Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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PRESIDENT DAV^. BY JXNB T. H. CROSS. Published in the New York News, 1865. Alone with darkness and with woe, Around him Freedom’s temple lies, Its arches crashed, its columns low, The night-wind through its ruin •Vighs; Hash, cruel liands that temple razed, Then stood the world amazed ! And now those hands—ah, ruthless deeds t Their captive pierce—his brave heart bleeds; And yet no groan Is heard, no groan 1 He suffers silently, aioue. '.**•* •••• • Oh, dream not thus, thou true and * good 1 Unnumbered hearts on thee await, By thee invisibly have stood, Have crowded through thy prison- gate ; Nor dungeon bolts, nor dungeon bars, Nor floating “stripes and stars,” Nor glittering gui%oHt>ayonet, Can ever cause us to forget Our faith to thee, Our love to thee, Thou glorious soul! thou strong 1 thou free l A Long and Eventful Career in Business, War and Politics. FOUB SCORE TEARS AND MORE. Tb# Two Kentucky Boys, Lincoln and Davli — On tho Northern Frontier — A Cotton Planter—Enter* Congreu — The Me* I can War—President of the Southern Confederacy—Imprisonment, Release and Old Age. More than eighty year* ago two Kentucky boys, born in widely different social spheres, catered upon still more widely diverse careers: Abraham Lincoln, in Hardin (now Larue) county, and Jefferson Davis, in Christian fpow Todd) county; Lincoln born February 12,1800, and Davis on the 3d of June pre ceding. jxrrznsoif davis. [From a war time portrait] No dark sibyl balled them at their birth as the eoming exponents of an awful struggle. No prophet would have dared predict in the days of their prominence that the rugged Lincoln was soon to fall, while the defeated, an Invalid during a third of his life, would survive his great antagonist for a quarter of a century, outliving all the actors of his age in tbs great struggle, yet such was to be the irony of fate. History, presents many para doxes, but none greater than this: that the victor should fall in the very hour of victory and the defeated live till almost every trace of the conflict had vanished, to die of mere old age. The ancestors of Jefferson Davis were of pure English stock, but so long resMent In America that the type had become thorough ly southern American. On both sides they served in the war for American independ ence, his father, Samuel Davis, winning some distinction In the mounted troops of Georgia. Of his two sons, Jefferson early be came a soldier, while Jooeph, a man of talent, scarcely, If at all, inferior, gained a local succem as lawyer and planter in Mississippi The brothers were notably affectionate in childhood, and remained throe gh life devoted to each other. Soon after the birth of Jefferson, Samuel Davis removed to Misstadppi, locating near Woodville, in Wilkinson'county. Tho.sons there acquired an unusually good English education for the time, and at an early age Jefferson entered Transylvania college, Ken tucky. In 1824, however, President Monroe appointed him a cadet at IVVet Point, whence he was graduated in 1828, at the early age of 20. He had stood high in his class, and at ones entered on active duty, though for some time commissioned only as a brevet second lieutenant. Promotion was very slow in those peaceful times, hut he soon won his full com mission, and In the next th^ee years demon strated his organizing capacity, both as in fantry and staff officer on the northwestern frontier. The year 1831 brought a surprise and many promotions. Black Hawk entered on his fa mous campaign, and Jefferson Davis was at once given an active and responsible position to muster in and organize the new recruits. There has long been a tradition that in this * capacity he mustered in the company of Illi nois volunteers from New Salem and vicinity commanded by Capt. Abraham Lincoln, but there Is no record of it, CAMPAIGNS AGAINST TOT UTDIAITB. * Early in 1838 Lieut Davis was transferred from his place in Company B, First United States Infantry, and in recognition of his services in the Black Hawk war was promo ted to a first lieutenancy in the First United States dragoons, of which command he was soon made adjutant In this position he > made a very brilliant record, not only as an y organiser and efficient administrator in gar rison life, but in several active campaigns against the Comanohes, Pawnees and other Indians. And it is at this stage of his career that active, one might say acrid, criticism lint concerns itself with Jefferson Davis. Thom writers who persist in attributing the downfall of the Southern Confederacy to President Davis allege that thus early he ex hibited the same faults and virtues which marked his administration in greater and greater degree with each successive increase of rank and power. The greatest fault al leged, perhaps. Is unreasonable attachment jo a few friends and corresponding prejudice against other persons. * It was while in this service that Lieut. Da vis wooed and won a daughter of the eminent general and president, Zachary Tkyior. Her lather was in command of Fort Crawford, near Prairie Du Chien, and his daughter, a beautiful and refined young lady, was the * center of attraction among the subordinate officers. Innumerable are the romantic sto ries of their rivalries, the final