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A. BBH> & Co.,]
A Family Journal for the Dissemination of General Intelligence, Miscellany, Agricultural, Commercial, Political and Religious Information.
[PROPRIETORS
0 SERIES,!
MACON, G-A., MONDAY, JUNE 25, 1866.
'VOL. 1, NO. 81
-^kusokaph
ClSHING HOUSE,
A . rEID *Ca, Proprietor.
[S. Botkin,
editors.
tfiB* of Subscription :
WrtKi t Telkorath : $4 00 per
p lllT TrxroKArn: $13 00 per annum.
PRINTING:
. ittention will be given to the
|: rr : ,‘fJOB PRINTING of every descrlp-
Anc ient Fine Arts.
jiUScwTork Herald:
-vtr the relies of porcelain ware found
^exhumations at Herculaneum, which
' V\ fonrarded to the Society of Antiqui-
n usdoa. whereof your correspondent says
l w- » rtwrabling Drake’s Plantation Bitters
^anbttdly Pl*c«d among the ruins by the
•JJJTprtke, we desire to state that he is
. tiasrery respect If a bottle was found
> ,sria? cur lettering, the language of the
’.‘tRcnnns was different from the accepted
* that day. Our agent has other bus-
•u»n this in Europe, and has not been in
. “,ij jjodoubt Americans carry Planta-
s y.'.,» i« Ronis: but trying to impose upon
^ vref Antiquarians in this way aeema quite
h,\ti *« do not appreciate the joke. It is
V , 'rrlbrus to spend money in Europe
r unable to eupply the demand for
„j«j!«tfd Bitters here.
Bespoctfully,
P. H. DRAKE k CO.
7, bos Tos. Journal of Paris fashions, for
bten received by mail. It is full of
sir pictures and everything that ladies
j w know aliout personal ornamentation.
[fsHTOBT.—Messrs. Purse & Son, of Sa-
w iH accept our thanks for a copy of
-Directory of the City of 8avannoli,”
uk that shows industry in the compilers,
i good taste in the publishers.
yr It is stated that the expenso incurred
fuada, in consequence of tho Fenian in-
n, up to this time, may be estimated at
-a not far short of $2,300,000, and thnt
will be largely increased before the mat-
ilisidcs into quietness.
IhJon Gee.—The trial of this gentleman
}i!!rged cruelty to Federal prisoners du-
:the war, was brought to a close on Wed*
I lay of last week. His counsel felt peifect-
J-.t'e in submitting tho case without ‘nrgu-
| it, and no doubt is felt of his honorable
.ittal. The letter of our Raleigh corres-
kk-nt will be read with interest by the
:wus friends of Mnj. Geo in this State
d Florida.
•rEsnKD.—The proprietors of the Nash-
I'nion, a staunch paper, announce in
issue of the 17th, that after that day the
’ r will be suspended. The great decline
:>incss in Nashville, the expenses in-
'»! to the publication of a first-class
;-r. and the failure of pntrons to comply
htheir contracts, induce the suspension.
Union has been zealous in the support of
• At Johnson's policy. The proprietors
1 resume publication next autumn—all
b being equal.
INDIAN SPRINGS. JEFFERSOX DAVIS IX PRISON.
So remarkable are the qualities of those ,
waters, and so wonderful in the cure of many ' Scenes and Incidents of the Elfe
of the most painful diseases to which the hu-! oft lie Ex-President In the Case-
man body is heir, that we would do what we
can as philanthropists, to circulate theirfame.
A scientific gentleman remarked to us the
other day, that if located in the State of
New York, they would be worth twenty for
tunes and draw their visitors from every por
tion of the habitable globe. Unfortunately,
they are off the great thoroughfares and in
the South, where the arts of bringing
true merit of any sort into notice is im
perfectly understood. Still, wo would say
a word for the healing waters, fine climate,
and excellent hotels of the Indian, hoping
they may catch the eye of those who need
their health-giving influence. We have al
ready published sundry communications on
the subject, during the last few weeks, to
which we would add some remarks from a
correspondent of the Savannah News «fc Her
ald, who is now on a visit to the popular re
sort After giving a list of the various dis
eases to which the curative properties of the
waters are particularly adapted, the writer
thus speaks of the accommodations:
With regard to accommodations, they have
nover been better. There arc three hotels in
operation—all well fitted np and furnishing
the best of living. The hill of faro is suited
to the most exquisite appetites; but I would
remark that none have exquisite appetites af
ter a stay of a few days—tho water renders
strong diet necessary to satisfy the cravings of
hunger. Mr. Collier, of the McIntosh, is in
his element, and fully sustains the reputation
of ante-war times, nis house has been reno
vated and refitted, and, indeed, all the houses
have undergone a like operation. Sherman's
locusts destroyed most of the fumituro and
bedding of the hotels during his devastating
march through Georgia to your city. The
old Varner Hotel lias been leased by Dr.
Whitehead, well known to former visitors,
and lie keeps his establishment in apple-pic
order. The Dr. had charge of Floyd House
Hospital, in Macon, during the so-called rebel
lion, and says he intends everything shall
move as in a hospital—like clock work. The
Doctor has rare conversational powers, and
Ills guests will be entertained by him as they
could be no where else. Mr. Elder still con
ducts his house across the creek. His reputa
tion as a landlord is established. He is said
to make all feel as if they were at home,
which is most comforting, especially to the
feeble. His house is worthy of patronage,
and will, as heretofore, receive a due prepor
tion.
