70 Southern Historical Society Papers.
house. I believe more might have been said in this report. In my opinion there are other reason than the 'waves of sound' to make Mr. Davi e nervous and excitable; for instance, his age and the diseases to which he has been subject in previous years. The disappointment of his hopes and ambitions must necessarily affect the nervous system of a man of his pride while a prisoner. Since Mrs. Davis' appearance at this place there has been a determined effort made that as he could not be a hero to make a martyr of him.
"NELSON A. MILES, ' ' Major- General U. S. Volunteers. ' '
Because Cooper could not close his eyes to human suffering and keep his mouth shut in the presence of wrong and cruelty, he is attacked in this " confidential 1 ' communication. The outcry of a brave and good man is attributed to the malign influence of his wife, who, it is charged, was a "secessionist and one of the F. F. V.'s."
After the public became aware of what was going on in the prison house and the fearless press commenced to inquire as to who was responsible, a very different treatment was accorded Mr. Davis, and he was allowed the privileges of a State prisoner. He had the free- dom of the fort on parole, his wife and family were with him, and his counsel were permitted to see him.
In August, 1866, the President ordered that General Miles be mustered out of the volunteer service. No reason is given in the published records for this, but may possibly be inferred from General Miles' protest written on the 24th day of August. (121 War of the bellion, 955), in which he says :
" As I have no other appointment, I fear the President is dissatisfied with my course here, or perhaps credits some of the base slanders and foulest accusations which the disloyal press have heaped upon me. * * * As I have been here fifteen months since his (Davis') first imprisonment, I would have preferred to have remained one month longer until he was removed from this place, at which time I intended to tender my resignation. I would now ask this slight con- sideration injustice to my own reputation, which has cost many sac- rifices and as highly prized as life."
. Thus it appears that instead of a longing to be relieved oi the un- pleasant duties of a bailiff, the Gen'eral begged to be continued in office