nocea of Lieut Davis, the Uttar opposition of the “stern parant” and okl Indian fighter, and the final departure by night of the young couple to be married by a priest on the western bank of tmaaoK davh* krthkaol ta* Mississippi. Lst the young and romantic antinue to read and believe. Suffice it that “•fatherremained obdurate for aometime, w«a not completely reconciled to Us eon- la^taw till the latter lay wounded In his tent after the battle of Buena Vista. Than are •• aany accounts of what waa mid there aa o<tbe battle ctauioh. Qeb, Taylor’s words •TOmr to have hem these, or very near them: .. Colonel, you have mved the day-God 53« day*—God would hav- ,ou, she — bo lived for eight years the quiet life of a cotton planter. Then came a “crisis;” the annexftiou of Texas may be taken as tho first issue over which distinctively northern and southern parties cool In 1W3 Lieut. Davis took effective part in the state 1844 he was one of the for Mississippi. In \M be was elected a representative in congress, and in December of that year.took his seat in the house. It was called then a “stormy session,” hut in retrospect after the long session of 18i9-’50, it was thought mild. Mr. Davis took an active part in the dis cussions off the tariff, the Oregon boundary issue, the Mexican imbroglio, and the slavery question so far as it came up, but Us speeches at that time Indicate a position far more moderate than was afterwards attributed to him. It is of no great consequence now, but worth noting as curious" matter of history, that in the heated discussions regarding Texas the threats of disunion chine largely from the extreme northern men, while the most eloquent eulogies upon the union came from the south. In a speech on the Oregon question, Feb. 6, 1840, Mr. Davis said: “From sire to son has descended the love of union in our hearts, as in our history are mingled the names of Concord and Camden, of Torktown and Saratoga, of Moultrie and Plattsburg, of Chippewa and Erie, of New Orleans and Bunker Hill Grouped together they form a monument to the common glory of our common country; and whero Is the southern man who would wish that that monument were leas by one of the northern names that constitute the tunas 1” An event was at hand, however, which was ( to precipitate the conflict— namely, the cu-* terprise of John Brown A rail!Ion sofitlteru men and women, who ! ad laughed at the idea j of danger from “northern aggression," were i suddenly converted, saying, as one of them 4 expressed it, “Wo can no longer live In peace 1 with the north; our olliee have become our enemies, and wanuist seek release from the j connection while we can do so with safety.” The feelings of Jefferson Davis for the next j fifteen months may be gathered front the f<ft- lowing letter, written at the oktso of the dis- to his long time friend, ex-President Lommustoner* were sent to and fruitless negotiations coudnoted. Be- I tween the Inauguration and the 1st of April , public opinion in both sections turned to the ‘ ^ 0/ war. In vain did President Lincoln proclaim that hgj'oertoinly bad no desire and believed he had no authority to interfere with slave^.” In vain did Presi dent Davis reiterate that he longed to avoid the effusion of blood. On the 12th of April, 1861, the war began.witii tho attack on Fort COL. JEFFERSON DAVIS. His Heroic and Successful Action at liuem* Vista. While Mr. Davis was active in congress in July, the First regiment of Mbsissippi volun teers enrolled for the Mexican war elected him their colonel. He resigned at once, over took his regiment at New Orleans, organized and drilled it to a high state of efficiency, and early in September was on the Rio Grande, In the army of his father-in-law, Gen. Zachary Taylor. A few days later he bore a conspicuous part In .the siege and storming of Monterey, and, as commissioner, aided in drawing up tho terms of capitula tion. Five months of comparative quiet followed, and then came the crowning glory of his military career, tho achievement of which, more than all else, fixed him firmly in tho affections of the southern people, aided him effectively at each turning point In his subse quent career, modo him secretary of war and finally presideut of the Southern Confeder acy. This was his gallantry, coolness in dan ger and soldierly skill at the battle of Buena Vista, Feb. 23 1847. In July, 18h5, Mr. Davis was In congress, In September ho was leading his regiment against Monterey; In February, 1847, he was at Buena Vista, and July of the same year found him again a peaceful planter, the regi ment’s term of service having expired. In August, 1847, the governor of Mississippi ap pointed him a United States senator to fill a vacancy; the legislature in 1848 re-elected him to complete the term, aud In 1850 re elected him for a full term. The ever mem orable congress of 1840-’61 t at its long session, had adopted the noted “compromise meas ure,” but fully satisfied neither party. with the United States, for the independence and union of which my father tolled and in the service of which I have sought to emulate the example he set for my guMance Mississippi, not as a matter of choice, but of necessity, has resolved to enter cm the trial of sec -tion. Those win, have driven her to this alternative threaten to deprive her of the right to require that