Thrilled with emotion, a tear trickled down the President's face. After a while, a sweet woman's voice arose, singing from one of Sir Michael Costa's noblest oratorios.
"Turn thou unto me and have mercy upon me," sang the voice, "for I am desolate; I am desolate and afflicted; the troubles of my heart are enlarged. Oh, bring thou me out of my distresses, out of my distresses, my God."
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 morning 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.