This profound passage paints a vivid and melancholic picture of Ulysses S. Grant's final moments and the enduring legacy he left behind. At its core, this excerpt reflects on the quiet dignity of death and the stoic bravery that Grant exemplified throughout his life and especially in the military. The fact that his passing was so gentle that it was uncertain at first underscores the peacefulness that can come with a life fully lived with honor and purpose. The connection to Grant’s own words to a widowed mother during the Mexican War adds a layer of poetic symmetry to his life's end – dying as a soldier, brave and uncomplaining.

The description of his physical state, frail and thin beneath an image of Abraham Lincoln, conjures an emotional contrast between the strong spirit and the weakening body. It reminds readers that greatness can exist despite physical decline and that true strength resides within one’s character and legacy. Twain’s comment credits a personal masterpiece, implying that Grant’s intellectual and creative work was a source of vitality in his twilight days.

Overall, this excerpt beautifully honors Grant's enduring dignity, courage, and goodness. It invites reflection on the nature of death, the weight of legacy, and the human capacity to face final moments with tranquility and grace. The mention of Abraham Lincoln ties Grant to a broader historical narrative of leadership and sacrifice, anchoring his story in a time of national trial and unity.