Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1866-07-07
JEFFERSON y DAVIS PRISON
LIFE.

There has Just been published in New
York curious and interesting work, en-
titled prison Life of Jefferson Davis, en-
5racing details and incidents in his captivi
ty, particulars concerning his health and
habits, together with many conversations on
topics of great public interest. By Brevet
Lieutenant Colonel John J. Craven, NJ. D.,
late surgeon United States volunteers, and
physician of the prisoner during his confne-
ment ir Fortress Monroe, from May 25th,
1865, up to December 25th, 1865. The au-
thor is evidently sympathiser with the
rebel chief, and what he says in regard to
the treatment must be taken with many
grains of allowance. The author gives a
melo dramatic account of the resistance Of
fered by Mr.. Davis, when the officer attempt
ed to put on his shackles.
"My orders are peremtory," said the Off
GER "and admit of no delay. For your own
sake, let me advise you to submit with pa
thence. AS soldier, Mr.. Davis, you know
must execute orders"
"These are not orders for a soldier"
shouted the prisoner, losing all control of
| himself They are orders for jailer-for a
hangman, which no soldier wearing sword
should accept tell you the world will
ring with this disgrace. The war is over !;
the South is conquered. l have no longer
any country but America, and it is for the
honor of America, as for my own honor and
life, that plead against this degradation.
Kill me kill me he cried, passionately,
throwing his arms wide open and exposing
his breast, "rather than infict on me, and
| l.
than DEATH"
"Do your duty, blacksmith" said the
officer, walking towards the embrasure as if
not caring to witness the performance. at
only gives increased pain on all sides to
protract this interview"
At these words the blacksmith advanced
with the shackles, and seeing that the pri-
soner had one foot upon the chair near his
bedside his right hand resting on the back
of it, the brawny mechanic made an attempt
to slip one of the shackles over the ankle
so raised but. as if with the vehemence and
strength which frenzy can impart, even to
the weakest invalid, Mr.. DAVIS suddenly
seized his assailant and hurled him half way
across the room.
On this Captain Titlow turned, and see
ing that Davis had backed against the wal
for further resistance, began to demonstrate
|, pointing out IN Drlef, >clear language, tha
this course was madness, and that orders
must be enforced at sry cost. "Why com
pei me-" he said, ito add the further IN
|, dignity of personal violence to the necessit!
of your being ironed2"
III am prisoner of war;" fiercely retorteo
, Davis; "I have been soldier in the armies
of America, and know how to die. only
! kill me, and my last breath shall be oiess e:
ing on your head. But while have hf'
and strength to resist, for myself and tor my
people, this thing shall not be done"
Hereupon Cantain Titlow called In ser
geant aud file of soldiers from the mex
room, and the sergeant advanced to seiz'
the prisoner Immediately Mr. Davis hev
on him, seized his musket, and attempted II
: wrench 1t from his grasp.
OF course such a scene could have but on
issue. There was short, passionate scuffie
In q moment Davis was flung on his bed
{ and before his four powerful assailants re
q moved their hands frcm him, the black
smith and his assistant had done the worl
r l-one securing the rivet ON the right ankle
/. while the other turned the key in the pad
lock on the left.