The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-08-04
nothing 20 the Elberon cottage, where
Garfield lay so long sick.

nothing TO the Elberon cottage, where
Garfield lay so long sick.
THE GRANT COTTAGE.
The Grant cottage. as IL IS now uni
versally called, was built by Mr.. Drexel
for a stoppine-place during the time
the little mountain road was being con-
structed. and. as 1t was the only cot
tage on the mountain, the General had
10 be placed in II when he took a fancy
for the mountain and It's air
The room in which he spent so many
weary weeks is a nice, comfortable,
square one. with several windows and
doors opening out upon the veranda. and
there is a great log fireplace in which the
wood Cracklos on cold days.
Such Is the place whore one Of The
nations greatest characters died. The
entire first floor was his during his sick
ness. and. as he loved To walk around.
h, spent great many hours in small
room adjoining. where there were only
two chairs. and window out of which
TO look doctor or Mrs. Grant occu-
pied the other chair. and as close TO the
window as he could get the General press
ed for a view of the hills.
Just as nearly as possible all these
things have been preserved. and in the
cottage stands a Grand Army man,
whose pride and duty ii Is 10 guard It's
portals. just as he did In the days when
the General was there 10 pat him on
the shoulder smile a good morning, and
and the bright mountain sunshine, are on
dress parade this morning
When Grant died the photographer was
invited into the cottage, TO be sure, but
things were not made 10 look pleasant
for him. and the pictures as they stand
to-day are those of room Just unten-
antcd and the flowers are heaped to-
gether as friends sent them, IN via
profusion.
The stories OF Grants last days are
those Of a warrior taken off his feet when
the spirit of war Is still In him. No
man ever chung TO his profession with
greater tenacity than did Gen. Grant
Peace at any time tired him, and this
being kept within "A few small rooms
made him wild. But he bore Ii patient
Is. "Only let me look out Of the win
dow where things are moving along.
he would say, as they cautioned him to
rest. drawing the heavy curtains closer.
And open the windows they did, so mat
his last view was Of the sky. tie saw
that after he had looked upon Mrs
Grant and "the~boys" FOR the last time
grandchildren. all up there to cheer his
last weeks was unheard NTH those NOV
ing heavens In view. And so he closed
his eyes.
The Grant cottage is crowded with
mementocs OF callers. as well as OF Grant.
In the bedroom, which is now the recep-
ton room. there Is a great card-tray,
upon which all leave their cards. laying
them down as though the dead We're
pleased with the act And there Is a
book In which all may write name ana
address. many hundred thousand strong
now. And outside is a daisy plant, grown
almost 10 bush. which Is kept safe and
sound because the General was fond or
that daisy and honored II by wearing one
OF its flowers one day.
TALES oY GRANT.
The little furnishings OF the room were
very picasing 10 the General though
the work which II cost 10 get them there.
When A. J. Drexel occupied the cottage
II was plain as plain could be, but when
Grant decided TO 20 UP there, and wrote.
"f'm thinking OF accepting your invita-
ton TO try your mountain ozone with
you." there was a scampering after
s'knjck-knacks."
From Saratoga. about twelve miles
down the steep mountain. there came a
roll OF cretonne for curtains and a funny
little box-plaited mantel iambrequin.
which divides the flowers In an impossl-
lie way and hangs out as sim as lady's
OF friends came vases. canclesticks, a
clock. and small wicker things lie
viii understand and enjoy them all the
more" said his son. reassuringly.
And he did. The trifes 'tickled" him
Immensely II like the looks OF that
cigar case and the beer mug" he would
chuckle. Perhaps they look SO fmpor-
fanf because they are doing their share
IN entertain me. and II is my fault ana
not theirs II cannot use them
One day he lay for long time gazing
landed hair. Girls sverywherei" he