Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-01-25
Ieff. naYis.


The English papers reproduce the following
personal sketch of Jefferson Davis. from Col
Freemantes Three months in the South"
Mr. Jefferson Davis struck me as looking
older than ] expected. He is only fifty six
but his face is emaciated aud much wrinkled
He is nearly six feet high, but is extremely
thin. aud stoops a little. His features are good.
especially his eve, which is very bright. and
full of life and humour | was afterward told
he had lost the sight of his left eye from
rerent Illness He wore linen coat and gray
trousers, and he looked what he evidently is, a
we'll bred gentleman. Nothing can exceed the
charm of his manner, which is simple, easy and
most fascinating. He conversed with me for
long time, aud agreed with Benjamin that the
Yankees did not really intend to 90 to war
with England if she recognized the South; and
he said that, when the inevitable smash came
and that sep iration accomplished fnct-
the State of Maine would probably try to jon
Canada, as most of the intelligent people in
that State have horror of being "under the
thumb of Massachusetts,.
He added that Maine was inhabited BY n hard !,
thrifty, seafaring population. with different IDEAS
To the people in the other New England States.
When spoke to him Of the wretched scenes
had witnessed in his own State (Mississippi.) and
Of the miserable, almost destitute situation in
which had found so mtny unfortunate women,
and when | allu lei in admiration to the quiet
calm, accomplishing manner in which they bore
their sufferIngs and their grief he said with much
feeling, that he always considered silent despair
the most painful description of misery to witness.
in the same way that he thought mute insanity
was the most awful form of madness. He spoke
to me OF Grenfell, who, lie said, seemed to be
serving the Confederacy in disinteres,ed and
loyal manner. He had heard much of his gal
lantry and good services, and he was very sorry
when / told him of Grenfell's quarrel with the
civil power. He confirmed the truth of my re
mark, that Confederate General is either con
sidered an Admiral Crichtou by the soldiers, or
else abused everything bad; and. he added. the
misfortune was that it is absolutely necessary, Ia.
order to insure success. that General must OBJ
tain and preserve this popularity and influence
with his men, who were however generally very
willing to accord this confidence to any officer
deserving of It,
With regard to the black flag and quarter
agitation, he said people would talk great deal,
and even go into action determined to give no
quarter; "but,'' he added. 81 have yet to hear of
Confederate sukers putting men to death who
have thrown down their arms and held up their
hands, He told me that Earl Russell confessed
HAT the impartial carrying out of the neutrality
laws had pressed hard upon the South; and Mr..
Davis asserted that the pressure might have been
eoualized and yet retained its impartiaty, IL
Great Britain instead OF closing her ports had
opened them to the prizes Of both parties; but
said that perhaps this might be OVERRIDING it a
little on the other side. When took my leave.
about nine o'clock the President asked me to
call upon him again | don't think &c possible
for any one TO have an interview with him with
out going away most favorably impressed by his
agreeable, unassuming manners. and by the
charm of his conversation