There is one feature here l cannot fail to
recommend—the electric baths—given at a
bathing establishment near the Spring. For
nervous disorders it is a certain cure, and also
aids in the cure of most of the diseases enu
merated above. For bracing np the system
and leaving an agreeable feeling, it is even
beneficial to the well man. Warm baths in
the mineral water are also given here. The
establishment is kept by Mr. Allen, a gentle
man and planter, from Southwest Georgia,
who has moved his family to this point that
they may enjoy health.
EFFECT OF A EUROPEAN WAR.
The New York Times discusses the proba
ble effect of the German war upon business
affairs in various countries, this among the
rest. It seems to think we shall suffer little
or none by the conflict provided we regulate
our conduct by the rule of prudence. It says:
And on this side of the Atlantic what may
be looked for as consequencs of the war which,
to all human judgment, is inevitable ? Tem
porary inconvenience there may he—a neces
sity for caution there unquestionably is; but
as yet it is difficult to trace anything likely
There may
-1STa RESfitr.rr.—The New Era of
|- slay, *ays: “Atlanta is still progress-
Money is scarce, and trade dull; but
feta continues to rise from her ashes.—
1 buildings are being erected on nearly | to produce extended difficulty.
-qc*rc on every important street They i he a slight drain for gold; amidst the panic
f 1 -’- temporary shanties. They are large which almost always accompanies the out-
«story edifices, put up in handsome style break of hostilities, there may be damage to
• 'he best material. The streets arc be-| the European value of our securities; there
?«W. Jiow and handsome dwellings • may • be a possible return of considerable
springing up all around. We have no I amounts from Germany, where a disposition
* :a Atlanta. Every man is up and do- j to hoard will soon be visible. But these are
"care not fretting about representa- j probabilities which should occasion nothing
3 the Federal Congress. . Tho people of like alarm. Any depreciation ot our secu-
-t» are looking after their own personal | rities abroad will be temporary, and will
* - *' * «1 S V X_ A T- 11. ~
incut at Fortress Monroe.
Extractsfrom the Diary of the PostSurgeon
THE TORTURE OF THE PRISONER.
The story of the imprisonment of Jefferson
Davis, written by the surgeon of the post,who
for tho first seven months of that imprison
ment professionally attended the fallen Presi
dent of the Confederate States, and dedicat
ed to the Secretary of tho Treasury, appeals
in no ordinary fashion to the attention of all
Americans. Its authorship and the circum
stances under which it appears, give ample
demonstration to every capable and candid
person of its authenticity and impartiality.
THE PRISON LIFE OF JEFFERSON DAVIS
BEGINS.
May 21,1803.
The procession into the fort was under the
immediate inspection of Major General Hal-
leck and Charles A. Dana, then Assistant Sec
retary ot War, who immediately effected the
capture, being the officer in command of the
E ard from the vessel to the fort. First came
tjor General 3Iiles, holding the arm of Mr.
Davis, who was dressed in a suit of plain Con
federate gray, with a gray douched hat—al
ways thin, and now looking much wasted
and very haggard. Immediately after these
came Colonel Pritchard accompanying Mr.
Clay, with a guard of soldiers in their rear.
Thus they passed through files of men in blue
from the Engeneer's Landing to the Water
Batter}' Postern; and on arriving at the case
ment which had been fitted up into cells for
their incarceration, Mr. Davis was shown into
casement No. 2, and Clay into No. 4, guards
of soldiers being stationed in the cells num
bered one, three, and fiTe, upon each ride of
them. They entered; the heavy doors clang
ed behind them, and in tliat clang was rung
the final knell of the terrible, hut now extinct
rebellion.
Being ushered into lus inner cell by Gen
eral Miles, and the two doors leading there
into from the guardroom being fastened, Mr.
Davis, after surveying the premises for some
moments, and looking out through the em
brasure with such thoughts passing over his
lined and expressive face as may be imagined,
suddenly seated himself in a chair, placing
both hands on his knees, and asked one of
the soldiers pacing up and down within his
cell this significant question:
“Which way does the embrasure face ?”
The soldier was silent.
Air. Davis, raising his voice a little, repeat
ed the inquiry.
But again dead silenco, or only the measur
ed footfalls of the two pacing sentries within,
and the fainter echoes of the four without
Addressing the other soldier, as if the first
had been deaf and had not heard him, the
prisoner again repeated his inquiry.
But the second soldier remained silent as
which no soldier wearing a sword should panion daring the stormiest years of his late
accept: I tell yon tho world will ring with titular Presidency. It is now in the writer’s
his disgrace. The war is over; the South is ( possession, having been given to him by Mr.
be followed by a rebound when the first flush ro ® : _
3 Capt. Jerome E. Titlow, of the Third Penn-
1 * _ a —a.2ii A l Ai.„ : v,
in Missouri.—In a recent tour j of alnrm aha11 baTC I )asscd And f °"
I G«. Blair through the State ofMis- othcr conveniences or even losses we shall
| : : nl,e purpose of presenting tlie Pres* Lave 8ohd compensatian m the impetus
’Nicy to the people, he was continu-1 which war cannot , fai1 to «* v ? to
kd and hi* audiences attacked and j hitherward. At the same time, it is clear
•’1 by rowdies, set on thereto and ; that much depends upon the course taken by
pawed by the radical officials, w bo ‘ those whose doings influence transactions,
| 3tf ol that State. In several instances whether in goods, gold or stocks. This is not
"ttarred, knives and firearms were
' uul lives were lost. The radicals
p ' marking party in every instance,
| ‘ slightest resistance was offered to
J,eact * the party resisting wns arrested
V** real infractors of the peace were al*
’* 3° w«>t iree.
