The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-10-30

| if American civilization is tho test Of advance.
ment.--Roleiyh Sentinel. .. -s.t
"a
BISHOP GREEN AND MR.. DAVIS.
The Right Rev. Bishop Green, of Mississip-
! pi, recently spent day with his friend Jeffer-
son Davis at Fortress Monroe. AS erroneous
statements of what passed at that interview have
been given in some papers, we are permitted by
| the bishop to state that, while at Fortress Mon
roe, he was introduced to gentleman by Mr.
| Davis, and Informed that he was a man of great
learning, and worthy of the confidence of all
who knew him. If that gentleman entertained
any design of going to Washington to intercedc
for the release of Mr. Davis, the bishop does not
recollect that any thing of the kind was ever
hinted at during the few moments in which
they were together. Much less did the Bishop
think of going himself on such errand; for
although willing to make any sacrifice for the
good of one whom he SO highly esteems as Mr.
Davis, he had not the vanity to suppose that
any request, however feelingly urged by him,
would be of the least avail where the prayers of
thousands had been set aside. lie would also
have been deferred from such a step by his own
strong conviction that President johnson is of
himself and without further solicitation, dis
posed to deal in all fairness and magnauimity
toward his noble prisoner. Bishop Green was
pleased to learn that no unpleasant personal rela-
tions existed between Mr. johnson and Mr.
Davis at the commencement of the war. An
occasional sparring had taken place between
them in the Senate, but not of nature to in-
terrupt their intercourse.
Mr. Davis is no; disposed to say. much about
his health. He is very feeble, his appetite
much impaired, and his frame greatly emacated.
Mrs Davis seems convinced that he cannot live
three months longer if he remains in his present
confinement. He attributes his comparative
health, if not life itself, to the presence of his
wife and his little Varina, pratter of two
years old. Bishop Green is also pleased to
unite his acknowed gements with those Of his
imprisoned friend to General ii S. Burton, now
in command at Fortress Monroe, for his kind
aud gentlemanly y treatment of his prisoner.
Whilst faithfully carrying ont the duties OF his
office, he seeks to abate every annoyance which
would increase the discomfort Of Mr. Davis,
without adding anything to the safe keeping Of
his person. Mr. Davis is especially indebted 10
him for the removal Of the light which has SO
long disturbed his rest, and for spreading q
thick mating on three sides of his prison cham
Der, to deaden the nght-long tramp of his
guards 1t is enough to excite smile to see
all this caution against the prisoners escape,
when every one knows that if the gates OF that
magnificent fortress were left wide open, aud
every soldier put to sleep, he would make no
effort to leave the place on any terms but such
as would be in Keeping with his past reputa-
ton.
At sunrise bis prison-door is thrown open,
and he rejoins his wife in the comfortable quar-
ters within the fortress which she is permitted
to occupy. During the day he is allowed the
range OF the fortress for exercise, and returns
to his prison at sundown. Several hours day
are spent in reading, of which his Bible always
forms part. He is permitted to receive and
read the newspapers without restriction.
1t was pleasure to the Bishop to take by
the hand again whom he is proud to call
his friend but it was particularly gratifying to
see the truly Christion spirit in which Mr. Davis
looks upon both the past and the present. His
belief in Divine Providence remains unshak-
en- by the events Of the last few years, aud be
cheerlully trusts to the same protection and
guidance the future of his country. So far as
human instrumentaty can contribute to the
happiness Of that future, be thinks it must como
from an honest and jealous maintenance Of the
Constitution. Mr. Davis expressed much graft.
fcation at the visit of any minister, and partic-
ularly Of "his Bishop" from whom he requested
some religious service before they parted.
As many and very false representations have
gone IOrIh On tue ruDJtCt ol DIS capture, III win
be gratifying TO the friends Of Mr. Davis to learn,
in this way, that no attempt whatever was made
by him to escape at the time he was taken, and
that the only outer garment that covered him
was his dressing gown, which he threw around
him as he sprang from his bed to meet bis cap.
tors at the door of bis tent The whole anoun.
of gold, too, which he had with him at the time
was seUen dollars and fry cents part Of the
proceeds of the sale of Mrs. Dayiss wardrobe
and jewelry.
We deem it due to Bishop Green to add, that
the above statement is given with no little 70.
luctance, as it may look like an exposure OF
what came to bis knowledge in q social and uo-
reserved interview with MIR Davis. He would
never, of his own accord, have placed this state
ment before the eyes OF greedy public. But
seeing that certain newspaper correspondents
have undertaken to say for him things which
he has never said, he desires the above to 60
forth as a matter of self defense, and wishes all
other statements on this subject which are i'm
pated to him, to be considered unworthy of cre-
dit.-Neu York Wdtchmdn.