The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-08-10
Health of Mr.. Davis.
GCor. N. Y. World.l

Mr.. O'Conor's late visit down here during
the past week, has demonstrated one thing.
which is, that Mr.. Davis has failed in health
considerably since his visit previous to the
one | speak Of This fact have ascertaiaed
from source as trustworthy as possible, and
is next to the Hpowers that be-" Mr.. O'Conor
has himself expressed as much to gentleman
who exercises a great deal of influence here
The persons who are in the habit of seeing the
great State prisoner daily in his walks from
Carroll Hall to the classmates occupied by his
family, and then on his rambles around the
fort, cannot notice any material change from
his every day appearance, but an observing
eye like that of Mr.. O'Conor, can detect any
and every alteration taking place in the raien
of his illustrous client, and his observation
| would sooner trust than than that of many
doctors raa asl94ta,s lss Ese5.. IA +
1t is doubtless owing to mental grievances
that Mr. Davis's health is ON the decline
Save his close confinement at Carroll Hall,
between tattoo and reveille, he is allowed the
| freedom of the fort, aad is untrammeled in
| his rambles and avocations Yet Mr. Daviss
health is declining, and if he remains pris-
oner much longer, the consequences may
prove serious, and the vengeance Of Secretary
OF War Stanton conquer its victim.
Few persons would have survived the trials,
anxieties, and suffering this one man has I'M
dergone during the fourteen months of his
imprisonment, and only such a superior
spirit as that of Mr.. Davis, whose mental ca
pacity outweighs his physical proves, is
equal to such task, and if he is broken
down physically, mentally he is the same as
ever, and it is only owing to this fact that he
holds out. aagm
Pride may be said to be one Of the stimu-
lants buoying up the spirits of Mr.. Davis.
Should he be released now, or hear suddenly
OF his pardon, the reaction might prove more
fatal than the first flush of misery. His
anguish on being consigned to dungeon was
deep and lasting. The agony, however par
TALLY relieved itself, and the heart, while it
suffered temporarily, was not entirely dis
4 turbed. Having in measure become re-
Esigned to his fate now, and expecting nought
but malignant prosecution, the exertion of
his friends in procuring release or even a
a pardon may prove successful 1t is the
sudden announcement of such an event to
him which may prove fatal, and no matter
/ what news there may be concerning him,
his friends should be careful not to impart it
too suddenly. A man of his years cannot
undergo as much as one younger, and it takes
| but little to ''snap bent twig in twain"
Mrs. Davis devotes all her time to her hus-
band. She hardly goes out except in his
company about the fort Her children are
frequently sent to Norfolk, merely, however
for the pleasant sail such trip invites. AS
a general thing, every day brings some Wis
itors to the fort to see Mr. and Mrs Davis
and, in order to receive and entertain these
! Mrs Davis is necessarily bound to remain al
home more than she otherwise might. Still
she seems contented. Her being allowed to
be in her husbands company fourteen out Of
the twenty four hours satisfies her. 1t would
be folly to say she is happy (how can that be
possible? but she is satisfied and thankful
for such benefits as she receives. e