From the note-book: 

Friday, March 20, 1885.  Gerhardt and I arrived at General Grant’s about 2.30 P.m. and I asked if the family would look at a small clay bust of the General which Gerhardt had made from a photograph.  Colonel Fred and Jesse were absent to receive their sister, Mrs. Sartoris, who would arrive from Europe about 4.30; but the three Mrs. Grants examined the work and expressed strong approval of it, and also great gratification that Mr. Gerhardt had undertaken it.  Mrs. Jesse Grant had lately dreamed that she was inquiring where the maker of my bust could be found (she had seen a picture of it in Huck Finn, which was published four weeks ago), for she wanted the same artist to make one of General Grant.  The ladies examined the bust critically and pointed out defects, while Gerhardt made the necessary corrections.  Presently Mrs. General Grant suggested that Gerhardt step in and look at the General.  I had been in there talking with the General, but had never thought of asking him to let a stranger come in.  So Gerhardt went in with the ladies and me, and the inspection and cross-fire began:  “There, I was sure 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?” And so everybody walked around and about the old hero, who lay half reclining in his easy chair, but well muffled up, and submitting to all this as serenely as if he were used to being served so.  One marked feature of General Grant’s character is his exceeding gentleness, goodness, sweetness.  Every time I have been in his presence—­lately and formerly—­my mind was drawn to that feature.  I wonder it has not been more spoken of.

Presently he said, let Gerhardt bring in his clay and work there, if Gerhardt would not mind his reclining attitude.  Of course we were glad.  A table for the bust was moved up in front of him; the ladies left the room; I got a book; Gerhardt 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.  General Badeau came 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 Ms. in his hand, and said, “I’ve 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 puzzle 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 General Badeau’s answer).

The little bust of Grant which Gerhardt worked on that day was widely reproduced in terra-cotta, and is still regarded by many as the most nearly correct likeness of Grant.  The original is in possession of the family.