Destiny of the Republic

Bell had contacted Dr. Bliss about his idea and two weeks after the shooting traveled to Washington to meet with the doctor personally. The president’s secretary met Bell at the train station and took him to the White House. The author takes this opportunity to describe the city, which had become subdued and pensive while waiting for updates about Garfield’s condition. The White House grounds, too, had changed, now being heavily patrolled by soldiers. Even the usual festivities for Independence Day had been canceled. Bell had a short meeting with Bliss, explaining his theory, and it was decided that the doctor would visit Volta Laboratory for a demonstration.

All this time, the president had been cared for in his room, not once leaving his bed. His main problems, aside from severe pain, were a fever and regular vomiting. Garfield had long had a weak stomach and was very careful about his diet. Now he was inexplicably being given heavy, fat-laden foods by Bliss, which Dr. Boynton (Garfield’s cousin) criticized.

There was no talk of taking Garfield to the hospital because at that time hospitals were considered crowded, smelly, and poorly ventilated. In short, they “were only for people who had nowhere else to go” (204).