Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 29.djvu/83

 The Twit.* find Trial of Jefferson Daf'*. 67

been killed in defence of what he regarded as right, his compassion for a suffering woman, who had once been his friend, and to whom he admiited an obligation for former kindness, had lose its heart- beat. (121 War of the Rebellion, 683.)

On the 28th of November the Rev. Charles Minnigerode asked permission to see Mr. Davis as his spiritual adviser, which request, after being pondered by the Secretary of War, the Attorney-General, and the Adjutant-General, was granted, and an order to that effect was sent to the reverend gentleman, who, on the gth of December, 1865, presented the same to General Miles, who, fearing some deadly plot, wired the Adjutant-General to know if the order was genuine and whether the old doctor should be admitted. On the loth his fears were put to rest and the order was verified. (121 War of the Rebellion, 818, 834.) Dr. Minnigerode, however, had to give a species of ecclesiastical parole, confining his conversation strictly to ghostly topics. (/</., 874.)

On the 2d of October, 1865, because of the representation of the medical officer attending Mr. Davis, he was removed to a very much better room in " Carroll Hall " in the fortress, and was in every re- spect very much more comfortable.

On the 25th of April, 1866, Mrs. Davis, whose letters had remained unanswered, hearing her husband was failing rapidly, telegraphed the President for permission to visit him. The President referred it to the Secretary of War, and he ordered General Miles to permit Mrs. Davis to visit her husband, under such restrictions as might be consistent with the safety of the prisoner, upon her giving a sat- isfactory parole. (^.,900-1.)

During this long period the Major-General commanding had al- most daily reported the physical and mental condition of his pris- oner, often accompanying his report with that of the medical officer in charge.

On the 25th of April, 1866, Dr. George F. Cooper, the surgeon, reported to General Miles as follows :

' ' I would respectfully report that the general health of State pris- oner Jefferson Davis is not as good as at my last report. His appe- tite is failing and his muscular strength is diminishing. He shows an incipient tottering in his gait," etc.

The Major-General commanding transmitted this report, but wet-