Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-09-15
How Mr.. Davis Looks-He Talks
About the Late Confederacy.
Discussion on the Use of Certain
Words.

From the Richmond Enquirer, Septemberll
day or two ago gentleman of this
city visited Fortress Monroe for the pur-
pose of procuring some confiscated fur
niture, the property of his uncle "a dis
tinguished civilian and Confederate Off
cer}, having procured the necessary
order from the proper authorities. Ar
riving at the Fortress he was narrowly
catechised by Federal officer, who
asked him, among other questions, if
"he had served in the rebel army.
"No, sir" eas the reply, "but," draw
ing himself up to his full hight, II did
have the honor of serving for four years
in the army of the Confederate States Of
America" II suppose you are acquain.
ted with good many rebel officers,
resumed the questioner mo, sir; |
was not acquainted with any rebels, but
/ knew intimately many Confederate
officers"
| He was at length admitted into the
fortress and enjoyed two interviews with
Mr.. Davis, who now has the liberty OF
the fort during the day, unattended by
any guard, although confined to his
quarters and closely watched by night
Mr. Davis was in conversational
mood, and talked freely on all subjects
which came up. He expressed his re-
gret that during the existence of the
Confederacy there should have existed
any differences of opinion between him
self and other Southern officers and gen.
tlemen, but hoped that such feelings
would be forgotten and all ofenses mu-
tually forgiven.
He expressed the warmest sympathy
for the sufferings and struggles of the
gallant Confederate soldiers who, at the
close of the war, had returned to ruined
and desolated homes, to battle with pow
erty and all its attendant evils, and said
that he often thought of them in the
silent hours of the night, when sleep re-
fused to visit his troubled eye-lids, but he
felt assured that the same indomitable
will and energy which carried them
through such war would in the end be
crowned with competence and plenty.
Mr. Davis inquired eagerly after many
personal friends, and sent kindly mes
sages to many. His health had, he
said, somewhat improved withip the last
fortnight but he was still very weak. In
speaking of the disgraceful manacling
affair, he said that he attached no blame
to General Miles, who had simply obeyed
instructions. He said, however, that
orders TO shackle him had been several
times forwarded to the fortress, but that
the officers postponed or evaded its exc
cution. In regard to DIR. Craven's book,
the doctor had, Mr.. Davis said, put Ian
puare into his mouth which was never
I,,. L.. l1otoria ttpna1ifx-
prevented him from writing a truthful
and accurate account of many conversa-
tions and circumstances.
At the expiration of the interview
General Miles asked the visitor what he
thought of the looks of Mr.. Davis, to
which our friend replied that, although
formerly intimately acquainted with
him, he should not have recognized him
had he met him on the street.
Gen. NJ remarked that it made no
difference to him whether Mr.. Davis was
fat or lean, he simply obeyed orders,
and he did not think the Richmond
papers ought TO be so severe upon his
conduct He seemed greatly nettled at
the truthful and pungent criticisms ofthe
Richmond press, and several times re
verted to the subject The Generals
profession of humanity will not receive
general credence, however, for he is uni-
versally, and justly, regarded as brute,
and it is highly satisfactory to know that
he is to be superseded by General Bur
ton, an old army officer and gentleman,
formerly Major of the Sd artillery at
San Francisco. Mr.. Davis expresses
himself highly gratifed at the prospect
of the proposed change, as he has long
known Gen. B. to be high-minded and
honorable man.
Much Of the furniture Of which our
friend was in search he found in the
officers quarters of the Fortress, and
olso recognized many books belonging
to the family When he recognized any
of these articles, the reply invaribly was,
those things are con6scafed.
"Con6scated r. said the young man,
why not speak plain English, and say
stolen
'Oh, no; these things were sent here
during Buffers regime, and were regu-
larly confscated by Judge Underwood"
"Underwood2 ?" was the reioinder,
his being concerned in the affair is only |
20 my mind another proof of the Illegal |
ity of the act
General Burton svowed bis intention