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NEW YORK TIMES
March 31, 1885

ULYSSES S. GRANT'S WEAKNESS. A WEARISOME DAY FOR THE SUFFERER. SLEEPING IN HIS CHAIR TO PREVENT A RECURRENCE OF THE COUGHING SPELL

The lights in General Grant's sleeping apartment burned dimly throughout Sunday night, the weary sufferer reclining in his easy chair, attended by Dr. Douglas, who remained in the room until daylight. The General expressed so much apprehension at the recurrence of another choking attack that, when he was urged to take rest, he preferred to sit up in his chair than lie down. The night was passed in comparative comfort, and with almost a total freedom of pain. The only time Dr. Douglas was called was at 2 in the morning, when the General complained of his throat. It was dressed and after the operation, General Grant sunk into a fitful slumber.

When he awoke there were four persons in the room - Dr. Douglas, Colonel Fred Grant, Mrs. Sartoris and his colored servant, Harrison. He said that he felt tolerably comfortable. He then sought to take a few steps about the room, but found himself so weak that he resumed his reclining position in the easy chair. From about 9 o'clock until noon he conversed with his sons Fred and Jesse. During the conversation Mrs. Grant appeared at the third story window, and a for a few moments, watched the people passing by. Mrs. Sartoris appeared at the library window for a moment,and then, pulling the shades down, disappeared.

At noon the General's servant, Harrison, went out to mail several letters. He stated that at that time, the General was feeling comfortable. Soon after noon the General was lifted by Harrison from the chair to the bed. He did not lie down, however, but reclined for two hours propped up by the pillows. For a short time he conversed with the Rev. Dr. Newman. During the morning there were a number of callers, among them them Mark Twain. At 2:15 Dr. Douglas sent out the following bulletin: The General is free from pain, takes his liquid food at regular intervals and is as well as usual. he is not as strong and is conscious of more feebleness of body." In conversation immediately after this bulletin as sent out, Dr. Douglas told reporters, "He is weaker than before. I cannot say I anticipate any immediate crisis. He is passing through the usual changes incidental to his disease, but frankly, I cannot say anything except that he is getting weaker." The doctors' words were uttered in a manner that showed his conviction of the gravity of the case.

The General asked for his dinner at 2 o'clock. One visitor, who called at 1 o'clock and departed after a brief stay, said to reporters: "It is useless to deny that the General is getting weaker. The truth is the disease has got beyond the control of the physicians. General Grant last night had a recurrence of his previous choking spell and this has worked against him. There is a swelling of the glands noticeable on the side of the neck. He may die tonight, and at best cannot live longer than 10 days. As soon as the disease touches a vital point it will bring about a hemorrhage. In the General's weak condition, he will not be able to throw off the blood and will choke to death. This is what is feared and the General himself is so apprehensive that he will not lie down. He cannot go through with another attack; the family dread the worst and keep near him, although as much as possible out of his sight."

The General remained in his chair during the afternoon. Outside in the street the crowd of homeward-bound merchants passed along, each one looking up to the tightly-drawn curtains of the sufferer. Many stepped to the door and inquired about the General's condition. To each the same reply was given: "The General is pretty comfortable, but not so strong." When the gas was lighted, the shades in the windows of the second floor were pulled down, and showed the forms of the family as they passed in and out of the sick chamber.

The General was silent during the family gathering. Colonel Fred Grant left the house at 8 o'clock for a short walk. He said that at that hour his father felt a bit easier, but there was otherwise no change in his condition. A telegram that came to the house was answered by Mrs. Sartoris: "My father is better than yesterday, but still weak." At 9 o'clock in the evening, the General was in his big easy chair, the family near him. He sat upright because of difficulty in breathing when a-bed. During the last part of the evening he had brightened and was quietly chatting with the family and friends. The General caught five hors of sleep in the past 24, and seemed likely to go to sleep under a light dose of morphine. Dr. Douglas did not anticipate any dangerous developments during the night.

 

 

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