Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-12-04
A VISIT TO MIR. DAVIS.
His Health, Appearance. Conver-
sation. Family, Quarters, Etc.

A writer in the Richmond Examiner
who was one of a party from Richmond
which went to Baltimore to attend the
late Masonic ceremonies in the latter
city, gives the following account of q
visit to Mr.. Davis made by the party
while ON its way back to Richmond
About o'clock pm, we arrived at
Fortress Monroe, the place of confne.
ment Of him who is held as the vicarious
captive of whole people. We wished,
as we viewed the frowning walls Of this
fortress, that we could, with single
look, dissolve them, and give liberty to
him who has been imprisoned within
them for nearly two years. We had the
pleasure of conversation with a gentle
man who had paid him visit on the
previous day, and can give many par
ticulars concerning himself and family
that will prove interesting to the people
of the South. 1
In the first place, as to Mr.. Davis
health, we were delighted to learn that it
has lately improved very materially, that
his strength has increased proportiona.
bly,, and that his spirits are much better
His appetite is better than il was some
time since, and his digestion very much
improved. With the exception Of occa.
sional fits of dependency, he is cheerful
and hopeful. His personal appearance
has changed materially since be was con
fined within the walls of the fortress.
His hair, which was of dark iron. gray
when he was first incarcerated, is now
almost white. He wears a moustache
and goatee, which are almost white.
When he was in Richmond he only wore
beard under his chin. His frame is
leaner than it was then, and his limbs
much more attenuated.
His conversation is cheerful and earn.
est He takes great interest in the pub
lie affairs Of the country, and shows by
his remarks that be is well posted as to
what is transporting in what is TO HIM
the outside world, and an intimate ac-
quaintance with all Of the public men
now in charge of the affairs of the ma
ton. Occasionally the FIRE of former
days sparkles forth and he is jefferson
Davis again. He evidently chaies under
the confinement that is imposed upon
him, and it is but natural that he should
do so.
His quarters consist OF four rooms in
Carroll hsll-tWo of which are chambers,
one dining room, and the fourth coy
little parlor. He has been permitted to
fit these rooms up himself, and he and
his family are now quite comfortable.
His table is well supplied, and be is as
well situated as a prisoner could hope to
be.
His confinement in the fortress has
lately been very much improved. The
guard which dogged his steps 10 the day
time, and the sentinel, whose ever wax
ing eye was on him in the night, and the
light, constantly burning before his eyes,
have all been Withdraw n, and he is now
permitted TO walk at pleasure in any part
Of the Enclosure, to remain in his rooms,
to do as he likes, without being watched
and followed from place to place. He
takes his walks regularly on the ram
parts, and has derived much benefit from
the unrestrained liberty accorded to him.
His trial, which he earnestly desires
should take place aud for which he is
ready, will not probably come OF earlier
than next May The impediment now
in the way is, that the District Court Of
the United States has not jurisdiction in
his case, and consequently that his trial
cannot come of until the Circuit Courts
Of the United States are recognized.
This will be done, or should be done, at
the next session Of Congress. II it is
done, there will then be nothing in the
way, and the great wish OF Mr.. DAYS.
life will be fulfilled.
Mr. Davis family, consisting Of his
wife and youngest child, are with him.
Mrs. Davis by her watchful care of him,
and the thousand little attentions that
none but q loving women can bestow,
has alleviated the pain OF his imprison-
ment very much. His little daughter is
a perfect sunbeam TO him. Mrs Davis
enjoys fine health, and is lively and
cheerful
Wills, Mr. Davis remains at Fortress
Monroe il will be the Mecca 10 which the
hearts Of the Southern people will turn,
and when they offer their morning and
evening prayers, the captive within its
walls will not be forgotten.
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