The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-06-18
Prison Life Of Mr.. Davis.

Lieutenant Colonel JOHN j. CRAVEN, NJ.
D., late surgeon of the United States volun-
teers, and for many months physician to
President DAVIS, has just issued in New
York volume on the "Prison Life of Mr..
DAVIS" at Fortress Monroe. This nara
tive, coming as it does from q man who
must be considered at least not prejudiced
in favor of Mr.. DAVIS or the south, will be
regarded as free from all extravaganza IN
relating the severity of the prison dis
cipline to which this distinguished prisoner
was subjected. 1t is certainly gratifying
thing to the public, and good service to
trnth and humanity, that such work
should be put before the world. So much
that is contradictory has leaked out of the
close walls Of the prison-So much tina,
startled mankind and shocked humanity,
and yet which found pens ready to soften
il down or deny it fatly-that the general
desire was to know the truth. Not
having seen this narrative, we can
speak of it only secondhand, through
notice in the columns Of cotem-
porary. From the extracts before us,
DR.. CRAVEN evidently endeavors to give
to the northern public candid and unpre-
JUDGED view of the prison.life of Mr..
DAVIS. The Tribune is liberal enough to
give him the same "relation to fallen
foe that DR.. BARRY OMEARA bore to Ma
PoLEoN at st. Helena" The same paper,
however, is not quite liberal enough to
suppress the statement that the Doctors
book is an undisguised plea in the pri-
soner's behalf" and it is presumable has
been written with the encouragement of the
friends of the prisoner" This is the judg-
ment that will be passed generally by all
Black Republicans upon any candid state
ment of the brutalities to which Mr.. DAVIS
has been subjected.
There is close resemblance between
the tone and temper Of the Black Repub-
licans towards prominent southern men,
and that Of tho execrable and blood
thirsty revolutionists Of Paris towards
LoUIs XVI, and indeed all aristocrats.
That amiable and virtuous monarch was
denied every title or mark Of respect. He
was scoffed ut and Knocked by the mob,
and no public reference was made to
him that was not contemptuous. He was
only old "CArET" to the turnkey or the
sweep. The horrible old shoemaker, to
whose charge was conaded the young
LOUIS XVII, delighted in humbling and
degrading the poor child. At midnight he
would call him from across the room, that
he might pinch him. "CAPET," said he,
"come here - and il "CApET" did not
come, he threw missiles at him to make
him come. He became imbecile, and died
from cruelty.
In the papers, in the public halls, every.
where, and in every reference to Mr.
DAVIS, is every mark Of respect, or even
common humanity, ignored. He is called
"rebel," and "JEFr. DAVIS" and ."DA-
VS." His blood is demanded in State
papers and legislative resolves, and Con-
gress gravely demands his continued incar-
ceration, though he but fingers, as it were,
upon the borders Of that other world
where he win be free from insult and out.
rage, and where Mr.. STAYroS's hand cuffs
can never reach him!
All this belongs to that brutal cowardice
which Mr.. SEWARD describes as "continu.
ing the war after the fight is over"
A refined and q humane people can
never DC induced no far to forget their own
honor and dignity, and their duties n
humanity, a. 70 insult and persecute
fallen foe. II not due TO him, they alwavs
consider II due to themselves to treat with
humanity and charity all that are in their
power. Though epithet and abuse might
not even be inspplicable TO the foe, neither
could be INDUCED towards the powerles,
without disgrace and dishopor to them
selves. - 90 .a1 tE $50
But 70 return 70 Dr.. CsAvIs's interest,
ing book. Let us introduce, as tho 6rsi
extract, the following thrilling account Of
the placing Of Mr.. SrANrox's irons upon
Mr. DAVIS ION the 23d Of My, which, the
Doctor says, twas trial seyerer than has
ever been indicted npon any one who has
enjoyed such eminsnce"
now m. DAVIS WAS Put IN IE0Es.
"Wsjl ~ Gid Mr. Davis ~ they entered,
,liehtly FsiSng bis hssd.
II bsye . uppIeasant duty 70 perform,
a. n LII n Tskl<>sv assd - hla sOOkO