 After Grant died, Clemens gave Grant's widowed wife, Julia, a substantial royalty check of $450,000 which equals 11 million dollars today.According to Webster, prior to his death, Grant dictated the last part of the second volume to a stenographer working for the firm, due to writing fatigue, starting with Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox.Webster, who accompanied the stenographer, respected Grant's reputation and honored his request to keep secret from reporters that Grant dictated part of the book.