Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 July 1885 — AWAITING THE FINAL SUMMONS. [ARTICLE]

AWAITING THE FINAL SUMMONS.

Beenes In end About the House of Death a Few Hours Before the End. Abfttt end around the cottage. Bays a special from Mount MacGregor, all was still and quiet, except fonthe occasional twitter of some belated bird in the birches or pines. Mrs. Grant, attired in a loose gown of white, came ont upon the veranda and seated herself in one of the many deserted willow chairs that were scattered in groans about the piazza. Ten minutes she' sat motionless, gazing away to the east, where the gray ont of another day bad grown to, , a full promise. Her face rested against one hand, and she was evidently wrapped in thought Suddenly there came the sound of a rattling, laboring cough from within. It was the General clearing the affected parts of his throat of gnucus. Mrs. Grant left the piazza quickly and seated herself by the General’s side, slowly fanning the sick man’s face. The coughing was not severe, but only incldentaL CoL Fred Grant entered the room while the nurse was aiding the General, and took a place at the side and behind his fstber. The nurse fetched, a lamp and held It at the Sick man’s shoulder, and at the moment the General, turned his face toward the light and upward to bid tbe nnrse bring his pad and pencil His wish was not at the instant uuefer-

stood, and, turning a trifle further, the . General repeated bio wish. The scene at the moment was sgpicture In shadows. As the flickering rays fell across the face of the General.it became a grim llembrandt, with strong, rugged lines bioken down by suffering's fid pain. On bis head was the aknil-cap that at all times lends a startling effect to the sick plan’s appearance, and from beneath it stragg ed the hair that clung in sweat-moistened locks about the emaciated neck. A crimson scirf had been thrown over the back of the General’s chair, but as he leaned forward it drew across his shoulders, one end being gathered under his arm. A dark dressing-gown covered the pat ent’s attenuated form, and a handkerchief encircled his neck. The gray of the close-cut beard seemed white, and the lines on cheek and forehead were d.ep Indeed, and when the face was turned upward to speak the eyes seemed grayer, too, and abnormally large. They were clear and steady, showing that the General's reason was clearly at his command, but there was a wistful and yearning expression in them. The General’s face, as he spoke, appeared strained and drawn, but its color and fullness were not such as would be expected after such suffering and care. The lips moved heavily and the whisper was husky and iow.jbut the nurse understood and the pad and pencil were brought. Then, while the red light of the lamp fell on his downcast face, he wrote, but only briefly. The slip was handed to Dr. Dougwho at once turned it over to Col. Grant, who had arisen and stood beside Ms mother at the General’s side It was a private family communication, and when finished the sick man resumedhls half -reclining position, with his head slightly inclined forward and his elbows on the sides of the chair, while the fingers of either hand were interlocked, each with the other, beneath his chin. The family were all gathered at the side of the sick man. and again Dr. Newman, at about the same hour as last night, and at Mrs. Grant’s request. knelt beside the General and prayed. Heads were bowed and silent tears were on the cheeks of njen as well as women. Afteran hour death seemed a little less rapidly gaining on the man it has pursued just nine months today, forit is just nine months ago to-aav that Gen. Grant walked into Dr. Douglas' office to seek his professional aid for the cancer that h s done what foes and war could not. Then the doctors and clergyman strolled out upon the piazza and sat near the parlor window, and Jesse Grant joined them at times, but the other members of the family remained in the sickroom and watched and waited, while the General answered ’ yes’’ and “no" to several questions.