Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-02-21
Important speech of president Do,,.

MONTGOMERY, Ala, Feb.-l7-The trim of Pro,,.-,
Davis from jackson to Montgomery was continrsa
ovation He made twenty-five speeches on he ro"t
returning thanks for the assembling of the peonp "a
non firing and cheers at all the different depots ''
The committee of Congress, and the Montsor,.-
city authorities, met President Davis about 81 nS
below here, and formally received him. 'uD''
Two fine military companies, from Columbus q,
joined in the escort at Opelika. All reached here %
night, about 10 o'clock, amid cannonadng and sbont
| A large crowd assembled at the depot '4~
President Davis said to the people that be felt roDa
and happy to receive the congratulations of the re
of Alabama. He briefly reviewed the present pdSfor
of the South. He said the time for compromises Lj
passed. We are determined to maintain oar position
and make all who oppose smell Southern powder and
feel Southern STEEL If coercion was persisted in bj
no doubt of the result. We will maintain Our rcbts
and government at all hazards. We ask nothing and
want nothing We will have no complications +
other States join Confederacy they can freely come
| on our terms. Our separation is complete No com
promise, no reconstruction can now be entertained
A large crowd awaited Mr. Davis arrival at the EY
change. The ladies were equally enthusiastic with
gentlemen.
Alta quarter before IL O'clock in response to Iou]
calls, Mr.. Davis appeared in the balcony, and said
Fellow-citizens Brethren of the Confederate States
| of North Amortization now we are brethren not in
name but in fact. Men of one flesh, one bone one
interest, one purpose of identity in our institutions
| We have hence forth, trust a prospect of living
together in peace with our institutions subject 70
protection, not defamation 1t may be that our ca.
reer may be ushered in storm. 1t may be that as
this morning opened with clouds and mist, we shall
have to encounter Inconvenience at the beginning
but as the sun rose and lifted the mist and dispersed
the clouds, and left US the pure sunlight of Heaven
so will the progress of the Southern COnfedeacy car.
| ry US into safe sea and a harbOr of Constitutional
liberty and political equality. Great applause =
Thus we shall have nothing to bear from want of
homogeniety at home. We have nothing to fear
abroad, because if war should come-it wehave again
to baptize in blood the principles for which our
fathers bled in the Revolution, we shall show that
we are not degenerate sons, but will redeem the
pledges they gave to preserve the sacred rights tran
smitted US and show that Southern vaor still shines
as brightly as in l776, 1872 and every other COD
fict. Great applause
was informed by my friends that pour kindness only
required that should appear before you Fatguedby
travel, and very hoarse, unable to speak at length
and came out merely to assure you of my gratitude for
these manifestations of your good will. come with
dhdence and dstrust to the discharge Of the great d.
ties devolved upon be by the kindness and confidence
the Congress of the Confederated States thank you
my friends, for the kind manifestation of favor and F
probation you exhibit on this occasion. Throughout
my entire progress to this city, have received the same
fattering demonstrations of generous support. | did
not regard them personal to myself but rendered me
as the representative of the principles and policy Of The
| Confederated States.
will devote to the duties of the high Office to when
have been called, all have of heart Of head, and
hands If in the progress of events it shall become
necessary that my services shall be needed in anOF
position IT, to be plain, necessity shall require that
shall again enter the ranks as soldier hope you VIII
welcome me there. (Great applausa)
You, my friends, thanking you for this manitesaaoD
of your appreciation allow me to bid you good night