her governnrt-nt shall rest on tho consent of the governed, to sub stitute foreign force for domestic support, to re duce a state to the condition from which the col ony rose. In the attempt to avoid tho issue which bod been Joined by the country, tho present ad ministration has complicated and precipitated the question. Even now, if tho duty “to preserve ✓ the public property” was rationally regarded, the probable collision at Charleston would bo avoided. Security far better than any which the Federal troops con give might bo obtained In considera tion of the little garrison of Fort Sutnter. If the disavowal of any purpose to coerce South Caro lina be sincere, the possession of a work to com mand the harbor Is worse than useless. When Lincoln comes In be will have but to con tinue in tho path of hit predecessor t^lnaugurate a civil war, and leave a so4dlsont Democratic ad ministration responsible for the fact, Gen. Cush- ing was here last week, and when he parted 11 seemed like taking a lost leave of a brother. I leave Immediately for Mississippi, and know not what may devolve upon mo after my return. Civil war has only horror for me, but whatever circumstances may demand shall bo met os a duty, and I trust bo so discharged that you will not be ashamed of our former connection or cease to bo my friend. Mrs. Davis joins me In kind remembrance to Mrs. Pierce, and the expression of tho hope that we may yet have you both at our country home. Do mo the favor to write to mo often. Address Hurricane P. O., Warren county, Miss. May God bless you, is over tho prayer of your friend, Jeiy'n Da via President F. Pierce. KRKMINQKa. WALKWL • MAIAOBT. STEPHANA II EAGAN. BENJAMIN. TOO MBA CONFEDERATE CABINET AND VICE PRESIDENT. The result was the famous Footo-Davis gubernatorial campaign of 1851. Tho “Union” party, as it was called, carried the state by 7,500 majority on the convention question, but Mr. Foote’s majority for governor was but 009—a remarkable proof of the popular ity of Col. Davis. He had resigned his seat In tho senate, and now remained in retire ment tlU 1852, when ho canvassed several states for the Democratic candidates. WAR SECRETARY DAVIS. Uls Abls Administration of the War De partment. March 4,1853, President Franklin Pierce named Col. Jefferson Davis as secretary of war. That of Pierce was a strong cabinet, and secretary Davis was certainly among tbe strongest men In it Men of all parties agree that his administration of the war depart ment was marked by ability and energy, and many (fid officers testify that of all secre taries in their time Cob Davis was (save for his quarrel with Gen. Scott) most popular with tbe army. He reorganized almost the entire service, drafted a new code of army regulations, Introduced the tight infantry rifle system of tactics, tried the experiment cf camels for transportation on the south western deserts, added four regiments to tho regular army, and improved tho entire sys tem of sea coast defenses. , He also had the boundaries between Mexico and the United States fixed accurately, and secured the com plete survey and almost the adoption of tile southern route for a Pacific railroad. He sent Capt. George B. McClellan and two other officers to the Crimea to study the mill tary tactics of the armies there (in 1854-’5), and was so pleased with their report that b<- retained warm personal feelings for them even through the civil war. With the events of President Pierce’s ad ministration congress and the country ma> be said to have entered in full course upon the proceedings which led to the civil war. It is not to be expected that any American could at this time take a dispassionate and philosophical view of that part of history. All that remains then is to recite the princi pal events and quote briefly tbe matured judgment of friends and foes. At his retirement from the cabinet in March, 1857, the legislature of Mississippi had elected Mr. Davis os United States senator for the ter* to close March 4, 1803. He plunged at once into the heated debates of the time,maintaining the rather extreme southern view, and with an ability and courtesy whigh elicited warm praise even from hif foes. The editor of Harper’s Weekly has this sketch of Urn in 1858: “In the north, Cob Davis Is regarded— somewhat unjustly, perhaps—as a type of the southern fire eater. Many persons who have never seen him fancy him quarrelsome, petu lant, hot headed, turbulent. His appearance in the senate doee not justify those views A prim, smooth looking man, with a precise manner, ■tiff soldierly carriage, and cold expression; his head fuller, seemingly, of statistics and hard, dry principles than anything else; his voice oool and firm, without tremor or ex citement; he is the last person a spectator would pick out’hi *tho fire eater.' In his own country ho Is intensely beloved, chiefly from his kind and gentle disposition. He is a man of whom Mississippi may well be proud." He also took an active part in opposing the French spoliation bill and advocating tbe southern route for the Pacific railroad. He lad the so-called “Lecompton party” in con- gras in opposition to Senator Douglas, and In debate with the latter propounded the once celebrated queries and propositions which drew from the minols senator his famous theory as to the right of a territorial legisla