The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1866-05-25
Correspondence ofthe MeW York Herald.
Jefferson Davis.
FORTRESS MONROE, May Is, 1866.

SNASAooh 0ot'os
FORTRESS MONROE, May Is, 1866.
The rumor referred to yesterday Of
special message having been sent here by
President johnson ask ing an immediate
report to be made upon the present con-
dition Of JEFF. Davis health proves to have
been correct. Such report has been ask
ed for, and DR.. Cooper, United States
Army post surgeon, has already forward
ed the required document. From what
| have learned to-day the report is Of
character that would not facilitate procu-
ring policy of life insurance for Mr..
Davis. On the contrary he is represent.
ed as being in an exceedingly low state
of health, and having become very much
debilitated from want of sufficient exer-
else, his muscular system reduced almost
to the feebleness of an infant, his nervous
system completely broken down, ard the
vital forces remaining to him insufficient
to ward off any sudden attack Of serious
disease. His long imprisonment, contin-
uous anxiety and harrassment of sleep,
from frequent changes day and night of
the guard placed over him, are represent
ed as the melting causes bringing about
this physical condition. That some deci-
sive action must follow the submission of
this report there can be little question:
The least that is looked for is an order
granting him the privileges of unrestric-
ted walking and exercise during the day.
Some time since, through the earnest
protestations of DIR. Cooper that lie must
have more exercise, his time was extend
ed to three hours per day. Within the
past three days the number of the guard
stationed in his immediate proximity has
been likewise reduced. No pacing senti.
mel now walks necessarily in front of his
room windows, and two other sentries who
walked with the same unending tramp on
two other sides of the room have had les
sened the length of their beats, SO as to
lessen their disturbance of him in the fire.
quent changes of guard. These latter
changes were also effected through the
Influence of DR.. Cooper. Putting all the
facts can get together, Jeff. Davis has
nearly reached the end of his life lease
lie is in no condition to resist disease,
and it is deemed doubtful whether he will
be able to stand up under a protracted
trial In his idomitable will there is
strong power Of resistance but as the
granite column trembles and finally breaks
under the incessant lashing of the sea, SO
this iron will may become broken under
the too long and incessapt burden he has
lad to bear.
Jefferson Davis received the notice of
tho Indictment for treason presented
against him by the grand jury of the
United States Circuit Court, recently in
session III Norfolk, with something more
than stoical Indifference. On the contra
ry, he expressed himself, as l am told,
greatly pleased at the result, and hoped
that his case would now soon be decided.
He shows himself in his conversation on
the subject to have been perfectly sin
eere in his avowals all along of an earnest
desire to be placed 90 trial.
While | do not believe that lie for
moment entertains any apprehension as
to the result Of the trial, l am satisfied
that he both expects and desires that
the examination shall be of the most
thorough and searching character. His
chief point Of defense, as he frequently
stated, will be based on the subject of
State rights and the prerogative granted
every citizen of State to sustain the
official action of such State. [ think,
moreover that he feels confident of re-
ceivipg fair and impartial trial, and is
willing to abide the issue. 10 his coun-
sci, l am told, he has already written on
the subject of his expected trial. Come
what will, Jefferson Davis will show him
self no cowardly prisoner at the bar of
justice.