Of Mr. Davis' treatment, Dr. Minnegerode said: "The officers were polite and sympathetic; the common soldiers--not one adopted the practice of high dignitaries who spoke sneeringly of him as 'Jeff.' Not one but spoke of him in a subdued and kindly tone as 'Mr. Davis.' I went whenever I could," he adds, "to see my friend, and precious were the hours spent with that lowly, patient, God-fearing soul. It was in these private interviews that I learned to appreciate his noble, Christian character--'pure in heart,' unselfish, without guile, and loyal unto death to his conscience and convictions." The prisoner's health failed fast. Officers thought it would be wise and humane to allow him more liberty; they knew that he not only had no desire to escape, but could not be induced to do so. He was begging for trial. The pastor, encouraged by Dr. Hall, called on Mr. Stanton. He had hoped to find the man of iron softened by sorrow; Mr. Stanton had lost a son; his remaining child was on his knees. His greeting was like ice--a bow and nothing more. The pastor expressed thanks for permit to visit the prisoner, and respectfully broaching the subject of Mr. Davis' health, suggested that, as he neither would nor could escape, he be allowed the liberty of the fort. Mr. Stanton broke his silence: "It makes no difference what the state of Jeff Davis' health is. His trial will come on, no doubt. Time enough till that settles it." "It settled it in my leaving the presence of that man," said the pastor. "I realise," Dr. Craven protested, "the painful responsibilities of my position. If Mr. Davis were to die in prison, without trial, subject to such indignities as have been visited upon his attenuated frame, the world would form unjust conclusions, but conclusions with enough colour to pass them into history." Arguments breathing similar appreciation of the situation began to appear in the Northern press, while men of prominence, advocating the application of the great principles of justice and humanity to his case, called for his release or trial; such lawyers as William B. Reed, of Philadelphia, and Charles O'Conor, of New York, tendered him free services. Strong friends were gathering around his wife. The Northern heart was waking. General Grant was one of those who used his influence to mitigate the severity of Mr. Davis' imprisonment. Again and again Mrs. Davis had implored permission to go to him. "I will take any parole--do anything, if you will only let me see him! For the love of God and His merciful Son, do not refuse me!" was her cry to the War Department, January, 1866. No reply. Then, this telegram to Andrew Johnson from Montreal, April 25, 1866: "I hear my husband's health is failing rapidly. Can I come to see him? Can you refuse me? Varina Davis." Stanton acquiesced in Johnson's consent. And the husband and wife were reunited.