. —Forty thousand and forty-
7 tom immigrants arrived at the
York during the last month,
double the arrivals in the cor-
montli of last year, and those of!
a time for blind and reckless speculation, and
he who would at this moment promote it is
doing his utmost to hasten and intensify dis
aster. The conservatism which should con
trol our politics is in times like these needed
most urgently Jin our exchanges, our mart,
and in the arrangements of every business
man. With prudence, wc shall witness the
conflict from afar, not only uninjured, hut ul
timately benefited. But all depends upon
prudence.
I .. T Cheap Excursion Tickets.—The Atlanta
months of this year, arc nearly [ Intelligencer, nfrer complimenting President
'’to* of tbe same period last, year. 1 Wad ley for inaugurating the system of iow-
' ‘ opening of January up to this dnte j priced tickets to excursion parties, asks:
-*iabtf 4 rise ns high as one hundred ■ Why cannot nn arrangement be made by
J P Those who Understand the mat- j which during the hot summer months, the cit-
- “otbat we -hall get up to a quarter < izens of Savannah, Macon, Atlanta, and
*oa before the close of the year.— Chattanooga, on some sneta terms, msy visit
Nashville, Louisville, St Louis, Chicago, and
Cincinnati ? When winter comes the pro
gramme may be reversed, and to tho seaboard
of Georgia, from Chicago, all having busi
ness, or desirous of forming business relations
in Geoigia could repair. It is a policy thnt
would work to the advantage of the railroad
companies along these long lines of travel,
and would promote a business intercourse at
least, from point to point, with all the com
mercial marts along them, that could not fail
to extend the trade and commerce of each.
Air. Wadlcy has initiated a movement,
which, if extended, and we trust it will be,
will tlo much to subdue that prejudice against
railroad corporations which exists in tbe
minds of very many people. Occasional lib
erality extended in the manner proposed, will
Jo much towards popularizing those institu
tions. We tru-t his example may be imita
ted, and it will be if the railroad companies
of the South and West will give the matt
the consideration it merits.
^ntbi* will fiOl far short of 1854—
'•t immigration year—it will surpass
'- vr recent year.
-
Insurance Company.-r*
u * sincere pl< at all
• 1 recommend home institutions, and
. re * s all the more heightened when
•toj 1 institutions to be thoroughly
P rom wliat we know personally of
^rations of the Home Insurance
L Of
-"’tlemi
Savannah, and the character of
. ien w,| o have control of its nf-
N no hesitation whatever in re-
.- it to the favor of our people,
dtw f 811 ** l >rom l* tne8s mentioned in
t,. ® Valley published by us a
* of onl y one °f many similar
.**** w ® are cognizant*
J* 11 "ere, Mr. E. C. G
^Pnintion of
), has al-
bcing a
te instance
nfLi '"riher pr of that ho has lost
hu former
,/ of losses, and tb
• further proof tl
pr*s;ig{* hi this respect.
the first, a slight twitching of his eyes only
intimating that he had heard the question,
bnt was forbidden to speak.
“Well,” said Mr. Davis, throwing his hands
up and breaking into a hitter laugh, “I wish
my men could have been taught your dis
cipline ?” and then, rising from liis chair, he
commenced pacing back and forth before the
embrasure, now looking at the silent sentry
across the moat, and anon at tbe two silentjy
pacing soldiers who were his companions in
the casement
His sole reading matter, a Bible and pray
er book, his only companiens those two si
lent guards, his only food the ordinary rations
of bread and beef served out to the soldiers
of the garrison—thus passed the first day and
night of the ex-Prcsident’s confinement.
AN INVALID IN IKONS—A SCENE OF HORRORS.
On the morning of the 23d of May, a yet
bitterer trial was in store for the proud spirit
trial severer, probably, than has ever in
modem times been inflicted upon any one
who had enjoyed such eminence. Th it morn
ing Jefferton Dmi» ipat tkaeiled.
It was while all the swarming camps of the
armies of the Potomac, Tennessee and Geor
gia—over two hundred thousand bronzed and
aurellcd veterans—were preparing for the
Grand Review of the next morning, in which,
passing in endless succession before the man
sion of the President, the conquering milita
ry power of the nation was to lay down its
arms at the feet of the Civil Authority, that
the following scene was enacted at FortMon-
sylvania Artillery, entered the prisoner's cell,
followed by the blacksmith of the fort and
his assistant, the latter carrying in his hands
some heavy and liarsbly-rattling shackles.—
As they entered, Mr. Davis was reclining on
his bed, feverish'and weary after a sleepless
night, tbe food placed near to him tbe pre
ceding day still untouched on its tin plate
near his bedside.
“Well!” said 31 r. Davis as they entered,
slightly raising his bead.
“I lmvc an unpleasant duty to perform, sir,”
stud Captain Titlow; and os he spoke the
senior blacksmith took the shackles from his
assistant,
Davis leaped instantly from his recumbent
attitude, a flush passing over liis face for a
moment, and then his countenance growing
livid and rigid ns death.
He gasped for breath, clutching his throat
with tne thin fingers of his right hand, and
then recovering himself slowly, while liis
wasted figure towered up to its full lieight-
now appearing to bwcII with indignation and
then to shrink witli terror, ns be glanced
from the captain's face to the shackles—he
said slowly and with a laboring chest:
“My Ocd! You cannot havo been sent to
iron me i” . 1 •
“Such are my orders, sir,” replied the offi
cer, beckoning the blacksmith to approach,
who stepped forward, unlocking the padlock
and preparing the fetters to do their office.—
The*e fetten ware of henry iron, probably fice
conquered: I havo no longer any country but
America, and it is for the honor of America,
as for my own honor nnd lite, that I plead
against this degradation. Kill me! kill me!
he cried, passionately, throwing his arms
wide open nnd exposing his breast, “rather
than intlict on me and on my people through
me this insult worse than death.”