ture to adopt “unfriendly legislation” against slavery, and his article in Harper’s Magazine, which set forth the creed of tbe “Douglas ' Democrats." The breach was now complete. Meantime, In the summer of 1853, he made a tour for health and pleasure through the eastern states, delivering several addresses, in which the vyarmest attachment to the union was avowed—always, however, with a proviso, expressed or implied, that aggres sions upon the south would certahfly be met with resistance. Borne of these addresses have a strongs sound now. In a letter ac knowledging an invitation to join in a Boston celebration of $e birthday of Daniel Web star, in January, 1850, tw wrote: “I sdbd you my cordial greetings to the friends of tbe constitution, and ask to be en rolled among those whoso mission is, by fra ternity and good faith to WAsaiNOTON, D. C., Jan. SO, 1881. Mr Dear Fannro—I have of ten and snfitf trrued my thoughts to you during the troublous times through which we have been passing, and now I come to the hard task of announcing to you that the hoar is at hand which closes my connection hltodgt ntha area rapidly towards the oread culmination. In the first Democratic convention of 1880, Mr. Davis received some votes, Benjamin F. Butler voting for him 57 times. In the subsequent election the “two northern candi- dates,” as Mr. Blaine styles them, received all tho votes of the northern states save a mere handful, less than 100,000, whilo Breckin ridge and Bell reoeived the almost solid vote of the southern states. “In truth as well as in appearance," adds Mr. Blaine, “It was a sectional contort, in which the north mpport- ed northern candidates and the south south ern candidates." “Disunion was already completed In the hearts of the people,” says Tourgee, “the sections simply fell ajjart be cause there was no cohesion. ” These opinions of philosophic observers long after the strug gle, have their value. “The uprising of the north”—that most marvelous of all recent popular phenomena— followed at once. Tho uprising of the south was scarcely, if at all, less prompt and unani mous, save In the northern tier of states. Virginia seceded April 17; Tennessee and Arkansas followed May 6, and on May 20 North Carolina completed tho list of eleven Confederate states. Msy 20 the Confederate government was transferred to Richmond, and President Davis followed in a few days. His journey was a continued ovation; his speeches were chiefly exhorUtio:is to unity and courage, with brief arguments which were merely variations of tho clause in his first message to congress, April 29, viz^ “All wo ask is to be let alone—that those who never held power over us shall not attempt our subjugation by arms. This we will, we must, resist to the direst extremity.” At Montgomery the congress had already provided for “a vigorous prosecution of tho war”—that is, for a loan of 350,000,000 at 8 per cent., in addition to a previous loon of 815,000,000, and the creation of an array which “might, in tbe discretion of tho presi dent, be Increased to 100,000 men I” Priva teering was also organized. The people re sponded with such alacrity that President Davis, on arriving at Richmond, had only to officially confirm their action. In a surpris ingly short time 00,000 men were organized In Virginia, and fifteen vessels commissioned as privateers. The Federal government was also moving with a celerity that now seems wonderful, but to tho impatient people at the time seemed criminal slackness A blockade of ail Confederate ports was proclaimed April 19, and nearly 100 vessels were soon armed to enforce it. By the 1st of July a Federal army of over 200,000 men was or ganized A PERSONAL DIGRESSION. mou" AAptiodr oi umxwt arms wits surpris ingly small In the Federal or “adhering states,” excluding all tbs doubtful and dis puted strip, were at least 18,000,000 white people, among whom the per cent, of adult mates was phenomenally, one might my un- “THE LOST CAUSE.” The Confederacy Overthrown—Twonty-flva Yean la THE CONFEDERACY FORMED. Jefferson Davis See* Washington for the Last Tbne. South Carolina led off In secession; Mis sissippi soon followed, and five more states. It is idle to recount the futile attempts at compromise. Senator Davis was named one of the committee of thirteen in tho senate, but asked to be excused on tho ground that propositions for compromise at such a time ought to come from northern men, and men whoso party standing was a guar antee of good faith—a position highly praised in the north at the time. A little later he consented to assist, saying: THE WHITE HOUSE OF THE OOWTEDERACT. “If, in the opinion of others, ib be possible for me to do anything for the public good, tho last moment while I stand hero is at the command of the senate. If I could see any means by which I could avert the catastro phe of a struggle between the sections of the union, my past life, I hope, gives evidence of the readiness with which I would make the effort. If there be any sacrifice which I could offer on the' altar of my country to heal all tbe evils, present or prospective, no man has the right to doubt my readiness to doit” With ooly two or three exceptions the de parture of southern statesmen aa their statea seceded was singularly calm anfl dignified. On the 21st of January, 1861, the senators from