Wilmington journal., 1875-07-16
HamI ton, Va, Letter to the Springfield Re-
publican
The MauacIinR of Jefferson Davis.

The M Manacling of Jefferson Davis.
There are some interesting charac-
ters here who can spin yarns. 1 will
only mention Captain Titlow, the sher-
if, who did good service in the wal p,
and now superintends a very poor
specimen of Jail with a good whip
ping post, an institution which ought
to be extensively revived. The CAP
tain, an affable gentleman, with keen
eye. and so troubled with rheumatism
that he has to employ a good deal of
leisure in attending to it, interested
one as having been the personal keep
er of Mr.. Jefferson Davis when incar-
cerated in Fortress Monroe. He was
unfortunate enough to have commit
ted to him the painful duty of putting
the Confederate ex-PrSsident in irons.
IL was one Of those stupid blunders
which, were ID possible, should be
consigned 10 oblivion, but, since that
can hardly be, it is we'll enough to
know that it was at the time regarded
by sensible men like Captain Titlow as
a wholly unnecessary and aratuitous
insult. The officer in command had
orders from Secretary stanton to iron
Mr.. Davis should any sxigency re-
qulre it. But there was no such exi-
gsncy. He was secured in the inner
apartment of q easement, with sentries
in the gun Ioom that opened from it,
and other senSriss outside in 'front.' and
rear by night and day.
When Capt. Titlow, as ordered by
his superior officer, Gen. M, en-
tered the oasemate, the blacksmith
followed him With the irons, Mr.. Davis
was seated on his cot, there being no
furniture besides but a stool and few
articles of iiu-wsrs. When he glanced
at the blacksmith and comprehended
the situation, he exclaimed, my God
this indignity 10 be put on mo! not
while have Gfe." Az first he pleaded
for opportunity to inquire of Secretary
Stanton. Then his excitement rose to
fury as he walked the cell, venting
itself in almost incoherant rawlings
The captain at length calmly reminded
him that as a soldier he must be aware
that, however disagrssable the duty
assigned, it must be performed, and
that, as in duty bound, he should per
form it. 'None but q dog would obey
such ORDERS" replied Mr.. Da is, en-
phasi1ng his determination never to
be manacled alive by grasping the
stool and aiming very vicious blow.
The sentriss rushed forward to disarm
him, but were ordered back into thsir
places. Capt. Titlov explained that
such demonstrations of self defence
wore foolish and useless, and that
it would be much better for Mr..
Davis 10 submit 10 the inevitable ne
csssity. But, while receiving this ad-
vice, he took the opportunity of grasp
ing the muaket of one of the sentries,
and in the furious endeavor to wrest
it from him quite q souffis ensusd.
That ended, the captain took the pre-
caution OF clapping bis hand on his
sword hllt, al he perceived Mr.. Davis
eye wAs ON ID. and al once ordered the
corporal of the guard 10 send into the
easement four of his strongest men
without sids-arms, as he feared they
might get into the wrong possession
and cause damage. They were order
cd TO take the prisoner as gently as
possible, and, using no unnecessary
force. to lay him upon the cot and
there hold him down. It proved about
as much as the four men could do, the
writings and upheavings of the infu-
rated man developing the strength of
a maniac, until il eliminated in sheer
exhaustion. Whsn the unhappy and
shameful task was done, Mr.. Davis,
after lying still awhile, raised himself
and SAT on the side of the bed.
As his feet ton chsd the floor and the
chain clanksd, be was utterly over
come; the tears burst out in a flood.
When he became calm he apologized
in a manly way to the captain for the
needless trouble he had caused him,
and they afterwards maintained mu-
tual relations Of personal esteem and
friendliness.
1t becoming necessary for Captain
Titlow to examine Mr.. Davis person,
he was somewhat surprised at finding
that he wore upon his breast an anu
let with an efigy OF the Holy Mother
and other religious devices wrought
upon it, and an inscription showing il
to be present from Plus TX. He
seemed to regard it ~ precious, and to
be very sensitive with regard to any
handling of it.
Having what he feared a serious af
lection of his eyes, and consulting with
Captain Titlow about the choice of {
doctor, one after another was pu
aside, apparently on the ground o
their New England origin; but whe1
DIR. Craven was mentioned, and to the
| question, ''Where does he come from?'
the answer came, New jersey" tn,
| Confederate chieftain's countenanc,
frightened at once, with the reply
'I'l have him."