“Doyour dnty, blacksmith,” said the offi
cer, walking towards the embrasure as if not
caring to witness tbe performance. “It only
gives increased pain on all sides to protract
this interview.’’
At these words tbe blacksmith advanced
with the shackles, and seeing "that the prison
er had one foot upon the chair near hu bed
side. his right hand resting on the back of it -
the brawny mechanic made an attempt to slip
one of the shackles over the ankle so raised;
but, as if with tho vehemence and strength
which frenzy can impart, even to the weakest
invalid, Mr. Davis suddenly seized his assail
ant and hurled him halfway across the room.
On this Captain Titlow turned, and seeing
that Davis had backed against the wall for
further resistance, began to remonstrate, point
ing out in brief, clear language, thnt this
course was madness, and that orders must be
< 11• : ■ i i* -.my <•<>-:. “Why compel me." lie
said, “to add the further indignity of person
al violence to the necessity of your being
ironed ?”
“I am a prisoner of war,” fiercely retorted
Davis; “I have been a soldier in the armies
of America, and know how to die. Only
kill me, and my l«st breath shall be a blessing
on you hesd. But while I have life and
strength to 'resist, for myself and for my peo
ple, this thing shall not be done.”
Hereupon Captain Titlow called in a ser
geant and file of soldiers from' tho next room,
and the sergeant advanced to seize the pris
oner. Immediately Mr. Davis flew on him,
seized his musket and attempted to wrench it
from his grasp.
Of course such a scene could have bat one
issue. There was a short, passionate scuffle.
In a moment Davis was thrown on bis bed,
and before his four powerful assailants re
moved their hands from him, tbe blacksmith
and his assistant had done tlieir work—one
securing the rivet on the right ankle, white
the other turned the key on the padlock on
the left. ■
This done, Mr. Davis lay for a moment as
if in a stupor, Then slowly raising hiinself
nnd turning round, he dropped his shackled
feet to the floor. The harsh clank of the
striking chain seems first to have recalled him
to his situation, and dropping his face into
his hands, he burst into a passionate flood of
sobbing, rocking to and fro, and muttering at
brief intervals: “Oh, the shame, the shame!”
It may here be stated, though out of its
due order—that we may get rid in baste of
nn unpleasant subject—that Mr. Davis some
two months later, when frequent vists had
made him more free of converse, gave me a
curious explanation of the last feature of this
incident.
He had been speaking of suicide, and de
nouncing it as the worst form of cowardice
and folly. “Lite is not like a commission
that ire can resign when disgusted with tbe
service. Taking it by your own hand is a
confession of judgment to all that your vorst
enemies can allege. It has often Unshed
across me as a tempting remedy for neuralgic
torture; but thank God! I never sought my
own death hut oucc, nnd then when com
pletely frenzied and not master of my actions.
When they catne to iron me that day, as a
last resource of desperation, I seized asoldier's
musket and attempted to wrench it from bis
grasp, hoping that in the scuffle and surprise
some one of his comrades would ihoot or
bayonet me.”
'On the morning of May 24th, I was sent
for about half-post 8 A. 31., by 3Iajor General
Miles; was told that State-prisoner Davis
complained of being ill, and that I hai been
assigned as his medical attendant.
Calling upon the prisoner—tho first [imo I
had ever seen him closely—he preseited a
very miserable and afflicting aspect. Sketch
ed upon his palct and very much emaciated,
Mr. Davis appeared a mere fascine of rav and
tremulous nerves—his eyes restldS3 and fiver-
cd, his head continually shifting from side to
side for a> cool spot on the pillow, and his
case clearly one in which intense cerebral ex
citement was the first thing needing alten.ion.
He was extremely despondent, his pulse full
and at ninety, tongue thickly coated extnrac-
ties cold, anil his head troubled with a lcng-
established neutralgic disorder. Complahea
of his thin comp matteress and pillow stiffed
with hair, adding, that he was so emaciited
that liis skin chafed easily against the shts;
and, these complaints were well foundid, I
ordered an additional hospital matrass and
softer pillow, for which lie thanked mo court
eously.
“But I fear,” he said, as, having preserved,
I wns about taking my leave, accompaiied
by Captain Evans, Third Pennsylvania Artil
lery, who was officer of the day; “I fear, Doc
tor, yon will have a troublesome and unsitis-
factoiy patient. One whose case can relect
on you little credit. There are circumstarces
at work outside your art to counteract jour
art; and I suppose there must be a conflict
between your feelings as a soldier of file
Union and your duties aBa heater of the sick.”
Tills last was said with a faint smite, and I
tried to cheer bun, assuring him, if he would
only keep quiet and endeavor to get some
rest and sleep, which my prescription was
mainly addressed to obtain, that he would
be well in a few days. For the rest, of course
a physician could have no feelinga nor recog
nize any duties hut towards liis patient.
3Ir. I)a\ i> turned to tbe officer of the day,
and demanded whether he had been shackled'
by specinl order of the Secretary of War. or
whether General 3Iiles had considered this
violent course essentinl to his safe-keeping ?
The Captain replied that he knew nothing of
the matter: and so our first interview ended.
On quitting 3Ir. Davis, I at once wrote to
Major Chnrcfi, Assistant Adjutant General,
advising that prisoner lie allowed tobacco—
to the want of which, after a lifetime of use,
Davis, and its acceptance insisted upon as
the only thing he had left to offer.
