The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1865-08-04
The Situation of JEFF. Davis

The Situation of JEFF. Davis
Under flaming head, displayed in
large capitals, the Fortress Monroe
correspondent of the New York lie
raid writes:
JEFF. Davis last evening was allowed
to come out Of his casemate, and take
81 walk inside the fortress. An officer
and guard accompanied him. He pro-
t1acted his walk nearly an hour. This
is the first occasion of his being out
side of his casemate since he was first
put in there, on the 21st of May last.
DR.. Craven, his medical custodian,
am told, advised that, unless he be
allowed outdoor exercise, he would
not live much longer. The1ate extra
ordinary heat-the thermometer one
day indicating 107 degrees in the shade
inside the fort-has had very debili-
tating as well us depressing effect on
him. 1t is known that Mr.. Clay was
allowed daily walks, on the represen-
tation of his surgeon that continued
close confinement would kill him. It
Is reasonable to infer that the same
privilege has now been accorded to
jeff. Davis for the same reason. In a
recent letter, stated that, notwith-
standing contradictions of my previ-
Gus statement, that Davis was in de-
clining health, and would not survive
six weeks longer close incarceration.
The truth of this statement is con-
tirmed i'll the permission just given to
Davis to take outdoor exercise. It is
understood that this permission is to
be allowed him every day, at least to
an extent giving assurance Of preser-
vation of his health and life.
DAVIS ASKING NO PRIVILEGES.
Finding that his very moderate re-
quests to be allowed to write to his
wife and read her letters, and to be
granted a wider range of reading mat
ter than the Bible, were not complied
with, has made Davis very quiet on
the subject of asking any favors His
pride had much, doubtless, to do in
influencing this course of conduct.
Gradually he grew more depressed and
morose, and his health had declined,
and, with increasing depression. grow
ing gloomlness and increased physical
debility, his stubbornness of will kept
him obdurate. He had made up his
mind to ask no favors, and he has not.
The prison authorities might do as
they pleased with him, and he would
patiently, passively submit.
WHY HIS HEALTH DECLINED.
be has taken no exercise. His only
care looking to preserve his health has
been his morning baths. He has eaten
his three meals with decreasing appe-
tite, and in the intervals has sat look
ing out of his casemate opening.
Through each livelong day, and till
the shadows Of night obscurcd sea and
cloud, and passing ships and the dis
tant woodland, from his dimmed view.
he has here sat in sullcn, dogged 81
lence.
WHY HE IS laLIIOwRD OUTDOOR EXER-
His pride and obstinacy combined
were killing him. He was dying by
inches. What should be done with
him? 1t would hardly do; it would
not look well; it would not sound
well; it might revive an unhealthy
sympathy in the hearts of his old sup
porters to let him die in his casemated
cell. Exercise daily in the open air
was accordingly advised--strongly
urged. The Secretary of War was
consulted and gave his consent, or per-
haps mandate. Such is the state of
iacts as gather them. am told that
Mr.. Davis did not ask this privilege.
He accepted the privilege most Joy