, 1866-09-21
Jen. Davis on Pre.Id.p, John,or.

DR.. Craven, attending physician on Mr.. Davis,
at Fortress Monroe, has written = book, from
which is extracted the following:
las Mr.. Davis was speaking of the Senate,
asked him his opinion Of President johnson. TO
which, for some moments, be made no reply, ap-
parently hesitating whether to speak on the sub.
Jeet or not. At length be said, that Of President
johnson he knew no more than the papers told
every ons but that Of Mr.. johnson, when in the
Senate, be Wouldas freely speak as Of any other
member. There were, of course, differences be.
tween them, more especially just previous to the
retirement Of the Southern representatives from
Congress. The position OF Mr.. Johnson with his
associates OF the South had never been pleasant
not from sny fault or supercliousness on their
side, but solely due TO the intense almost NOR
oldly sensitive pride of Mr.. johnson. Sitting
with associates, many of whom be knew preteu.
ded to aristocracy, Mr.. Johnson seemed to set
up oeiore bis mind, and keep ever present with
hlm us democratic or pleban origin as a bar to
warm social relations. This pride-for it was
'he PRIDE OF having no pride-hs associates long
struggled to overcome, but without success,
lhey respected Mr.. Johnson's 5 abilities integrity
And greatly original force of character; bnt
nothing could make him be, or feel at home in
lhelr society. Some casual word dropped in
debate, though uttered without II thought of his
existence, would seem to wound im to the quick.
He "Outu suEluh OdCk lulO Lue SELF
imposed isolation Of his earlier aud humble life
as II to gain strength from touching his mother
earth. Ia word, while other members of the
senate were Democratic 10 theory, or as is their
political faith, Mr.. johnson was a a>DemocrAt Of
pride, conviction and self-assertiou-a man Of
tue people, who not only desired Go higher grade
OF classification, but could not be forced iuto its
acceptance or retention when friendly efforts
were mAdg to that end. lie was an immense
" nd hut al l., a., a..
bities Of life little in the graces OF literature
His habits were marked by temperance, indus
try, courage and answering perseverance; also,
by Incorporate prejudices or preconceptions on
certain points, aud these no arguments could
shake. His faith in the judgment of the people
was unlimited, and to their decision be was al
ways ready 10 submit One of the people by
birth, he remained so by conviction, continually
recurring to his origin, though be was by no
means the only Senator of the South in like cir
cumstances. Mr. Davis mentioned Aaron V.
Brown, Of Mississippi, who had been tue Post
master General under President Buchanan, and
several others, who were of like Democratic elu.
cation with Mr.. Johnson, but who seemed to for
get, and in regard to whom It was forgotten by
their associates, that they had ever held less So
cial rank than that to which their talents and
industry had raised them. Of Nr. Johuson's
character. Justice was an eminent feature, though
not uncOupled-as true justice rarely fails to be
with kindness and generosity. lie was emf
nently faithful to bis word, aud possessed cour-
age which took the form of augry resistance if
urged to do, or not to do, anything which might
clash with his convictions OF duty He was in,
different to money, and careless Of praise or cen
sure when satisfied of the necessity of any line
of action. But for his decided action against
secession, he would probably have been given
the place Of A. II. Stephens on the Presidential
ticket of the Confederacy. Mr. Stephens, indeed,
held the same attitude up to the last moment
but on the secession OF bis State, had two alter
natives Of State or Federal treason, as it was
called, presented, and chose the latter.