Florida, Alabama and Mississippi with drew. Mr. Blaine praises the manner of Sen ator Davis, adding: “No man gave up more than Mr. Davis in joining tho revolt against Ltlie Union. In his farewell address to the ^senate there was a tone of moderation and dignity not unmixed with regretful and ten- I der emotions." I Before Senator Davis oonld reach home Mifldsslppi had appointed him commander m chief of all her forces, with tho rank of major general On the 4th of February, 1801, dele gates from several states convened in Mont gomery, Ala., and soon adopted a constitu tion for the Confederate statea On the 9th tho convention unanimonsly elected Jefferson Davis president Alexander H. Stephens was named for vice president and inaugurated at once. On the 10th Mr. Davis arrived; on the 18th he was inaugurated. TOT OONTXD IRATE CABOTCT. He named for his cabinet: Robert Toomba, of Georgia, secretary of state; Leroy Pope Walker, of Alabama, secretary of war; Charles G. Memminger, of Booth Carolina, secretary of the treasury; Stephen R. Mal lory, of Florida, secretary of the navy; Judah P. Benjamin, attorney general, and John H. Reagan, of Teams, postmaster general In the divisions which soon arose, Messrs. Toombs, Walker and Memminger retired; the others remained in the cabinet to the last, Mr. Benjamin was popularly credited with being the “ruling spirit.” He was among the test to leave Richmond and to part with President Davis; ha escaped arrest and 1m- it by flight to London, where be a British subject, and soon entered on a career at the bar so brilliant and successful that it caused hie Amerioaa failures to bo al most forgotten. \ Fault* uf Administration Urged Against President Davis. And hero the biographer of Jefferson Da vis is compelled to take notice of a contro versy which went on in a quiet way during the war and more openly afterwards, till it reached a furious climax, and is still waged with much bitterness. Without indorsing tho harsh philippics of Edwin Pollard aud Gen. Thomas Jordan, or even the milder criticisms of Gens. Johnston and Beauregard, Federal and Confederate may now agree that President Davis made two serious- should one say fatal?—mistakes: tbe one was common to him and nearly all tho leaders on both sides, tho other peculiarly bis own. It was a manifestation of that spirit which is often praised as the quality of “always sticking to one’s friends”—a very amiable quality indeed In a private man, but one which in a commander-in-chlef in time of war may be a criminal folly. A most un happy* instance is thus set forth by Gen. Thomas Jordan, chief of staff to Gen. Beau regard: “Mr. Davis had been at West Point, and subsequently served for several years lit the dragoons at a frontier post vjth a Lieut. Nor throp, to whom ho became attached. The latter was disabled by an accident, wont to his home aud turned parish doctor. Mr. Davis become in time a politician. Lieut Northrop grew so eccentric and full of mental crotchete as to bo generally regarded in Charleston os of unsound intellect and unfit for tho management of his own small affairs. He had not served long enough in tbe army to acquire familiarity with military adminis tration; neither had his avocation in Charles ton brought him in relation with men engaged In large commercial affairs. This man, with whom Davis had no personal association since they were cavalry lieu tenants together on tho Indian frontier, he did nqt hesitate to make kls chief of subsistence, nor scruple to intrust with the organization and administration of • Bureau upon wmch the very extsten:e of the Confederate armies must depend, and for the labors of which it is apparent the scund- es” practical order of intellect was essential" It would bo easy to find Confederates of high rank and approved Judgment in mili tary affairs who still look upon this appoint ment and two others as the main causes of the downfall of tho Confederacy. WHO FORESAW A LONO WAft? As to the other charge so persistently urged, that Mr. Davis was “not able to compre hend tbe proportions of the struggle impend ing,obvious answer is, Who was? A few, a very few, thoughtful men in the north, who drew their conclusions largely from his tory, predicted n long and bitter struggle; in the south it is exceedingly doubtful if there were fifty men who believed the contest would outlast a year. If there was one who, from tho beginning, anticipated a four years’ war, he succeeded admirably in concealing bis views. That President Davis, his cabinet and all his advisers shared the current delu sion that tho war would bo short and its thea tre confined principally to the coast and the border between the two sections, is certain. Such belief was the parent of many errors. In the first place, it was estimated that the south had almost arms enough, and tho first or der sent to Europe was for but 10,000 Enfield rifles! Before tho blockade could be made effective it was urged that the Confederate government should take the cotton and to bacco, of which a large stock was still on hand, issue bonds to pay the ownon, export tho stuff to Europe, and make it the basis of a fund to draw upon. The owners generally were willing, and tho effect would have been tremendous. At the same time a considera ble amount of foreign exchange in the banks was offered to tho government on