Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-08-04

MOhE ABDUL T.. ia TO-
The Washington correspondent Of the New
York Times says that those that know how
JEFF Davis is treated, how he looks and de.
ports himself, and what is the state Of his
health, are very much amused with the mag
mary pictures drawn concerning these matters
by certain correspondents Of New York and
philadelphia papers. The writer says that
the food furnished the rebel chief is such as
he can eat with relish. He doesn't have
straw berries and cream, nor boned turkey and
minco pie, but he does have tea and coffee,
beef and other meats, vegetables and cigars,
and he makes no complaint whatever Of any
deprivation. 1t is not true that no one speaks
to Davis. With Gen. Miles and DR.. Craven
he converses freely, but never ON military or
political affairs, such reservation being a
matter of his own choice. He receives letters
from his family and those of sympathy and
advice from other quarters, although none Of
the latter have been given to him. The Times
correspondent says:
"When Davis was fret incarcerated he
made application for pen, ink and paper the
application was refused. He then made no
requests for several days, until after tie re-
ception Of letter from an eminent lawyer,
when he again requested stationery. 1t was
granted on one condition. Finding it difficult
to comply with the terms he returned the ma
terials. He has several times expressed a
desire for free correspondence with his wife
aud family, and seemed annoyed at the deter
mined refusal given at each application.
| What earthly honest purposes the presses
| hope to gain by circulating lies about Jeff's
health il is difficult to conceive. He is in
better condition to-day than he has been in
Ave years. 1t will be remembered that
hacking cough seriously affected his throa,
and lungs during his last days at Washington
/ it has gone entirely He has been blind in
one eye for many years, and the sight Of the
other was exceedingly poor Of late. The
| power of his eye is greater now than at any
time in ten years. He wears at times the IA
nous green goggles, but there is not the need
for them now that there used TO be. During
bis rule at Richmond the constsnt strain upor
his eye wore upon it, and it was the opinion
OF his best and most intimate friends that h,
would eventually lose his sight altogether
| This is changed for the better. Regular hours
much sound sleep, almost total Abstnenc,
from wear and tear, are doing much for BIZ
health generally and very much for his eye
sight. His carriage is still erect. His hail
is changing color, his cheeks, always sunken
are now covered with light beard, making
him look fatter and sounder his physique /
in good repair, his limbs are firm and his steI
square.
or his mental condition it is more Difficult
to speak. He is as eager for books, for mint
food, an he is for the substantials needed 70
his body. Naturally nervous, years of il
health have made him irritable. Other year
of absolute power made him impatient, snt
trouble seems to have made him querulous
Still he sleeps like top. He retires early
and sometimes never turns till morning.
Nor is it true that he has been denied tn
privileges Of an occasional walk, any NOR
than is the story that his near approach t,
dissolution compelled change of programme
Gen. Miles, a prudent, efficient officer, bs
been in charge of the prisoners person an,
health. He is, in fact, held res ponsibe 70
him by the President and the Secretary 0
War. At first, before the excitement OF cap
ture and confinement wore away, it was deem
ed best that be should be kept quietly in hi
ample room. Since then, however, at variou
times, at the suggestions Of the General or o
Davis, as the case might be, they have walket
out upon the ramparts in the cool Of the earl
evening, and shifted the fresh air together
With Gen. Miles, Mr.. Davis has ever beef
courteous and decorous in his bearing an,
] conversation"