"I will recover, Boynton; but I've had a terrible struggle with prostration for several days.". "But you seem to have conquered."

"Do you think so?"

And then, glancing at the clock, he said: "In fifteen minutes it will be a week-a long week, Boynton."

When first. wounded, his thought was of his loved wife and little ones, and how to spare them pain. I have related elsewhere that he sent a dispatch to his wife in the earliest minutes of his trial. After her, his mother's anxiety was uppermost in his mind By his direction, Harry, his eldest son, sent the following comforting telegram to his grandmother:

EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, D. C.,

To Mrs. Eliza Garfield, Solon, Ohio:

July 2d, 1881.

Don't be alarmed by sensational rumors. Doctor thinks it will not be fatal. Don't think of coming until you hear further. HARRY A. GARFIELD,

During the periods of the sufferer's severest pains, there was, on his part, the most tender consideration for others. His demeanor toward his noble-hearted wife was chivalrous in its best sense, He ever sought her ease and welfare, and endeavored to keep her from anxiety and suspense. When she first entered his room, he met her with a smiling face; and he had a smile and a word of

A WIFE'S DEVOTION.

543

cheer ever afterward, even though his sufferings were at times very great.

Next to the good effect of his own spirits as a curative agent, must be placed the invincible faith and devotion of his wife. Her cheerful, hopeful demeanor did much to free her husband's mind from care. She had just risen from a bed of sickness; and he was afraid that she would have a relapse. She, poor woman, knowing his fear, steeled herself by a mighty effort. Conquering everything, she took up her new burden with the strength of a devoted heart, and carried it with the bravery of a martyr. The few persons, who were admitted to the chamber of pain-the doctors, the watchers and the nearest of kin-bore unconscious testimony to the conduct of the first gentleman and first lady of the land. All were only too willing to help embalm in the memory of friends the ministry of love and gentleness of kindness and of devotion which the national Executive Mansion disclosed,

KK

CHAPTER XL.

THE WORLD WITHOUT.

A

FTER the first moments of amazement

and horror, the people—the world

offered condolence. The emotion and spectacle were without parallel. In every household there was a hushed and tender silence, as if one long-loved lay dying. The popular grief was absolutely universal. The festivities of the Nation's birthday were stayed; and the crowds, that had gathered for festivals, were transformed into praying congregations, earnestly petitioning the Throne of Grace for mercy for the President. One tender, overpowering thought called a truce to party-contention. Abroad, American gaiety was given over. In the British Parliament, Whig, Tory and Radical listened to catch from the lips of the Prime Minister the latest tidings from the sufferer. From the French Republic, from the Patriarchdom of Armenia, from the old empire of Japan and the new kingdom of Bulgaria, from Parnell, the Irish agitator, and from the Lord Mayor of Dublin came messages of sympathy and sorrow. Sovereigns and subjects, nobles and peasants, joined in earnest hope for the life of the Republi

EXPRESSIONS OF SYMPATHY.

545

can President. The press of all Christendom told the mournful story.

It was a marvelous spectacle-this feeling of millions for one man. It blessed him with great distinction among mankind. It blessed the country, stirring the people with a great overmastering emotion. I have not space to chronicle all the words of sympathy, that came on the wings of the wires to Washington. They would fill

several volumes as large as this. In London, the shooting of the President excited the profoundest sensation of consternation and grief among the American residents. The offices of newspapers and news-agencies were visited by crowds to gain information. Crowds gathered at the American Exchange in the Strand. As the news spread among the theatres and other places of resort, the Americans left the buildings; and many ladies and gentlemen, in evening dresses, went direct to the American Exchange for the latest details. There were numerous callers at United States Minister Lowell's private residence, to inquire concerning the President. Earl Granville, Foreign Secretary, received a telegram from the British Legation at Washington, announcing the sad affair; and he at once cabled his condolences. The Queen, who was at Windsor Castle, immediately, on receipt of the news, personally telegraphed to Minister Lowell a message expressing deep regret and concern. The Town Councils of

many inland towns passed resolutions of sym. pathy. In the British Parliament allusions were made to the affair amidst profound silence and regret. The Poet Laureate telegraphed his condolences. The members of the Royal Family sent to our Minister for full particulars. The Cobden Club forwarded a letter to Mrs. Garfield, expressing their earnest wish for the President's early recovery. Prayers were ordered daily in Westminster Abbey. The Lord Mayor of London telegraphed his condolences. Mr. Gladstone sent the following letter to Mrs. Garfield:

LONDON, July 21st, 1881.

DEAR MADAM: You will, I am sure, excuse me, though a personal stranger, for addressing you by letter to convey to you the assurance of my own feelings and those of my countrymen, on the occasion of the late horrible attempt to murder the President of the United States, in a form more palpable, at least, than that of messages conveyed by telegraph. Those feelings have been feelings, in the first instance, of sympathy, and afterwards of joy and thankfulness almost comparable, and, I ventnre to say, only second to the strong emotions of the great nation, of which he is the appointed head. Individually, I have, let me beg you to believe, had my full share in the sentiments, which have possessed the British nation. They have been prompted and quickened largely by what, I venture to think, is the ever-growing sense of harmony and mutual respect and affection between the countries, and of a relationship, which, from year to year, becomes more and more a practical bond of union between us; but they have also drawn much of their strength from a cordial admiration of the simple heroism, which has marked the personal conduct of the President; for we have not yet wholly lost the capacity of