favorable terms. Both pr .positions were rejected or ignored, and the golden opportunity soon passed, never to return. It should be noted also that the legislation of the provisional congress, and of the first session of the regu lar congress at Richmond, shows the same lack of perception os to tbe greatness of the impending struggle. On tbe Federal side of tho line, much of the froth nhd nonsense about “a short war” was swept away by the ’battle of Bull Run; the rest was done for at Shiloh. After the latter thoughtful uien both north and south mode Up their mfhds that the issue was to be tena ciously fougHA to a close. The north erred often in expecting great and decisive victo ries; the south quite ns often in expecting foreign interference or a division In the north. True, Mr. Benjamin at Richmond continued to promise “pacification in ninety days” long after Mr. Seward at Washington had ceased to do so, but be found few echoes. AN APPALLING DIFFICULTY. The victory of Bull Run produced groat exultation In the south, but appears to have had a decidedly sobering rtfect upon Presi dent Davis and cabinet It may now be con sidered proved that he was in for aggressive action immediately after that battle, but yielded to the adverse opinions of Johnston and Beauregard, and thereafter, with rar# exccptione, Insisted upon a defensive policy. During tho long period of inaction which fol lowed ho embraced every opportunity to de clare hte earnest desire for peace. He even excited criticism by suggesting conciliatory measures; for many months all his utter ances were amplifications of that passage in his first regular message. “The moment that this pretense of oursubjugation is abandoned, the sword will drop from our grasp aud we shall be ready to enter into treaties of amity and friendship.” Nevertheless hope and *~*«*«~~ were rtrong. President Davta* first state papers showed great ability, and he granted, some- what reluctantly, to • conscription tew, which was among the first acta poind by the congress, It excited much opposition, of course, and a little later the heheas corpus was suspended In a district ten mites around Richmond, and a military police organised under Gen. Winfier, which continued daring the remainder of tho war. The summer closed favorably to the Confederates though they regained little or none of tho ground lost in tho spring; and in Docember Presi dent Davis made a tour of the western camps, from which he returned greatly en couraged. In April, 1863, he issued a rather exulting address to the* people, but the claims in it were just. The Confederacy was then at its maximum as a military power. Tho disasters of that summer from Gettys burg to Vicksburg need not be detailed. The year closed under the block shadow of coming doom. The real greatness of Jefferson Davis shone, conspicuously as disasters thicken*!. He resolutely defended his appointees, and as- aiiuioU tuO responsibility wherever it was not clearly theira. He regained the hearts of tho people and almost nullified the opposition in tho congress. A committee of investiga tion entered upon its work in a hostile spirit, aud ended by Indorsing almost every one of the president’s acts, and even exonerated him from serious Marne in the matter of Commissary Northrop. He exerted himself heroically in preparing for the campaign of 1864, ana it opened with some slight successes. All the rat of the year presents a painful record of desperate struggle against the Inevitable; every vic tory was barren, every defeat irremedlabla As the ship of state sank deeper in the vortdx, mutual recriminations naturally multiplied. Tho removal of Joe Johnston, the enterprise of Hood and the restoration of Johnston, the “shelving” of Beauregard and the break with Governor Brown, of Georgia—there is not spaco to discuss them. Are they not argued and reargued at length in the magazines? Gen. Hood came nobly to the rescue by as suming full responsibility, and Governor Brown was so far reconciled as to cease seri ous opposition. FLIGHT AND CAPTURE. The wild projects in the Confederate con gress in tho winter of 1804-’5 were but the frenzies of dissolution and despair. Military movements really decided everything and in Aroostook % ) DAVIS IN PRISON. The inaugural address of President Davis waa read with breathless interest in every part of the country, a*, in tho prevalent ignorance and oosifusion, meaeought in it the indication* of peace or war. But it was not in the power of any man, however wise, at that time to give assurances. The most sig nificant passage in it, perhaps, was this: “W* have entered upon a career of indo- ice, and it must be Inflexibly pursued, jh many years of controversy with our late associates of tbe northern states we have vainly endeavored to secure tranquil lity, and obtain respect for tbe rights to which wo are entitled. As a necessity, not of choice, we have resorted to the remedy of sops ration, and henceforth our energies must b* directed to the conduct of our owp affair*, and the of the Confederacy which we have V-cl MR DAVIS’ HOUSE, BEAUVOIR. In November, 1861, a general election was held, and President Davis and Vice President Stephens were re-elected for the full term of six year* Feb. 18; 1863, the first congress under tho permanent constitution assembled in Richmond; on tbe 