Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1895-10-31

Among the multltudinous dOcu.
ments in the library at Fort Monroe
there Is not one of more absorbing
interest than the diary of Brevet
Lieut.. John j. Craven, surgeon
United States Volunteers, who was
the physician in charge of the fort
when Jefferson Davis vas a prisoner
within Its walls, says the Washington
Post. The diary gives graphic ac-
count of the prison life of Mr.. Da-
Wis and contains many incidents that
reflects his devotion to the lost cause.
Its pages are not colo red by Sec
tional feeling, but, on the contrary,
they bear the unprejudiced testi-
mony of medical adviser who was
not blind to the character and attain
ments of his patient. 1t covers a
period of about six months, during
which time DR.. Craven attended
the President Of the Confederacy
almost daily.
The propeller William P. Clyde,
having on board several important
prisoners, dropped anchor in Hamp.
ton Roads on the 10Th day of May,
1865. The prisoners were Jefferson
Davis, President of the Confederacy
Alexander III. Stevens, Vice Presi-
dent; John HI. Reagan, Postmaster
General; Clement G. Clay, and 9TH
ers of lesser note. Mrs. Davis and
her four children were also on board
the Clyde, which lay in the Roads
for several days before any move
was made to transfer the prisoners.
On May 21st Mr.. Stevens and Mr..
Reagan were removed to the gun.
boat Tuscarora, which Immediately
started with them for Fort Della.
ware.
Gen. Nelson A. Miles arrived al
Fort Monroe from Baltimore on the
afternoon of May 22nd. He relieved
Col. Roberts of command of the fort,
and at once made preparations for
the transfer Of Mr.. Davis from the
Clyde to his prison house. Rows of
guards were stationed on either side
OF the route from the engineers
landing, where the prisoners were
to be put ashore, to the watery pos.
tern. That was done to keep back
the crowd that had gathered to catch
glimpse of the distinguished pris.
Oner.
The landing Of Mr.. Davis was un.
der the Immediate inspection of
Maj. Gen. Halleck and Hon. Chas
A. Dana, who was at that time AS.
sistant Secretary OF War. Col
Pritchard, of the Michigan Cavalry,
who mmediately effected the arres,
NJ Mr.. Davis, was in command OF
the guard from the vessel to the fort
First came Gen. Miles, holding the
arm OF Mr.. Davis. Following them
came Col. Pritchard and Mr.. CLAW,
with a squad Of soldiers in the rear
Mr.. Davis wore plain suit of Con.
iederate gray and gray slouched
hat. He looked much worn and
very haggard. He was placed in
easement No. 2, and Mr.. Clay in No
4. In Nos. |, 8 and 5 guards of SOL
diers were stationed.
On the morning of the 23rd OF
May the proud spirit Of jefferson
Davis underwent severe trial-a
trial which was probably severer
than has ever in modern times been
inflicted upon man of such emf.
HobSos oh thut uc "dS
shackled. Lieut.. Craven's story OF
the circumstance is as follows:
"Capt. Jerome f. Titlow, Of the
Third Pennsylvania Artillery, en-.
tered the prisoners cell, followed
by the blacksmith Of the fort and
his assistant, the latter carrying in
his hands some heavy and harshly
rattling shackles. Mr.. Davis, fever
ish after sleepless night, was re-
clining on his couch when they en-
tered. His food Of the day before
was still lying untouched on tir
plate near him.
well, said Mr.. Davis when they
inferred, slightly raising his head.
Il have an unpleasant duty to per
form, SIR said Capt. Titlow, and a,
he spoke the blacksmith took tn,
shackles from his assistant.
The prisoner leaped from his bet