THE TORTURE OF THE PRISONER
Happening to notice that liis coffee stood
cold and apparently untasted beside his bed
in its tin cup, I remarked that there was a
contradiction of the assertion implied in the
old army question, “Who ever saw cold coffee
in a tin cup ?” referring to the eagerness with
which soldiers of all classes, when campaign
ing, seek for nnd use this beverage.
“I cannot drink it,” he remarked, “though
fond of coffee all my life. It is the poorest
article of the sort I have ever tasted; and if
your government pays for such stnfl as coffee,
the purchasing quartermaster must be getting
rich. It surprises me, too, for I thought your
soldiers must have the best—many of my
Generals complaining of the difficulties they
encountered in seeking to prevent our people
from making volunteer truces with your sol
diers whenever the lines ran near each other,
for the purpose <>1' exchanging the tobacco
we had in abundance against your coffee nnd
sugar.”
Told him to spend as little time in bed as
lie could; that exercise was the best method
for dyspeptic patients. To this lie answered
bj, vneotering the blankets from his feet and
showing me hi* shackled mniklts.
“It is impossible for me, Doctor; I cannot
even stand erect, These shackles are very
heavy; I know not, with the chain, how
many pounds. If I try to move they trip me,
and have already abraded broad patches of
skin from the parts they touch. Can yon de
vise no means to pad or cushion them, so that
when I try to drag them along they may not
chafe me so intolerably ? 3Iy limbs have so
little flesh on them, and that so weak as to he
easily lacerated.”
At sight of tlii91 turned away, promising
to see what could be done.as exercise wns the
chief medical necessity in liisease; and at this
moment the first thrill of sympathy for my
patient was experienced.
That afternoon, at an interview sought with
3Iajor-Gencral 3Iiles, my opinion was given
that the physical condition of State prisoner
Davis required the removal of his shackles,
until such time as his health should be es
tablishcd on some firmer basis. Exercise he
absolutely needed, and also some alleviation
of his abnormal nervous excitement. IV r »
drugs could aid a digestion naturally weak and
so impaired, without exercise; nor could any
thing in the pharmacopoeia o.uict tierces so ocer-
wrought and shattered, while the continual
irritation of the fetters was counterpoising
whatever medicines might be given.
“You believe it, then, a medical necessity’.’
queried Gen. Miles.
“I do most earnestly.”
“Then I will give the matter attention;”
and at this point for the present the affair
ended.
such half-way measures as padding would, ferred to, but could not be sure of the nane.
suffice to meet the necessities of hw case; I Had mentioned the Matter to General Miles,
while their adoption, or suggestion, might de-j asking a pass to visit; Out he adjected, saijin’r;
fer the broader remedy that was needed. On' tie orders were to allow no communication with
leaving, he requested me in the morning to i the ship.
note how the wind blew, and the prospeets of .
the weather, before paying him my visit.— * ’ ^ avis ex<dauned w
Until he heard of his famuj’s arrival in Sa-
Them fetters mere of heavy sron, probably me- he h(ld referrcd as onc of the prob able par-
eighthsofan \nch m thiekncss,and connected to-1 ^j a j causes of his illness—though notcom-
gether by a chain of like weightl believe I pfoiningly, nor with any request that it he
they^are now in tnejposs ?sion of Major-floo- j given. This recommendation was approved
in the course of the day; and on calling in
the evening brought tobacco with me, ;.nd
■\r» i • • i * i. w. ,.
cral Miles, nnd will form an interesting relic.
“This is too monstrous,” groaned tho pris
oner, glaring hurriedly around the room, as if
for some weapon or means of self-destruction.
“I demand, Captain, that you let me see the
commanding officer. Can he pretend that
such shackles are required to secure the safe
custody of a weak old man, so guarded and
in such a fort os this?”
“It could serve no purpose,” replied Capt
Titlow; "his orders arc from Washington, as
mine are from him.”
“But he can telegraph,” interposed Mr.
Davis, eagerly; “there must be some mistake.
No such outracc us you threaten me with is
on record in the iii-tory of nations. Beg him
to telegraph, and delay until lie answers ”
“My order* are peremptory,” >aid the offi-
cor, “and admit of no delay. Foryour own
sake, let me advise you to submit with pa
tina e. As a soldier. 3Ir. Davis, you know I
must execute orders.*’
‘‘These are not orders for a soldier, shout-*
° r 1 ed the prisoner, Meing all control of himself
i "Thev are orders tor a jailor—lor a haaginaOj
Mr. Davis filled his pipe, which was the sole
article he had carried with him from the
Clyde,.except the clothes he then wore.
“This is a noble medicine,” he said, with
something as near a smite as was possible for
his haggard nnd shrunken features. “I hard
ly expected it; did not ask for it. though
the deprivation has been severe. During my
confinement here I shall ask for nothing.”
Ho was now much calmer, feverish symp
toms steadily decreasing, pulse already down
to seventy-five, his brain less excitable, and
1 : s mind becoming more resigned to his con-
3Iay, 26.—Called with the officer of the
day, Capt. James B. King, at 1 r. m. Found
3Ir. Davis in bed, complaining of intense de
bility, hut could not point to any particular
complaint. The pain in his head had left him
last night, but had been brought back this
forenoon and aggravated by the noise of me
chanics employed In taking down the wooden
doors between his cell and the exterior guard
room, and replacing these with iron gratings,
so that he could at all times hie seen by the sen
tries in the outside room as vtell as by the two
'‘•silent friends," who were the unspeaking com
panions of his solitude.
