[596] Essentially penniless, but compelled by a sense of personal honor he repaid what he could with his Civil War mementos and the sale or transfer of all other assets.[597] Vanderbilt took title to Grant's home, although he allowed the Grants to continue to reside there, and pledged to donate the souvenirs to the federal government and insisted the debt had been paid in full.[598] Grant was distraught over Ward's deception and asked privately how he could ever "trust any human being again."[599]
In March 1885, as his health was failing, he testified against both Ward and Fish.[600] Ward was convicted of fraud in October 1885, months after Grant's death, and served six and a half years in prison.[601] After the collapse of Grant & Ward, there was an outpouring of sympathy for Grant.[602]

Memoirs, military pension, and death
Main article: Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant
Grant working on his memoirs in June 1885, less than a month before his death. 