The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-06-20

speaks of Robert Toomb, as Ia born Jacobin, Q
destroyer, not builder up of Brnjamln as
his ablest and most faithful counselor, though
at first believing, with Mr. Seward, that the
crisis would be over in ninety days; and OF
Pope, Walker, Meminger aud Reagan, some
times with far less compliment, but with per-
feet plainness and unreserve. Toatnbs was
"always impracticable and restless, and the
Rhett5, of South Carolina, were ''men whose
lives were expended in the mega tiye-ever at
home save when in the attitude OF contradlc-
tion.7~ He describes Foote as a man OF mo
account or credit-au inveterate pace-hun-
ter and mere politician. of jackson and
| Sidney johnson, and of Lee and Bragg, he
speaks with enthusiasm. tenderness and res
pect; considers the victory of Chickamauga as
one of the most brilliant of the war, and inn
putes the fall of Vicksburg and Atlanta, to
General JOS Johnston. When Secretary Of
| War, he considered Mcclellan the ablest Off
Ger in the army, but thought he had been
promoted "too rapidly for bis own good. -
Pope twas kind of American lGascop, but
with good scientific attaiuments;U Sumner
and Sedgwick, gallant and able soldiers; Hun
ter lone of his most determined enemies du-
ring the war; "the soul of integrity, ntrepidi-
ty, true Christian piety and honor" Grant
was great soldier, beyond doubt, though OF a
new school; but if he had not started with
an enormous account liz bank his checks
would have been dishonored before the culmi-
nation was reached" Mr. Davis said he
owed to Gen. Butler, "the best joke Of the
war--Dutch Gap" ~ tYll,ar lft .5
Mr.. johnson, he believes, being Southern
man, cannot do as much for the South az
would Mr.. Liucoln probably, had he lived.
He respects the Presidents integrity and
greatly original force Of character" touches
upon his "morhidly sensitive PRIDE as a
democrat Of conviction and self-assertion,p
while sitting with associates, many Of whom
he knew pretended to aristocracy," aud final
ly credits him with faithfulness to his word,
and ga courage which took the form Of angry
resistance, if urged to do anything which
might clash with his convictions of duty"
" But for the decided attitude against seces-
sion he would probably have beet given the
place Of Mr.. Stephens on the presidential
ticket of the Confederacy." u - @'~' .'~'i gu
ON MR. LINCOLN.
OF Mr.. Lincoln he then spoke; not in affect
ed terms OF regard or admiration, but paying
simple and sincere tribute to his goodness
Of character, honesty of purpose, aud Chris
tan desire to be faithful to his duties accord
ing to such light as was given him. Also to
his Official purity and freedom from avarice.
When Mr. Lincoln was reiDaugurated,
the call,e of his people was hopeless, or very
nearly so--the struggle only justi6able in
continuance by its better attitude for obtain
in terms; and from no ruler the United
States could have might terms so generous
have been expected. Mr.. Lincols was kind
of heart, naturally longing for the glory and
repose of second term to be spent in peace
Mr.. johnson, being from the South, dare not
offer such liberal treatment; his motives would
be impugned. At the time it occur
red, Mr. Lincoln's death, even by natural
causes, would have been u serious injury to
the prospects of the South; but the manner
of his taking off, frenzying the Northern
mind, was the last GROWING calamity of
desparing and defeated, though righteous
cause" ..
ON FRANKLIN PIERCE, ETC.
When it became apparent that he was to
be tried, Mr.. Davis, so DR.. Craven says:
"Spoke of ex-President Franklin Pierce in
terms of warm admiration, as the public man
who had studied constitutional law, and the
relation of the States to highest profit, re-
marking, that il he were given any choice of
counsel, Mr. Pierce would be one of those
whose advice he would think most reliable.
He also spoke Of Mr.. Charles Eames, of
Washington. as a walking encyclopedia Of
constitutional law, very accurate and ready
in his reference to presidents; adding that he
had seen report in the Herald that Messrs.
Reverdy Johnson. of Maryland, and Charles
OConor, of New York, had plofessed their
readiness to assume his defence, when APP
preached by some of his friends for this pur-
pose, for whichhe felt grateful both PERSONAL
ly and for his people,
49,. OTHER CONVERSATIONS
Mr. Davis also expressed his views at great
length upon the negroes and their future, re-
marking that he saw no reason why they
must die out, unless remaining idle. Much
less than million, be thought would cover
the casualties among them during the war.
| The distinguished prisoner also entertained
his physician with disquisitions upon natural
history. l - s.t r.
There are discussions upon political topics,
also, including the views Of Mr.. Davis on re-
construction. He also remarks upon Ander-
sonvlle, declaring his orders were always
for the best treatment of prisoners possible,
but points to the difficulties ofgetting food and
transportation, the denquencies Of subordi-
mates, &c, The people in their necessities
hid tie food, and it could not be got. and
he was anxious for exchanges on that ac-
count. Various other matters are referred
to which we have not now room to note
Dr. Craven also includes, as matter peril
mont to the theme of which he writes, sundry
extracts of letters received from Mrs. Davis,
which show her to be q woman of great spirit,