS a mark Of respect to the memory OF
General Sheridan, the President directs that
the national flag be displayed at half mast
L,,,1l af tho r.
ments in the city of Washington until after
his funeral shall have taken place. By di-
rection of the President. =.
"DANIEL s. LAMONT, Private Secretary"
The President sent the following despatch
to Mrs. Sheridan:
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 1883.
ITO Mrs. Sheridan:
"While the nation mourns its loss and shares
your sorrow, let me express to you my per-
sonal grief and mostsincere coincidence.
GROVER CLEVELAND"
The President also issued an order com.
mandins Majjor General Sehofeld to report
at Washington and take command OF the
army. This was subsequently revoked and
Major General Scho6eld was ordered to Nom
quit to take charge Of the funeral arrange
ments and consult Mra Sheridans wishes In
this respect.
It is the request of Mrs. Sheridan that no
one excepting members of the family be per-
mitted to view the remains. All Government
buildings display the national colors draped
in mourning The flags on the Custom Houses
and City Halls in the principal cities OF the
The family decided that the body OF
General Sheridan should be inferred at the
National Cemetery at Arlington, Va The
cemetery occupies the estate Of General
Robert E. Lee Of the Confederacy, and Is
situated on a commanding bill across the
Potomac The remains Of over Il, o % soldiers,
both Union and Confederate, are buried
there.
General Sheridan had always expressed a
strong dislike for displays in funerals. and 10
was decided that the services should be OF as
simple a character as possible; that requiem
high mass be celebrated at the church, after
which there should be military funeral un-
der command Of Major General Schoteld:
The body was in charge Of detachment o!
the Third Artillery, stationed at the Arsenal
barracks, from the time Of its arrival untI
the final interment.
General Schofield took charge Of the ar
If was decided to convey the remains Of
! General Sheridan in O special car from Ne"
Bedford to Washington.
When both Houses of Congress assembled.
Secretary Pruden was announced bearing
message from the President 1t was at once
received and read in both Senate and House
It was the official announcement to Congress
OF the death of General Sheridan and was a.
follows:
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, August 9, 1883.
sit becomes my painful duty to announce
to the Congress and to the people OF tht
United States the death of Philip H. Sherl
dan, General Of the army, which occurred a.
q late hour last night at his summer home II
| the State Of Massachusetts.
"The death of this valiant soldier anc
patriotic son OF the Republic, though his ionl
| Illness has been regarded with anxiety, has
nsserthslsss shecked the country and caused
uqixsna grl&