22d, President Davis was inaugurated, and delivered a carefully prepared message. Disasters hod already set In, to continue with scarcely an intermission for three months. Before President Davis wss this ominous situation: In all the Con-! there wars nob quite 6,000,000 ms JEFFERSON DAVIS. [Fron. a recent portrait] them this fact was ever prominent: A man lost by Grant could bo replaced if desired by three; a man lost by Le^ was a final lose On tho 2d of April, 1865, seated In his pew in St. Paul's church, Richmond, President Davis received the dispatch from Gen. Lee announcing his complete discomfiture. At 8 p. m. tbe president, cabinet and other offi cials left for Danville, at which point Presi dent Davis issued his last proclamation, his last state paper. Ten days later ho was at Greensboro, N. 0.; a week later he halted at Charlotte, whero ho first learned that $100,- 000 reward liad been offered for his capture as an instigator of the assassination of Presi dent Lincoln. All men now admit that the charge was false. Another week found him almost alone, a fugitive in the forests of Georgia, with his wife and a few devoted adherents. On the 10th of May ho was captured near Irwins- vii.le, Ga., by a body of cavalry under Lieut Col Pritchard. “Mr. Davis,” says one of his captors, “had on when arrested an ordinary suit, with a very long raglan overcoat and a shawl on his shoulders.” In the dim light of morning he was at first taken for a woman, hence the story so widely published. He was conveyed at once to Fortress Monroe, which he entered on the 19th of May, to remain a captive for nearly two years. And so all was over. Tho Southern Con federacy had dropped to pieces like a house of cards, and its president, -once the beloved colonel, tho honored senator, the Federal sec retary of war, the successful statesman and aspiring politician, was a prisoner—in irons! Yes, all that was bright and hopeful was gone; nothing now remained but to hang the prisoner, as -had been so often promised; to write his history so as to fix his name in in famy, and in no long time his own people would disown him as the cause of their woes. All this, In tbe opinion of many sanguine ones, was soon to be. Only It did not prove so. Tho world was now to witness another of those revulsions in popular feeling which so often delight the emotional and puzzle the philosophio. At sight of this sorely stricken man all southern criticism was instantly hushed, and in due time-thoughts of some thing far nobler than vengeance pervaded tbe north. Mr. Davis bore his sufferings with such Roman fortitude that southern hearts were knitted to him as nefver before. His critics apologized, even when truth was on their side. His wife shared his captivity and excited the world’s interest in his case. His first wife, daughter of Gen. Taylor, bad died many year* before, but tbe one who shared his fortunes as official and a* captive waa a lady of refinement and intellect worthy of any station. His oldest and most inveterate opponents were first to soften; tbe Abolition ists asked clemency, and in May, 1867, before the United-Statee circuit court at Richmond, Horjfco Groeley and Gerritt Smith Joined with many southern men in signing his bail bond. He had been formally indicted for treason; but, in December, 1868, by the same court, a nolle prosequi was entered, and tits case of -'The United States vs Jefferson Davis” was ended forever and to the satisfac tion of almost every American. RE TIRE ME XT AND A QUIET LIFE. 'After a brief tour In Europe he located at Memphis as president of a life insurance com pany, but soon re- f irpii _ tired to private hfq, to emerge only at long intervals, each time to receive re newed expressions of affection and sympathy. A be quest by a southern lady gave hfm b lovely home at Beauvoir, Mbe., tbe sbore of the fft*** 6 - m P5 d- L WIENIE DAVIS, "Tbs Child of the Con federacy.” rat ut his wife and two daughters ro te bias. Of these the younger, _, offectionatalySknown as Win- 1^ Child of tee Confederacy," 0*7 auuisy ot a niga order, end ■ay y* rank aaoag the noted anthorsraqo* America. J. H. Beadle. Anais Pushkla, the grandda^htar eC *a celebrated Russtea poet, is sew confined is the dreaded prison of St Peter aad 84. Foal at Bt Petersburg an n charge af In n Nihilistic conspiracy. J Auditor's Appointments. AUDITOR’S OFFICE, Darlington, 8. C., Nov. 26, 1889, This office will be open from Janu ary 1st, to February 20th, 1890, for the purpose of listing for taxation Person al Property and Polls of the County of Darlington, for fiscal commencing November 1st, 1889, and ending Octo ber Slst, 1890. All male persons between the ages of 21 and 50 years, are deemed taxable Polls, unless from any cause they are this office at the time of making their returns that they reside in said School District and the amount of both Real and Personal property subject to the special levy as authorized by the Leg islature. Taxpayers fire earnestly re quested to note any and all transfers, changes, or irregularities in Real es tate when making returns. Call at tention of Assessor to any excessive valuation that should be reduced, noting same on return. The intelli- <ent co-operation of all taxpayers is necessary and desired to aid me in up a correct record, A Penalty of Fifty per cent, is lev ied against