Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-05-22
TUESDAY, MAY %. 1865.
AVIRGINIANA ATFOR MONROE.
4 Lock at Mr. Davis and "A Talk with
his wife,

From the Richmond Examiner.l
We have from the lips of a Virginia gen.
tleman, who, within the last week, visited
Fortress Monroe, the citadel that holds JEFF
ferson Davis, 4 narrative of the inner domes-
tic life Of Mr.. Davis, and that of his devoted
and estimabe wife, who through the hu-
manity of President johnson, is allowed 10
be near him and visit him daily. The mar
rative besides being interesting is far more
truthful than the sensation stories Of North
ern correspondents whose only stock in trade
consists in imagination.
Soon after landing, and while walking by
the fo-t, our narrator had the pleasure of OBJ
serving Mr.. Davis, between II and y
o'clock in the forenoon, taking his custom
airy walk upon the ramparts Of the fort.
From that distance he looked weak and
emaciated, and used cane for support. His
suit was the old familiar gray, in which he
80 often appeared TO the citizens of Rich
mond, "a his erect form strided back and
forth through Capitol Square, to and from
the Presidential mansion and his office in
the Customhouse. His hat was the broad
brimmed felt, also familiar to our citizens,
and which he always wore in taking his rides
around Richmond
Subsequently the gentleman had pleas
ani interview with Mrs. Jefferson Davis, at
the residence Of DIR. Cooper, the Post Sur
geon He found Mrs Davis "at home" in
an apartment comfortably, though not ele-
gantly furnished, and she did not seem 10
want for anything. Her conversation was
the same that so often charmed visitors
when she, the wife Of the President Of a
brave nation struggling for their liberties,
dispensed the courtcsies and hospitalities of
the Presidential mansion. She spoke freely
and feelingly of the health Of Mr.. Davis.
Though weak from long confinement and
want of change Of air, his general health,
she thought was good, and his spirits had re-
yived since she had been permitted to visit
and be nigh him.
Alrs. Davis spoke warmly and frequently
Of the kindness of DR.. Cooper also OF all
the officers Of the fort and post. She was
dressed in black silk, her usual toilette in
Richmond, and without ornament, and
seemed happy in the privilege allowed her
Her youngest daughter Georgia, is with
her, beautiful little girl, with somewhat OF
sadue-s In her ewes and face. The other
children, JeAv and an older daughter aFein
Montreal, Canada. Mrs. Davis old dining
room servant, Frederick, who waited at the
Presidential Mansion, Is also with her. lie
says he never intends 10 leave her, and Is
exceedingly attentive, almost anticipating
her wants. He accompanied Mrs. Davis
and the children in their journey TO Char
lotte, " C., previous TO the fall of Rich
mond, and. needless Of the aliuTqments of
the Yankees, has remained true to the end.
The Southern people viii not forget this
faithful negro, who, though freedman by
the result of the war, elects 10 remain the
Trustworthy servant still.
Mrs. Davis nurse, Mary, is also at the
fortress. in attendance upon little Georgle.
She, too, is very devoted and attentive TO the
health and wants of her mistress, by which
name she vet addresses heT Mrs Davis, in
the course Of conversation, spoke kindly and
feelingly of the sympathetic expressions of
the Southern people, and their coincidence
expressed for herself and husband touching
the situation IA which the latter had been
placed by the untoward fortune Of war. She
expressed desire 10 see some Of iEo lead
ing Southern newspapers, and in this con-
nection alluded to the Richmond Examiner,
expressing her gratitude at its altered and
softcBed tone OF comment upon the Ex-
President, For this we claim no credit.
MI lIdNl7t - Il ltilnVllNli NV +" iNi'''1 '''-
long as il is attempted 10 make him one, he
will find in this journal a champion and de-
fender 10 the last.
IN the course Of one of Mrs. Davis re-
cent interviews with her husband, MIR. Da-
Wis expressed himself as much relieved and
gratifed by the fact that an indictment
against him had been found. lie now hoped
for speedy trial; he was easy IN HIS mind
AS TO the result. Mrs. Davis WAS of the opin-
ion that the improvements in his spirits,
though apparent from her first coming had
increased since the announcement OF the
finding of the indictment against him.
Some Of the unpleasantness and petty an
pQyances that have made Mr.. Davis prison
soir>some 10 q great Gagged mind like his
have been done away viiL by the authori-
ties at Washington. Mrs. Davis Is permit
ted 10 visit him any time from 10 A. NJ. TO
T.. NJ, and after 1880 p. n. TO the hour o
closing the gates, which is o'clock.