Grant was desperate to finish writing before his death so that his family wouldn't face poverty. He signed a contract stating he would receive 10% of the profits, a deal that was standard for the time. Mark Twain, who was one of Grant's close friends, heard about the deal and thought it was appalling that a former president on the verge of death wasn't given a larger deal. Twain stepped in and offered Grant a new contract, complete with a large advance payment, living expenses, and 70% of the book's profits. Grant reluctantly accepted, and finished the book in July 1885. He died a week later, but his wife Julia earned nearly $11 million (in today's money) thanks to Twain's deal. Talk about a good friend!