all who fail to make re turns within the time prescribed by law. 1 will attend in person or by depu ty the various Precincts on days men tioned. Swift Creek, Tuesday, January 28. Lydia, Wednesday, January 28. Stokes Bridge, Thursday, Jan. 80. Hartsville, Friday, January 81. Antioch, Saturday, February, 1. Society Hill, Tuesday and vvednes- day, February 4 and 5. Leavensworth, Thursday, Feb’ry 6. Mechanicsville, Friday, February 7. Palmetto, Saturday, February 8. Philadelphia, Monday, February 10. Lisbon, Tuesday and Wednesday, February, 11, and 12. Cypress, Thursday, February 18. High Hill, Friday, February 14. W. H. LAWRENCE, Auditor D. C. Nov. 28, ’89. Great Slaughter — IN - PRICE - OF - WATCHES - FOR A - Few Weeks. English Bull-BJye Watches, $2.50 Long Wind W&terbury Watches, 2.50 Short Wind ** Watches, 4.00 Double Case Silverine Watches, 6.50 Open Case “ Watches, 8.75 Open Case Imported Watches, 8.75 D. C. Silver Waltham Watches, 12.50 D. C. Silver Keystone Watches, 12.50 O .A. L X, AND *** SEE ^ thkm 9 - AT — - MASON’S Jewelry Store. Nov. 28, 1889. Creditor's Notice. All persons having claims against the estate of Mrs. C. E. Hymes, de ceased, will present them properly proved, and all persons indebted to the said estate will made payment forthwith to. C. ALEXANDER, Adm’r. Nov. 19, ’89—8b Estate Sale. "Pursuant to an order of the Probate A Judge of Darlington County, I will sell, at or near the residence of the late S. M. Harrell, on Tuesday, the 10th day of December, 1889, all the person al property that belonged to the said Harrell at the time of his death and that contained in the inventory of his estate, consisting of stock, farming im plements, cotton seed, corn, fodder, wagons, and one six horse engine with 50 saw gin, cotton press and fixtures, &e. Directly after said sale I will sell at ’ property reil, cons „ ano. Sale to commence at 10 o’clock A. M. Terms cash. Engine, gin and press can be seen at at J. C. Clements’ place. N. L. Harrbll, Adm’r S. M. Harrell. ijpv. 28-2t. Land for Sale. Four Hundred Acres, more or less, situate two miles northeast of the Town of Darlington, between the wa ters of Black and Mill Creeks, known as the lands of the late E. B. Brun son, Sr. Address. J. BOYD BRUNSON. Mars Bluff, 'S. C. Nov. 28.V89 Creditor's Notice. All persons having claims the Estate of the late D. D. Evans, will present them properly proved, and all persons indebted to said es tate will please make immediate pay ment to LULA D. EVANS, Adm’x. Nov. 28, ’89—8t ’.lst for Sale. Fronting on the Academy Green Darlington, S. C., contains about 5 acres, 600 feet front. 2 buildings on the lot, part of the McCall Homestead. Apply to WARD ft WOODS, or J. M, McCALL. Dec. 5-2t. . For Rent. Two comfortable offices, situated down-stairs, on tbe Publio Square. Apply to DARGAN ft THOMPSON. Nov. 28, W Desirable Burial Lets For sals by the Grove HOI Cemetery] Co. Jno. Siskron, 0. B. Edwards, President Seoreuu Nov. K-tf. JH G. O. MERTZ - OFFERS FOR THE - Christmas Trade, 0 - * ' ’ y ^ ' L large stock of Toys, Wagons, etc., at prices to suit the times. Our big stock of Fruits is unsurpassed in quality, daily replenish ed and sold at reasonable figures. - WE ARE - HEADQUARTERS For Raisins, Currents and Citron, Nuts of every variety, Dates! Figs, Malaga and Catawba Grapes, and fine French and American Candies. We are happy to say that the fine quality and low prices of our Grocery Department are duly appreciated by a liberal patron age of the public Our motto will alway be, TO GIVE SATISFACTION! December 5, 1889. OUR NEW SERIAL. Soon to Appear in the Columns of this Paper. iiiiimiiiH’NmiutiiuuiaiaaNNiiiNHmiiiniuMauniUNHiniiiiiiiHiMiiuii A Delightful Story, by that Popular Novelist, Walter Besant. SPLENDIDLY ILLUSTRATED. MninHMnnttMHMUiitaanaiaHiiMoounonaaH* The location with which thll story deals is Northumberland, England, and the time about A. D. 1764. The Northern coast of En gland has always been noted as the scene and source of innumerable MOKWICK MILL Legends, and the most delightful stories of daring, adventure aud love. The hero of “OVER THE BORDER" is Ralph Embleton, who leaves home at the age of seventeen, on account of the cruel treatment of his guardian, Matthew Humble. This latter character is so generally mean and unlovely that the reader is continually desi-tv <-f a ’ v. TO STAY WITH THEM AND BE HER ROMEO. that, the ending is peaceful, and lovely, and everything that could be wished. We volunteer this in formation for the benefit of our lady readers who may, perhaps, beed this crumb of comfort to sus tain them through the varying, and sometimes trying, situations, through which the plot winds to its j-r THEN THE TABLES WERE TV AM EL terlng to Matthew personal cha» tisement of the most emphatic an<{ undignified character. However, it is not our design to here detail the incidents of this charming tale further than to assure the reader that he (and she) will miss a rare treat in passing by, un read, one of Besant’s very best, as well as latest, efforts. . « While the story abounds in ad venture, aud hope deferred, and all kaizotw ft fra*. culmination: Besant does afft wxite any- thing Uninteresting er Tune,' and YOU should lead “OVER THE BORDER ” from the first chapter. Once beginning its pent- sal, there is no danger that yoa will stop short of the last line.