Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1865-08-12
GENERAL INTELLIGENCE.
Jeff. DaVis-His Treatment and Condition
from the New York Times.l
HIS QUARTERS

a table, several chairs and bath-tub.
He is in no way hampered about his
person, everything being as free to-day
as when he stamped defiance with his
foot in Washington and waved adieu to
his compeers of the Senate. To be sure
he is not permitted to be alone, but the
guard are cautioned against intrusion;
aud at no time has he complained of
either officers or men. Should he do
so, and were his complaint based on the
slightest foundation, il would be attend
ed to. At night a lamp burns within
his room. This, however, was done as
a measure of precaution rather than an
novance. At first he complained of it,
thinking it would interfere with his
sleep; but as experience demonstrated
tine folly of his fear, he withdrew the
request that it should be removed. The
guard is changed every two hours; an
inspection of the guard is made twice
each day. The floor is neatly swept
and every cure taken to furnish water
In abundance. The regularity with
which Mr.. Davis takes his morning bath
is evidence of the care he yet takes of
his person. His toilet is as faultless as
ever, and he presents the same precise
and welI-ordered exterior as in earlier
and happier days.
HIS FOOD.
/ have seen it stated that Jeff.'s food
was the same as is furnished the rank
and file of the army. If it was it would
be sufficiently better than that given
our prisoners at Richmond, but as re-
taliation is not the practice of our gov
eminent, il may be as well TO state that
this report is as far from the truth as is
the other which says that he is allowed
all tire delicacies of the season. The
fact is, strange as 1t may seem to some
of our Copperhead friends, that Davis is
taken care of by people who have at
least an ordinary amount of common
sense, and who know the folly of going
to extremes. The food furnished the
rebel chief is such as he can cat with
relish. He doesn't have strawberries
and cream, nor boned turkey and mince
pie, but he does have tea and coffee,
beef and other meats, vegetables and
cigars. These complaints about food
do not originate with the prisoner,
and until he sees fit even to intimate to
those in charge that his diet disagrees
with him, it Is hardly necessary for the
newspaper OppOsitiOnists to worry
themselves aboutit. DIR Craven, who has
been with MIR. Davis every day since his
arrival, Is a gentleman and a practition-
er of acknowledged merit. who would
not forfeit the approval of his con-
science for all the advancement In the
power of his superiors, and to his opin-
ion the officers In charge invariably
yield the most implicit respect. AT his
advice sundry changes, vegetable. main
", were made in the bill of fare, but
they were suggested as precautionary,
rather thar as absolutely necessary.
1t is not true that Davis neither
speaks nor is spoken to. Such rigor
would be childish and absurd. With
Mai. Gen. Miles, with DIR. Craven and
other officers of the post he converses
freely and unrestrainedly. They have
no desire to be uncivil, nor would they
consent to such a depth of degradation
as would be needfnl were they expected
in any way 10 initiate, annoy or disturb
their prisoner. With the soldiers OF
the guard he is not permitted TO talk,
nor would he be if he was a simple Wis
itor. 1t IS customary at all military
posts for visitors. and especially prison
ers, to refrain from conversation with
any soldier on duty. In case he needs
anything at any time he has only to tell
the sentinel, who calls the officer of the
guard, who reports to the officer of the
day.
HOW HE SPENDS HIS TINE.
Rising at an early hour, Mr.. Davis
takes bath, then dresses, after which
he is visited by the officer of the guard
the officer of the day, and the medical
attendant. He then breakfasts, after
which he walks up and down his room,
converses with Cen. Miles, who gen
orally visits his quarters about that
time, or with DIR. Craven, reads the BIZ
BILE, and. quite likely longs for books
and papers that he has not thus fan
been permitted either is fact. Wheth-
er it is best to wholly deprive him OF
the society of books is a fair matter OF
argument. Many think that he should
have everything of the kind with which
to while away his time and make the
tedious hours pass less slowly. Then
there are many who entertain the idea
that JEFF. deserves little punishment
and that it it is not at all desirable that
his time should pass pleasantly and rap
idly. Quite likely the government are
of that opinion at all events, he DOM
get the papers.
WHAT HE RECEIVES.
I. has also been stated that no letters
of sympathy had been received for him.
This is incorrect Mrs. Davis and 9TH
er members of the family have written
frequently, and although MIR. Davis is
not permitted to read the letters, he is
furnished with all items of domestic
news and interest, such as the state OF
health and movements of the family
generally. In addition to these, nuner-
Gus letters OF counsel and advice have
been received, although none of them,
with one exception, have been given
him. It is not deemed right that inter
course by letter should be permitted
with any one, although one would sup
pose il could do no harm if the mere
home letters were allowed to pass freely.
OF course there are hundreds of silly
people In the country, and it would be
strange if they who poster the Presi-
dent for opinions, bother persons OF
nate for autographs, and deluge officials
with advice, should not occasionally
scribble a line of abuse to old JEFF. His
friends, however, may rest easy on this
point, he Is never annoyed by these i'm
pertinences, because he never sees nof
hears of them. 1t is said that he rarely
talks about or cares to have reference
made to political or military Matters
Quite likely this is In Difference to the
good advice of his counsel. When Da-