NEW YORK TIMES
July 9, 1885
A DAY FULL OF INCIDENT. GENERAL GRANT RECEIVES A PARTY FULL OF MEXICAN EDITORS.
No day since General Grant's arrival here as been so full of incident as this. He was up early. Dr. Douglas' attendance in the sick room had been required only once during the night, and when the General felt the soft air wafting into his room early this morning he was not satisfied to take it through the window, but wanted to go where he could get it from the fresh woods. A chair was pillowed for him in the old place on the porch, and before 11 o'clock he came out to it. He sat enjoying the beautiful surroundings for a few minutes and then went in and came out again, reluctant as always to leave and eager to return as often as is prudent. Afternoon came with a cheering prospect. The day had been exceptionally free from discomfort. It refreshed him to get out into the air again and see the smiling faces of his family.
He was still cheerful in the middle of the afternoon, when the train brought a trainload of visitors whole filed up the cottage path and saluted him. Several ladies were among them. They made a picture of life and grace on the porch which pleased the General. In the wake of the party followed a man in the dress of a priest. He stepped up to the porch and asked if he might have a word with General. The General overheard the request, and, as he was feeling little discomfort, consent was given. The priest spoke of the prayers of the people and the deep affection everywhere manifested toward the General. "I cannot speak above a whisper," General Grant replied on his pad of paper, which he handed to the priest. "You have the prayers of the people," the priest repeated fervently. There was a moment of silence before the General turned to his pad, on which he wrote as follows: "Yes, I know and I feel very grateful to the Christian people of the land for their prayers on my behalf. All that I can do is to pray that the prayers of all those good people may be answered so far as to have us all meet in another and better world. I cannot speak even in a whisper."
The eyes of the priest filled as he read the note. Then at his request the General signed and dated it. The two sat together a little longer, the priest speaking occasionally, the General silent. The meeting seemed to do the General good. He sat by himself when it was over, looking out into the woods with no sign of weariness, but a look of contentment. At 6 o'clock the Mexican editors arrived, with six ladies. The General replied through Colonel Grant that he would be glad to see them. The General appeared in the doorway, leaning on a cane. Dr. Douglas, watchful and not without anxiety, stood near. He passed the word that no one was to try and take the General's hand. The party drew up on the porch and each was presented in turn. Mrs. Grant extended genial greetings to the ladies. The party pressed close to the General in front and on the side. There was color in the General's cheek and his eyes shone with pleasure. One would hardly have thought him a very sick man. It was an hour of enjoyment for him and he wanted to lose no part of it.
The party still pressed close to him on all sides and the General wrote notes to them. He was in rare humor, though the editors soon left, seeing they were taxing him. The General, exhausted by the stimulating presence of the editors, then tottered back to his sick room. Dr. Douglas directed that he be prepared at once for the night. It was not then past 7 o'clock. The doctor said very great fatigue had accompanied the visit. The Doctor further said he had not anticipated such an elaborate affair and it was to be regretted on all accounts. |