The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1917-05-15
IMPRISONMENT OF
JEFFERSON DAVIS

' L III w
JEFFERSON DAVIS
, President Jefferson Davis was seat
ed in his pew in St. Pauls church
Richmond, Va, when he was handed
a telegram from Gen Lee announc-
ing the necessity of Withdrawing from
Petersburg and the consequent evac-
uation Of the capital That evening
with his cabinet, be left for Dan
Vile, which he was compelled TO
abandon in less than week, gong
to Charlotte, n. C. Mrs. Davis mad
preceded him with small escort
and It was just after he had overtak-
en- her near Irwinsville, Ca, that the
whole party was captured on May H.
1855. by a body of calvary under
Lieut.. Col. Pritchard, and he was
conveyed to Fort Monroe.
Davis did not receive, at hrst, the
treatment that so distinguished q
prisoner deserved. He was not only
subjected to many priyations,s Dut 10
some petty indignities. Worst OF all
he was placed in irons. Gen. Nelson
Miles. who was in command OF
the fort. had discretionary power
from the Secretary of War to place
manacles and fetters upon the hands
and feet of Jefferson Davis, II Deem
ed advisable to render his 1mprlson-
ment more secure.
{ Mrs. Davis, In her book, gives de-
tailed and authenticated account OF
the placing of irons upon the former
Confederate President Capt. I1tlow'
the officer of the day, came into the
cell with two blacksmiths bearing a
pair of iron anklets coupled with a
chain and told Mr.. Davis OF the Or
der which he had come reluctantly to
execute. -,
, HAS Gen. Miles given that order?'
asked Mr.. Davis, and when told that
such was the case, he asked to see
, Miles and when informed that no
had left the vicinity, asked that the
order be postponed until Miles re-
turned Titlow and the other officers
endeavored to dissuade him from re-
sistance. II am a soldier and gen.
tleman," was the answer. Il know
i how to die," and, pointing to the
sentinel, said: Let your men shoot
me- at once
President Davis faced around and
stood with his back to the wall lead
ine Titlov to believe that he would
offer no resistance, and the black
smiths were ordered to proceed. AS
one of them stepped down to put on
| the fetters Davis flung him Off NO
lently. and as he arose he raised MS
hammer to strike him, but was stop
ed by Titlow. Four strong men
without arms were then brought into
the cell: they overpowered Mr.. Davis,
and the blacksmiths rivited one let
ter and secured the paddock on the
other.
Four days later Miles received the
following dispatch from Secretary
Stanton: please report whether
irons have or have not been placed on
Jefferson Davis. If they have been
when vas it done, and for what rea-
son and remove item Miles replied
that the anklets were put on to pre-
vent his running should be endeaVor
to escape.
The harsh treatment Of Davis was
no doubt due to the panic which haa
seized the public mind following the
/! assassination of Lincoln. AS the
fear subsidized rigor was relaxed and
certain privileges were allowed the
! nrisoner. who found in his medical
attendant a sympathizing friend.
In the autumn when his cell be-
came damp, he was given a more
comfortable room On the second hoot
: of Carroll Hall, which had been used
as officers quarters. From that time
on his treatment was good. His
health failing in the spring OF 1866
a visit of his wife was permitted
and thereafter he was given the free
dom of the fort on his parole not to
! attempt to escape.
Mrs, Davis, who remained at the
fort. has said of their life there:
. -Four rooms off the end Of Carroll
/ Hall was set apart for us, with a
kitchen in the back, and we were as
t., comfortable as people could be VINO
could not get out"
! From the first it was wondered
what should be done in the matter
by the Government at Washington
/ A conference the day after LIN
coins death, presided over by Presf-
dent Johnson, it was agreed by all
j that i Mr.. Davis was captured "he
should be summarily punished by
DEATH" but by the time he was taken
i May 10. the excitement had begun
! somewhat to abate.
i Judge Advocate Gen. Holt advised
that Davis be tried by a Military
Il Court, but happily better counsels
j prevailed. ALI sorts Of crimes were
j placed at his door. even to com
!, pIicttyt ihs the assassination ~of LAn.
{ 3 entn ana hs crdiIgl;f tTsafmsny OF pris;