Noticed that the prisoner’s dinner lay un
touched on its tin plate near his bedside, his
meals being brought in by a silent soldier,
who placed food on its table and then with
drew. Had remarked before that he scarcely
touched the food served to him, his appetite
being feeble at best, and his digestion out of
order.
Quitting him, called on General Miles, and
recommended that I bc-allowed to place the
prisoner on a diet corresponding with his
condition, which required light and nutritious
food. Consent was given, and I had pre
pared nnd sent over from my quarters some
tea and toast for his evening's meal.
Calling about 7 p» m., found Mr. Davis
greatly improved, the tea and toast having
given him, lie said, new life. Though he had
not complained of the fore, he was very thank
ful for the change.
Ho then commenced talking, and let me
here say that I encouraged him in this, be
lieving conversation and some human sympa
thy the best medicines that could be given
to one in his stato—on tlic subject of the
weather.
How has the weatlier been—rough or fair ?
In this huge casement, and nnahle to crawl
to the embrasure, lie could not tell whether
the weather was rough or smooth, nor how
the wind was blowing.
“All my family are~ at sea, you are aware,
on their way to Savannah; and I • know the
dangers of going-down the coast at this sea
son of the year too well to be without intense
alarm. My wife and four children, with oth
er relatives, arc on the Clyde, and these pro
filers roll dreadfully and arc poor sea-boats
n rough weather.”
He then explained with great clearness of
detail, and evidently having studied the sub
ject, why the dangers of going down the
coast in rough weather were so much greater
than coming north. Going down, ships had
to liug the shore—often running dangerously
near the treacherous horrors of Cape ITatter-
as; while-in running north they stood out
from land to catch tho favoring gult stream,
to avoid which they had to run in shore as
close as they could when steerins south.
| He appeared intensely anxious on thi3 sub
ject, recurring to it frequently and speculat
ing on the probable position of the Clyde at
this time, “Should she be lost,” he remarked,
“it will be ‘all my pretty chickens nnd their
dam at one fell swoop.’ It -will be the oblit
eration of my name and house.’’
“3Irs. Davis, too,” he continued, “has much
to contend with. Her sister has- been very
ill, and her two nurses left her while here,
and she could procure no others. Jly only
consolation is, that some of my paroled peo
ple are on board, and soldiers make excellent
nurses. Soldiers are fond of children. Per
haps the roughness of their camp-life makes
the contrasted playfulness of infancy so pleas
ant. Charles of Sweden. Frederick the
Great, and Napoleon, were illustrations of this
peculiarity. The Duke ofi 3Yellington is the
only eminent commander of whom no, trait
of the sort is recorded.”
Talking of propellers, and how badly they
rolled ill rough sea, I spoke of one called
the Burnside, formerly stationed at Port Roy
al, of which the common rcmaik was, that in
every three rolls she went clean round.
“ Once,” I added, “ when her captain
was asked what was her draught of water, he
replied that ho did not kuow to nn inch the
height of her smoke-stack, but it was from
the top of that to her keel.”
This, and other anecdotes, amused tho pa-
vannali he could know no peace.
May 27th.—Called in the morning with the
officer of the day, Captain Titlow. Found
3Ir. Davis in bed, very weak and desponding.
He had not slept Had been kept awake by
the heavy surging of the wind through the
big trees on the other side of the moat. Ap
peared much relieved when I told him the
breeze was nothing like a storm, though it
blew north-easterly, which was favorable to
the ship containing liis family.
He repressed great concern lest bi3 wife
should hear through newspapers of the scene
in his cell when he was ironed. Would it be
published, did I think : Ami <>n my remain
ing silent—for I knew it had been sent to the
newspapers on the afternoon of its transpir
ing—he interlaced his fingers across his eyes,
and ejaculated: “Oh, my poor wife, my poor,
poor girl! How the heart-rending narrative
will afflict her I”
He remained silent for some moments as I
sat beside his bed; and then continued, ex
tending his hand that I might feel his pulse:
“I wish she could have been spared this
knowledge. There was no necessity for the
act. My physical condition rendered it ob
vious that there could be no idea that fetters
were needful to the security of my. imprison
ment It was clear, therefore, that the object
was to offer an indignity both to myself and
the cause I represented—not the less sacred
to me because covered with tho pall of a
military disaster. It was for this reason I
resisted as a duty to my faith, to my coun
trymen, and to myself. It was for this reason
I courted death from the muskets of the
guard. The officer of the day prevented that
result, and, indeed,”—bowing to Captain Tit
low—“behaved like a man of good feeling.
But, my poor wife! I can see the hideous an
nouncement with its Hauling capitals, and
cannot but anticipate how mnch her pride
and love will both be shocked. For myself I
am resigned, and now only say, ‘The Lord
reprove them P The physical inconvenience
of these things I still feel (clanking his nnkles
together slightly under the bed-clothes), but
their sense of humiliation is gone. Patriots
in all ages, to whose memories shrines are
now built, have suffered as bad or worse in
dignities.”
He thanked me for the breakfast that had
been sent him, expressing the hope that I
would not let my wife be put to too much
trouble, making broth and toast for one
helpless and utterly wretched.
“I wish, Doctor,” said he, “I could com
pensate you by getting well; but my case is
most unpromising, Your newspapers”, he
went on—this with a grim*smile—“should
pray for the success of your skill. If you fail,
where will their extra editions be—their start
ling head-lines ? My death would only give
them food for one or two days at most: while
my trial—for I suppose I shall be given some
kind of trial—would fatten for them ■■
month’s crop of lucrative excitement.”
Finding the conversation, or rather his
monologue, running into a channel more like
ly to excite than soothe him—the latter be
ing the object for which I was always will
ing to listen during the fifteen or twenty
minutes these interviews usually lasted while
he was seriously ill—I now rose to take my
leave,- gently hinting that he should avoid
such thoughts and topics as much as possible.
