Rensselaer Republican, Volume 28, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 October 1895 — GRANT’S LOST MATCHBOX. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

GRANT’S LOST MATCHBOX.

Made of Two and Has a History that Nobody Knows. A matchbox that money couldn’t buy Is in the possession of Policeman Gould, of San The matchbox Is not worth. Intrinsically, anymore than thousands to be found in any large jewelry store, but its owner will never part with it if he can help it. It was given liSjn by the late General U. 8. Grant. When the ex Pr fident visited the

Pacific coast in 1879 lie had for his bodyguard Officer GpuUl, who attended the distinguished visitor faithfully. One night, after a trip .over the city in a carriage, Officer Gould found on the seat of the carriage a matchbox made out of two rifle-shells. Five ordinary matches were in (lie case, which was made on the principle of a. telescope, one shell fitting over the. Other. Both shells had been exploded, as the dent of the firing pin was plainly visible. The larger shell bore the mark “F. 88. Xo. 12” on the end, while the smaller one, which acted as the cap, was unmarked. The matchbox measured two . and a half inches when closed. Gould knew that the unique matchbox must be the property of General Grant, and hastened after him to return it. The General was in his room by the time Gould reached his apartments. The orderly carried a message into the room, and in a few minutes the General appeared. Officer Gould held out the match sflfe and told the General that ho had found it in the carriage. General Grant looked at it in silence for a minute, and in his kindly maimer, said: “You may keep it. Some day you j may learn the history of the shells from which I have made this matchbox. Good-night.” The General turned on his heelaud entered his rooms without another word. Officer Gould has never learned the history of the shells, but he treasures the souvenir lust as much.

GENERAL GRANT’S MATCHBOX.