It is now ascertained beyond doubt that my nephew, W. B. N.,
reported “missing,” at Williamsburg, is a prisoner in the enemy's hands. We are
very anxious for his exchange, but there seems some difficulty in effecting it.
His father, accompanied by Colonel Robertson, of the Fourth Virginia Cavalry,
called to see the President a few nights ago, hoping to do something for him.
The President had just returned from a long ride to inspect the fortifications.
In answer to their card, he desired to see the gentlemen in his study, where he
was reclining on a sofa, apparently much fatigued, while Mrs. Davis sat at a
table engaged in some fine needle-work. The President immediately arose and
received the gentlemen most courteously, introducing them to Mrs. D. Colonel R.
stated the object of the visit, saying that Captain N. was one of the very best
officers of his rank in the army, and that his services were almost
indispensable to his regiment, and urged the President to use every effort to
procure his exchange. His father seconded the request with the warmth natural
to a parent under such circumstances. The President seemed deeply interested in
the subject, and regretted that nothing could then be done, as there was a
difficulty pending between the belligerents on the subject of exchange; as soon
as that difficulty was removed he would, with pleasure, do all in his power to
procure the exchange. Mrs. Davis listened with much interest to the
conversation, and her feelings became warmly interested. She said that her husband
was a father, and would feel deep sympathy; but if, in the pressure of public
business, the subject should pass from his mind, she would certainly remind him
of it. She made a very favourable impression on the minds of these gentlemen,
who had never seen her before, by her ease of manner, agreeable conversation,
and the kindness of heart which she manifested. After a most pleasant interview
of an hour, the visitors arose to take leave, but Mrs. Davis invited them with
so much cordiality to remain to take a cup of tea with them, which, she said,
was then coming up, that they could not decline. The servant brought in the
tea-tray, accompanied by some light refreshment. Mrs. D. poured out the tea for
the company of four. The scene reminded them of the unpretending and genial
hospitality daily witnessed in the families of Virginia.
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 116-7
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