The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-05-21

his part and probable entire concurrence with
such statements OF the special report on the
subect-N. Y. Herald.
The Visit of Secretary sIoCuIIOch to
Fortress Monroe and What Came Of IL
Charges Against the Commanding
Officer OF the characterization of
Mr.. Davis Health.
Our intellectual and reliable Fortress Monroe
correspondent, under date of yesterday, fur
nishes us with the following confirmation of our
press dispatches yesterday
Among the on dts floating around lately is one
oil vital importance, from the fact of its having
very distinct, influential bearing upon the an
ticipated trial of Mr.. Davis IN June, and which
can be traced to a very authoritative source It
will be remembered that Secretary McCulloch
made Sunday visit here short time ago, pre-
sumedly thought to be, when he left Washing
ton, ID. c., in the revenue cutter NOTtterRer,
merely 2 pleasure trip with party of ladies
and gentlemen; and shortly after his arrival
here had an hours private interview with Mr..
Davis in his cell in Carroll Hall, at which no
second person, not even General Miles, was
present.
At the t'me the fact that there had been such
an int arvieW was kept remarkably quiet, and
but tvery few outsiders, not even the ubiquitous
attaches of the press were cOgnlZant of the
occurrence. Some time after his return to
Washington, d. c., although the exact nature
and object of the interview which transpired
were not Immediately made known Mr.. McCu-
Ioch repeatedly conveTsed upon the rigid system
of confinement, and made structures as to his
manner of LIVING and daily habits TO which the
prisoner was subjected. This intelligence,
coming from so high an authority and evil
IDENTIFY the opinion of an unpreiudiced mind,
formed the basis OF a telegram 10 the press con-
tanning the statement that Mr.. McCulloch in
tended using his influence TO obtain an ameora-
ton of the prison lite OF Mr.. Davis
1t is now very authOrit Atively understood that
President johnson has laLely directed the sur
geon OF the post who has been attending him
duling the last seven months, and is thoroughly
nAo1 fh1 ~ Of. -
and understands the medical treatment which
Is required 10 sustain his waning spirits, to
make special report OF all the material sur
roundings influencing thessame, TO him direct.
These instructions, it Is understood, have been
very recently given by the hand of the Presi-
dent himself, and seems to warrant the opinion
that already serious doubts OF the propriety OF
thus submitting Mr., Davis 70 such strict and
rigid system of confinement are being enter.
tanned, not only by the President alone, but by
his entire Cabinet. This special report called
for has been made, | am told, in the most en-
phatic manner ana have every reason to be-
lieve, from the phase OF other attending circum.
stances, that a change in the prison life Of Mr..
Davis will soon follow.
His health is failing, and falling very rapidly.
This statement has been often made at different
times, with more or les authority; and although
it may not be the direct result of any settled
disease, or disposition to periodical attacks OIL
sickness y may be, IN a great measure, attribut
able TO a frequently broken rest, and the unceas
ing, tiresome vigilance OF the guards which sur
round his cell both day ano night.
Within the past three or lour days a very
material change IN the treatment of the prisoner
has taken place, under the direction OF Major
General Miles, acting no doubt, under instruc
tions direct from Washing ton, d. @. One OF the
guards in closer proximity to his rooms than
some of the rest has been removed perma
nently, ] am told, and there IS good reason tC
believe that the number OF guards will be de
creased in very short time. Officers holding
very prominent positions, and civilians O
ability, perfectly able to TORN such an opinion
have often expressed q regret at the want o.
Judgment on the part of the Administration il
retaining an inexperienced officer like Genera
Miles. However brave and gallant an officer he
may have been in war times, he Is certainly
incompetent to perform the functions OF thu
important and responsible position which h'
holds.
His principal office, as the custodian Of Mr.
DaNis-an unfortunate, at least, no matter how
deserving prisoner-Tequlred an uncommon
am cunt of matured Judgment and good cOmmOI
sense, combined with courteousness, and devOlC
Of any yindictiye, personal, or political feeling
against him. While, on the other hand, Br1ga
dier-General Burton, an old army officer OF ex
perience and wisdom, acquired by long ant
severe training on the frontier and In the neld @
and possessing every desirable qualification
remains in merely secondary position as Com
mandant OF the Fortress and the 9th Unte
States ARTILLERY, garrisoaing the same.
This Is Justly matter OF regret, and merel
from the incompetency and want ofiudgment Of
the part of an officer may yet cast a dark spO
on a great nations history, and sadly dim II
now Frightening escutcbeon.
The officers and soldiers of the two regiment
garrisoning the fort are dalU growing NOR
weary over the restraint imposed, and their at
sence from many enoyments, ny the absorbin
nature OF inexorable duties. The strength G
the various guards must be Vigorously kept VI