He took my remark in a wrong sense, as if
had been hurt at his saying anything that
might cast a reflection on tho justice that
would be dealt to him by my government,
or upon the style of journalism in Northern
newspapers. But I explained that nothing
could be farther from my thoughts; that my
counsel was purely medical, and to divert
him from a theme that must rcaroose the
cerebral excitement we were seeking to allay.
Called again at 8 p. m. same day. Mr. Da
vis still very weak, and had been troubled
with several faints, not exactly fainting spells,
liis pulse indicating extreme debility. He
said tbe nights were very tedious and lag
gard. During the day he could fieri employ
ment reading (the Bible or prayer-book being
seldom out of his hand white alone), but du
ring the night his anxieties about his family
returned; -and the foot-falls of the sentries in
tho room with him—their very hard breath
ing or coughing—continually called back his
thoughts,, when otherwise and for. a moment
more pleasantly wandering,. to his present
situation. He had watched the weather all
day with intense interest; and * bad been
cheered to observe from the slant of the rain
that he hoped his family were by this time
in Savannah.
Then went on to say that he feared, after.-
lie had been removed from the Clyde, his
wife must have suffered the annoyance of hav
ing her trunks searched—an unnecessary act,
it seemed to him, as, of course, if she had
anything to conceal, she could bare got rid
of-it on the passage up.
On my remarking, to soothe him, that no
such search was probable, he said it could
hardly be otherwise. He had received a suit
of heavy clothes from tbe propeller;. and
General 3Iiles, when informing him of the
fact, had mentioned that there were quite a
number of suits there.
And so, Doctor,” he went on, “you tliink
all the miserable details of my ironing have
been placed before the public .’ It is not only
for the hurt feelings of my wife and" children„
but for the honor of Americans, that'I regret it
3Iy efforts to conceal from my wife the knowl
edge of my sufferings are unavailing; and it
were perhaps bettes that she should know 4be
whole truth, as probably less distressing to
her than what may be tho impressions of her
fears. Should 1 urrit6 such a letter to her,
however, she would never get it.”
Sunday, May 28.—At eleven a. m. this morn
ing was sitting on the porch in front of my
quarters when Captain Frederick Korte,.
Third Pennsylvania Artillery, who was offi
cer of the day, passed toward the cell of tho
prisoner, followed by the blacksmith. This
told the star}’, and sent a pleasant profession
al thrill of pride through my veins.
Did not let 3Ir. Davis see me then, but re
tired, thinking it better the prisoner sliould
be left alone in the first moments, of regard
ing so much of his personal freedom.
Called again at two p. m. with the officer
of the day. Immediately on. enterin'*, Mr.
Davis rose from his seat, both hands extend
ed, and his eyes fated with tears. He was ev
idently about to say something, hut checked
himself: or was checked by a rush of emo-
• litiun. ('"in]'hiii,■ .; ; i: j ; , for soiv •I’Taris- 1 of'an honr : an l what-
the two sentries Within hh chamber made it I ever could give liis lsunu a momfnt’s repose
difficult for him to collect his thoughts; but was in tho line of his cure,
added cheerfully that, with this—touching | As I was leaving. he aJced bad I been able
his pipe—he hoped to become tranquil. to do nothing to pad or cushion his shackles?
T..i- pipe, le, rh.- way. '.U-. ; irg-. a mi lie 1 take n > tvii m b'-.t the b-i-bh -t.
handsome one, made meerschaum, with an and with great pain* while they Mere on.
amber mouth-piece, showing by its color that To tlii-* gave an evasive auswer, not know
it had seen “active service” for some time— ' ing what might be the ; action of General
ns indeed was the case, having been hi*' com- 3Ides, and tearing to excite false hopes. No
ras inhuman.—
The ladies had certainly commits 4' no crime,
and there teere no longer any prisoners on board
the ship when the reguest teas made,, he and Mr.
Clay haring been the last removed. The lady
was very seriously id, and no officer, no gen
tleman, no man of Christian or even human
feeling, would have so acted. General Mile*
was from Massachusetts, he had heard, and his
action both in this and other matters- appear
ed in harmony with his origin. It wns-much
for -Massachusetts to boa>t that one of her
sons had been appointed liis jailor; audit was
becoming such a jailor to oppress- helpless
women and children. * •
MR. DAVIS ON Ills- TRIAL—ALL MEAK9- OF
PREPARATION REFUSED U1M—THE CONFED
ERATE CAUSE.
June 1.—Called with Capt. Korte, officer
of the day, about noon. Hud been' sent for
at noon, but was away fishing.
He asked me what luck iishing, and ap
peared in better spirits than usual.
Had just heard he said through - an irregu
lar channel, that he had been indicted with
Mr. Breckinridge in the Districtof-Columbia,
and hoped therefore that he was about to
have a constitutional trial-—not one by mili
tary commission, to which he would not have
pleaded, regarding it as a foregone - murder.
“The news had reached him through the con
versation of some soldiers in tbe guard-room,
who sometimes spoke to each othcr in loud
tones what they wished him to overhear. It
was probably in no friendly spirit they had
given him this news;” but to him it was as-
welcomc as air to the drowning.
