Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. II.djvu/215

MILLARD FILLMORE 169 ings, for the control of which he was so admirably qualified by his thorough parliamentary abilities, his widely extended knowledge, his broad views, and a personal urbanity which nothing could dis turb; of the method and exactness, the precision and punctuality, with which he conducted his pri vate affairs, as in earlier years he had performed his professional and public duties ; of another visit to Europe in 1866, accompanied by his second wife, Caroline C. Mclntosh, who survived him for seven years ; of his manner of life in dignified retirement, surrounded by all the comfort and luxuries of a beautiful and well-appointed mansion, including a large library, and with an attached wife to share his happy home. In a letter written to his friend Mr. Corcoran, of Washington, but a few weeks be fore the inevitable hour came, he remarks: "I am happy to say that my health is perfect. I eat, drink, and sleep as well as ever, and take a deep but silent interest in public affairs, and if Mrs. Fillmore s health can be restored, I should feel that I was in the enjoyment of an earthly paradise." The ex-president accepted an invitation to meet the surviving members of his cabinet and a few other valued friends at the residence of Mr. Cor coran. The month of January, 1874, was desig nated as the date of the meeting, but was after ward changed to April, by Mr. Fillmore s request. Before that time he was no longer among the liv-