The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-01
JEFF DAVIS AT HOME.
Notes of Visit Paid Him at His Brierfield,
Miss, Plantation.

Letter in St Louis Globe Democrat
Your correspondent, in search of Jefferson
Davis, exPresident O. S. A, found him at his
mansion on the Brerield plantation, forty miles
below Vicksburg and at the door-steps was met
by Mr.. Davis, by whom he was greeted most
kindly. But moment of explanation was nee.
essary, when an introduction to Mrs. Davis add
ed another to the little group.
Mr.. Davis was dressed in black alpaca suit.
He stood erect, with firm position. When he
sat down upon the deerskin chair, which is his
favorite, it was in an upright position, his
shoulders we'll thrown back, one hand resting in
through conversation, he used them in
graceful gesture. His face furnished
a pleasant disappointment His pictures
give one the idea of dark-visaged, dyspeptic
man, OF hard face and unapproachable manners.
On the contrary, the original shows kindly eyes,
fair face and a mouth wreathed in gentle
smile so engaging as to dspel the idea of
difference in station In fact, during the four
hours spent In his presence this kindly smile
and pleasing manner never left him. In his
conversation, too, the same fact was noticed.
Mrs. Davis, whose social qualities will be
remembered by the brilliant society in Rich
mond, OF which she was for three years the
center, looked in excellent health. She is lady
of stout stature, and her face shows at once
decision and womanly character. In converse
ton she was quick, intelligent, and extremely
thoughtful, censuring none mindful of those
who had befriended her family in the days of
trial. and evincing great interest in the families
of the men who had fallen for the Confederacy
Mr. Davis said that he had left the war be-
hind him, and with it public life; he courted the
privacy of his home, and did not intend to be
drawn into controversial topics; hence what he
said upon events leading to the war concerning
the war itself and events following is sealed
book, and must remain closed forever. so far as
your correspondent is concerned. Nevertheless
he conversed pleasantly on matters of a literary
and philosophlc nature, to which he devoteS
much study. Both Mr.. and Mrs. Davis INQUIRED
affectionately of many Georgians whose mem
DRY they cherished; of the peerless Gordon, the
right arm of Lee" of General Colquitt, of Gen
eral Henry r. jackson, whose bravery as
soldier in the Mexican war Mr. Davis we'll re-
membered; and especially of the eloquent Hill,
whose memory is precious sentiment in the
family.
I'm the days" said Mrs Davis, "when friends
were needed; Mr.. Hill came to me so tenderly,
and offered his assistance with such considerable
ness that can never forget it. [ think" she
continued that his statue should be a recum-
bent position. it is so dignifed and represents
his sleeping power"
''Ah," replied Mr.. Davis, "a statue in action,
such as that of Patrick Henry, in Richmond, can
not be surpassed for expression"
And yet" resumed Mrs Davis ssthe eve
becomes fatgued as it looks upon an active pos
ture which is never changed while you can
look upon the recumbent statue Of Lee for
hours"
very true" said Mr. Davis. ''that is the
statue OF man at rest, whose work is finished.
That of old Patrick Henry is at his work, ap-
peang to the people. In looking upon either,
my mind runs back to the OCCASION
Dir. Daviss favorits author is Sir Walter
Scott SCOTS great power Of describing objects
in motion, aud the scenery in which his pots
are laid are SO truthful aud realistic as to make