He then referred to the severity, of his treat
ment, supposing himself at present to be mere
ly held for trial, and not already undergoing
arbitrary punishment. As this-conversation
was a voiy important one, I took-fall note of
it almost immediately on quitting liis cell,
and it is now given in very nearly, if not
precisely his own words:
“Humanity, supposes every man innoccnt,’ r
urged^Mr. Davis, “until the reverse shall be
proven; and the laws guarantee certain priv
ileges to persons held for trial. “To hold mo
here for trial, under all the rigors of a con
demned convict, is not warranted by law—is-
revolting to the spirit of justice.’.’ In the po
litical history of the world there is no • paral
lel to my treatment. England and the des
potic governments of Europe have beheaded
men accused’of-treason;, but oven after their
conviction no-such efforts as inxay case have
been made to degrade them. Apart, how
ever, from my personal treatment, let us see
how this matter stands.
“If the reM purpose in the matter be to test .
the question of secession br-trying certain
persons connected therewith for treason, from
what class or classes should the. persons-so
selected be drawn ?
“From those who called the State Conven
tions, or from those who, in their respective
conventions, passed the ordinance of seces
sion l Or, from the authors of the doctrines
of State rights ?. Or, from those citizens-who
being absent from their States,- were uncon
nected with the event, hut on its occurrence
returned" to their homes to share the fortunes
of their States as a duty of primal allegiance?
Or from those officers of tho State, .wkoy. be
ing on public service, were called.homo by
the ordinance, and returning, joined their fol
low-citizens in State service, and Mtowad
the course due. to that relation ? r
To the last class I belong, who* aiu- the
object of greatest rigor, ‘This can. only be
explained on the supposition that, having
been most honored, I, therefore, excite most
revengeful feelings—for bow else can.: it be
accounted for?’-
“I did not wish for war, hut peace,-. There
fore sent Commissioners to negotiate-bafore
war commenced; andsubscquently strode my
uttermost to soften the rigors of war;. in every
pause of conflict -seeking, if possible, todreat
for peace. Numbers- of those already-practi
cally pardoned are those who, at: tlie begin
ning, urged that the black Bag: should be
lioiatcd, and the stroggle made one ofr’despe-
rataon.
Bclieving.the States to be each sovereign,
and their anion voluntary, I had learned from
the Fathers of the Constitution tlieh a State
could change its. form of government, abol
ishing all which had previously existed; and
my only crime has-been obedience to this con
scientious conviction. 3Vas not tfaib the uni
versal doctrine of> the dominant Democratic
>arty in the North previous. to. secession ?—
did not many of the opponents o£ that party
in the same section,.sluure and avow that
faith ? They preached, and professed to be
lieve. "We believed, and-, preached, and prac
tised;
“If this theory be now adfpdgcd errone
ous, the history of the States, teom their colo-.
nial organization- to the present moment,,
should bo rewritten, and the focts suppressed ;,
which may mislead otbereiaa likc.unanncrtc •
a like conclusion..
“But if—as I suppose—the purpose be la
test the question of secession by a judicial;
decision, why begin by oppressive the chief'
subject of the experiment? Why, in the
name of. fairness- and a decent respect for the
opinions of mankind, deprive him of. the
means needful to a preparation of his defense;
and load^ffiim with in dignities, which must de
prive his mind of its. due equilibrium It ill,
comports with, the dignity edf a greet nation,
to effince fear of gjLvitig to a singly captive-
enemy all the advantages possible &r. an ex
position of his side of tlie question,. A ques
tion settled by vieJence, or in disregard of
law, must remain unsettled forever.
“Believing all good govemmerfl.ta rest on
truth, it is tlie resulting belief that injustico
to any individual is a public injury, which
can only find compensation in t|ic reaction
which brings retributive justice upon the op
pressors. It has been the continually grow
ing danger of the North, that in attempting
to crush the liberties of my j A-ople, you would
raise a Frankenstein of tyrranuy tltit would
not down at your biddings Sydnec, and Rus
sell, and Vane, and Peters, suffered ; but in
their death Liberty received blowings tlieir
lives might never have conferred.
“If the doctrine of Stato Sovereignty be a
dangerous heresy, the genius of America
would indicate '.mother remedy than the sac
rifice ot one of its believers, Wicklille died,
butHuss took up his. teachings; and when,
tio ^“n - Up0n « if- , the dust of this martyr was sprinkled on tlie
I cnogratuisteu Iron on the elian-e, observ-, p ,. wsenceof it was infused in tlie
mg that my promise of his soon feeling better j - , T , ., ... ,_ n *,
was being fulfilled; and he most now take I cu l* \ vhlch LuUior dtenk.
all the exercise that was possible for liim, for “ ^ le road fcog-upts l ,,n 'ei known a.!..
(■(;-. an 1 t!m-■;! qo.-.-timisol reserve- 1 *
on this his future health would depend.—
Captain Korte. too, joined in my congratula
tions very kindly, and spoke with the frank —
courtesy of a gentleman and soldier. i adjudication j anutlHi- onh can th
Recurring to tbe subject of his family, 3Ir. nally at rest.
Davie n<ked me had I not been called upon to “Jlr. Daviu then spoke ot the restriction -
attend 31iss Howell, his wife’s sister, who bad placed uyeu his reading, which he supposed
been very ill at the time of his quitting the mtK soon terminate it he w;,s to be place*.
Clyde. Replied that Colonel James, Chief, on tria',’’ Books would be indi-pensah.e to
Quartermaster, had called at my quarters, 1 preparing his defense, n >r did he set
and - - *■- id! it.,;,/ /,,'dg : .vM W denied free intercourse with
believed u Was th,- huh he re*' , . '. ...
CONCLUDED ON 1-.U it iff t \oU
on which men ! 1 ! ; 1 • • -• di-tiuetion maydil-
t,-r ;md h:i\o d iteri ! he-settled l»v tail'
' v ” ' k- !i-
how