MARK TWAIN

his nose was so-and-so," and, "I was sure his forehead
was so-and-so."—"And don't you think his head is so-
and-so?"1

And so everybody walked around and about the old
hero, who lay half reclining in his big easy chair and well
mufiled up, and submitted to all this as serenely as if he
were used to being served so. One marked feature of
Gen. Grant's character is his exceeding gentleness, good-
ness, sweetness. Every time I have been in his presence—
lately and formerly—my mind was drawn to that feature.

Presently he said—to let Gerhardt bring in his clay and
work there, if Gerhardt would not mind his reclining atti-
tude. Of course, he was glad. A table for the bust was
moved up in front of him; the ladles left the room. I got
a book; Gerharclt went to work, and for an hour there
was perfect stillness, and for the first time during the day
the General got a good sound peaceful nap. Gen. Badeau
carne in and probably interrupted that nap. He spoke out
as strongly as the others concerning the great excellence
of the likeness. He had some sheets of manuscript in his
hand, and said: "I have been reading what you wrote
this morning, General; and it is of the utmost value; it
solves a riddle that has puzzled men's brains all these
years, and makes the thing clear and rational."

I asked what the pir/xle was, and he said, "It was why
Grant did not immediately lay siege to Vicksburg after
capturing Port Hudson." (At least that is my recollection,
now toward midnight, of Gen. Badeau's answer.)

Offer Gen. Grant's family $500 a month till a year
hence when first settlement due—they perhaps need it.

March 23, 1885. Drove at 11:30 A.M. to Pratt & Whit-
ney and told Col. Woodruff to take the offensive now

1 Karl Gerhardt was a young sculptor whose art education in Paris
had been paid for by Mark Twain.

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