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it advisable.
The crime with which they were charged was one of extraordinary gravity.
It had not only turned the nation's joy into a feeling of grief and resentment, but had horrified the civilized world.
It should not, therefore, be thought altogether strange that the precautions taken were in excess of any real danger, and that it took several months to dispel the illusions upon which they were based.
Fortunately, the charges finally gave way to a calmer and more dispassionate consideration of the evidence, and the prisoners were discharged without trial or further humiliation.
In a telegram dated Fort Monroe, May 21, 1865-1 P. M.,1
1 See Official Records. Dana gave a full description of the landing and confinement of the prisoners, and the precautions taken for their security. He commented upon the haughty bearing, composed features, and firm step of Davis, in contrast with the more modest demeanor of Clay. He described the dress and appearance of both, and the manner in which each took leave of his family and friends. Notwithstanding the vicissitudes of politics and the mellowing influence of time, Dana evidently felt to the end of his career that no great injustice or unnecessary indignity had been inflicted upon Davis while a prisoner at Fort Monroe. His Recollections1 contain his final statement on that subject-namely:
I believe that every care was taken during Mr. Davis's imprisonment to remove cause for complaint. Medical officers were directed to superintend his meals and give him everything that would excite his appetite. As it was complained that his quarters in the casemate were unhealthy and disagreeable, he was, after a few weeks, transferred to Carroll Hall, a building still occupied by officers and soldiers. That Davis's health was not ruined by his imprisonment at
Harper and Brothers, New York and London, 1907.
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