CHAPTER XXXIV. Hopeful Symptoms. - Official Bulletin. - Telegram to Minister Lowell. Incidents at Long Branch. - Sudden Change for the Worse. Touching Scene with his Daughter. - Another Gleam of Hope. - Death ends the Brave Heroic Struggle. — The Closing Scene. On the evening of September 12th, the following official bulletin was published: LONG BRANCH, Sept. 12-6 P. M. The President has experienced since the issue of the morn ing bulletin further amelioration of symptoms. He has been able to take an ample amount of food without discomfort, and has had several refreshing naps. At the noon examination the temperature was 99.2, pulse 106, respiration 20. At 5.30 P. M. the temperature was 98.6, pulse 100, respiration 18. D. W. BLISS. D. HAYES AGNEW. The Attorney-General telegraphed : To Lowell, Minister, London - 10 P. M. — In the absence of Mr. Blaine the attending physicians have requested me to inform you of the President's condition. He has during the day eaten sufficient food with relish, and has enjoyed at intervals refreshing sleep. His wound and the incisions made by the surgeons all look better, the parotid gland has ceased suppuration, and may be considered as substantially well. He has exhibited more than his usual cheerfulness of spirits. his temperature and respiration are now normal, and his pulse is less frequent and firmer than at the same hour last evening. Notwithstanding these favorable symptoms, the condition of the lower part of the right lung will continue to be a source of anxiety for some days to come. MACVEAGH. The day before the President had been raised on his air pillows, so that he lay looking out on the lawn beneath his window, and beyond that to the sea. A soldier on duty as a guard was patrolling his beat at the edge of the bluff. The soldier chanced to look toward the window of the sick chamber, and the suffering President feebly raised his hand to give the old soldier a salute. The President of the United States never received a more heartfelt salute than the old soldier gave in return for this gracious salutation, and about the camp all day the soldier, with tears in his eyes, told how the great sufferer had honored him. But the incident was of more than sentimental value, in that it showed that the President took an interest in his surroundings, and had vitality enough to tender a salute. There were hours at Elberon, when the listless eyes would have looked out upon the sea and not have recognized the soldier. When Secretary Hunt called on the President, he informed him that there was no business in his department requiring his (the President's) atten tion. It had been the custom of the President to refer to the secretary in various nautical terms, and after shaking the hand of the President the secretary, pointing toward the ocean, remarked, "Well, Mr. President, I see you have had to resort to my domain.' "Yes," said the President, "there it is, and isn't it beautiful?" er Everything seemed to indicate certain, though it might be slow, recovery. The people read the bulletins, and went about their work with renewed hope and courage. On the 17th of September, however, Dr. Hamilton stated that "the conditions, altogether, were more hazardous than at any time since the patient had been at Long Branch.” Severe rigors had been followed by increased pulse, and there was constant danger of his sinking into a comatose state. On the morning of the 19th Dr. Agnew remarked, ९९ 'The vitality of our patient is something more remarkable than I have ever met with in all my practice." The President awoke from a light slumber, and said to Dr. Bliss, "Doctor, I feel very comfortable, but I also feel dreadfully weak. I wish you would give me the hand-glass and let me look at myself." General Swaim said: "Oh, no, don't do that, general. See if you cannot get some sleep.” |