The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-09-26

! TTUTT- T". WTHWmV
mechanic attempted 10 slip one OF the
snackles over the foot so raised; but as If
with the Vehemence and strength that
dIreIzy alone can impart. Mr.. Davis sud
him half way across the room.
capt. IltloW turned and seeing that
me prisoner had backed against the wall
TOT Iuftner resistance, began to remon-
strate with him. The officer tried 10 con-
vince him that his course was madness
and that orders had TO be enforced al any
cost Why compel me" he said. TO add
the further indignity OF personal violence
10 the necessity Of your being ironed?'
am a prisoner of war fiercely re-
torted Mr.. Davis. Il have been "a soldier
in the armies Of America, and know how
10 die. Only kill me and my last breath
snail be a blessing on your head, but
while l have life and strength TO resist
not be done"
Capt Titlow now fully recognized that
the character OF the man with whom he
had TO deal was such as could not be
turned from what he regarded as carli-
nal principles Of honor by a few soft
words, as the wind moves the leaves on
the trees, and determined to end the in
terNleW and put the orders which had
been given him into effect as soon as pos
slple, ne called in sergeant and file of
soldiers from the next room The ser
geant advanced to seize the prisoner.
Immediately Mr.. Davis flew at him. seiz-
ed his musket and attempted 10 wrench
from his grasp. OF course, such scene
could have but one issue. There was a
short determined struggle. In a moment
MT. DAVIS was thrown on his bed, and
before the soldiers removed their hands
from him the blacksmith had done his
work.
This done. Mr. Davis lay for a moment
as II IN stupor. Then slowly raising him
sell ana turning around. he dropped his
shackled feet to the floor. The clank of
Tue chalns seemed 10 recall him TO his
situation, and, hiding his lace in his
hands, he sobbed passionately and cried:
"Oh! the shame the shame!"
o "a
rudely constructed shackles, Mr.. Davis lay
on MS couch for several days. The tray
bearing food similar to that which was
furnished to the hearty soldiers of the
Tort, a Tin plate and saucer were placed
beside MIN at regular intervals each day
and taken away untouched.
Dr. Craven saw that If MIR. Davis re-
manned IN shackles his death would soon
follow. His constitution was broken down.
his nerves shattered, and his mind bur
dened. Accordingly, at the earnest solicit
tation of the doctor, the shackles were re-
moved on the 2Sth Of May. DR.. Craven
also recommended that his patient be al
lege was granted.
For some time after his Incarceration a
Bible and prayer book were all that Mr..
Davis was allowed to read. Newspapers
were strictly prohibited. On June "A per
mission was given him to have misCellan-
eous literature. On the same day he was
informed that he would be allowed 70 walk
on the ramparts one hour each day.
Or, Craven noticed that Mr.. Davis
meals were rarely touched, and asked
permission to supply from his own table
the prisoners food. After some delay this
request was granted, and the foolish idea
that the prisoner would attempt self-des-
truction with a knife or fork should they
be given him was abandoned Mrs. Craven
ana her daughter prepared with their own
hands such delicacies as they thought
would tempt the appetite Of the fallen
leader.
Mrs. Davis wrote DR.. Craven several
touching letters containing anxious In
quiries regarding her husbands treat
ment and his health. She had read in the
newspapers the more distressing reports
as to his critical illness and cruel treat
ment, and begged for a line that would
convey the truth. DR.. Craven was not per-
mitted to answer these letters, and the
grief-stricken woman was compelled to
bear the suspense. Mr.. Davis and his ply
stefan became very friendly. They discuss
ed art, science and literature and derived
mutual pleasure from frequent inter
change OF opinions. The President of the
Confederacy often spoke of slavery. He
laid aside the prejudices Of politician
and spoke of it as a philosopher and as a
friend Of the negro
OF all the criticism Of his enemies there
was no other that affected him as much
as the Odious, absurd and malignant in
situation that he was in some way con-
nected with the assassination of President
Lincoln. "Of MIR. Lincoln" says DR.. Cra-
ven, he spoke not in affected terms or
regard or admiration, but paid a simple
and sincere tribute to the goodness OF his
character. his honesty of purpose, ana
his Christian desire to be faithful to his
duties"
On Nov. 10 DR.. Craven was ordered that
in future, when attending Mr. Davis, he
confne his conversation strictly to pro-
fessional matters. This edict precludeG
continuance of the close relations thai
had existed between the two men FOR
several months At that point the diary
closes
Splendid self-control was the element
Of Mr.. Davis character that most forci-
bly, impressed DIR. Craven. He appeared
to have accepted in good faith the new
order of things which the great conflict
and the defeat OF the south had made
necessary.
Ellis feeling for friends and those who
We're friendly toward him., says DR.. Crs.-
ven was very strong, and his fidelity
to them was remarkable OF none or
Gods creatures, not even his most bitter
enemy, did he wish or speak unkindy."