THE DEVOTION OF THE FAMILY. THE GENERALS' SUFFERINGS RELIEVED BY THE TENDERNESS OF HIS DEAR ONES.

The devotion of the family to the General in his sickness was not lost upon most casual observers here. The happiness of the family and the mutual love that bound them to each other and to the General has always been a subject of gratified comment. One did not need to be obtrusive to see what pleasure the household derived from itself, or how close the family was to the General in his declining days. He was cheered to the last by their devoted love. Days when even his strong will despaired were cheered by these influences. Whatever his condition there was rarely a day when he failed to give some time to his family. They knew that when he kept to his sick room he could not leave it, and they were careful at such times not to disturb him. His delight was to have them gather around him on the porch, or in the parlor at nightfall, and to listen to their conversation, though he could take little part in it.

The family rarely sat with him a long time outdoors, mindful of his enfeebled state, and they preferred to leave him by himself rather than risk wearying him, but in the evening, in the parlor, it was always he who decided how long the gathering should be, leaving it only when he felt the approach of fatigue. The General was always full of quiet humor when in health, and this inclination remained in sickness. He entered into family talk and gossip with much of his former interest, restrained by his infirmity, yet sometimes with real vivacity. He appreciated what others were doing for him.

The devotion of Mrs. Grant was touching. As careful as anyone not to tax him when he needed only rest, she was never beyond easy call, and had no thought apparently but for his comfort. Her greeting was the first to cheer him in the morning after the doctor's treatment. It was her chair that was drawn close to him on the porch. Whenever he wanted company she was part of it, and many hours in his last days were spent with her alone. Often they could be seen together when not a word was spoken, mere companionship satisfying them. Visitors seeing them thus would remark that it was as though their last days should be as their first, sufficient for each in the company of each other. So anxious was she to be at his side that she would not leave the cottage at any time for any purpose, even declining to go to the hotel with the family for meals. And when the General was confined to his sick room or needed absolute rest, she would retire to privacy and comfort herself with prayer on his behalf. Her faith never wavered that her intercession spared him so long.

The devotion of Colonel Grant was also most marked, as it had been at home. His service to the General were touching and beyond value. The General took much pleasure also with the others of his family. The sunny, affectionate ways of Nellie were ever a charm. He liked the quick wit of his son Jesse and sturdy love of the son who bears his name. The prattle and caresses of his grandchildren also pleased him. Affection lightened his sufferings.