The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-02-23
inau,. uration OF the First President Of the
southern Republic.

N 81
writing from Montgomery. sends that paper
an interestin account of the Inaugural ton of
the first President of the Southern Confede-
racy:
The whole town was in holiday attire the
stores all closed, beautiful ladies gaily attired,
scores of the rougher sex-some in the shiny
broadcioth of the &c cit ''-others in rough, btst
neat country garb, with ebony faces and kinSy
heauS without number, thronged the stree ~
crowded the windows and balconies of the az
lacent bindings, and jostled each other in tie
last-gathering crowd, vehicles of all sorts and
descriptions, equestrians on high spirited,
rnettlesome steeds, dashing here and there,
exhibiting their grace or awkwardness as the
case might De, made up a moving panorama
OF beauty and interest, and afforded infinite
amusement to the pleased looker-on. At
O'Clock the line OF procession was formed,
hrst, the President with the Vice President
ana the Chaplain of the occasion, the Rev.
DIR. Manly, in handsome carriage omen at
the top, beautifully lined with saffron and
wmte, richly mounted with silver, with
bright crimson hangings, drawn by six spirit
ed steeds OF light iron-grey color, lent for
the occasion by the patriotic Col Shorter of
this place, and next the various dignitaries
military companies, aud citizens, all under
command of the Marshal of the day, Col II.
r. watson, assisted by one gentleman from
each State, mounted on nettlesome chargers
as assistant Marshals, with scarfs Of rich
Whlte SILK thrown over their shoulders and a
large colored bow binding it in the centre
baton bound with red, white and blue AS
the procession marched 10 the Capitol the
view from the second balcony was truly beau
tiful: the building is situated on n fine emi
nenee and commands q view of the whole city
a TACT or which l availed myself to witness
one OF the most brilliant scenes / ever had
the good fortune to behold. Arrived at the
Capitol cheer after cheer rent the air the en-
thusiasm was universal and unbounded real
genuine JOY, not the feeble hurrah uttered by
the lps, not sprlnging from the heart but
shouts OF pleasure, long and loud, hearty,
soul-feit hazzas, Oft repeated Nth u lriH -
Men eXerted their lungs and stretched their
mouths TO their utlnost capacity, ladies waved
their handkerchefs in greeting, and illunined
their lovely faces in the brightest smiles
Ulsmountlng from the carriage the President
accompanied by the Committee of Reception
passed through the dense but respec tful tbrorg
to the HAL OF the Congress, on the arms of
Messrs hhett and Chiffon, and was in troduced
rs follows by Mr.. Rhett: E'CientIemen of the
Congress, allow me to present to you the
Hon. Jefferson Davis, who, i'll obedience TO
your choice, has come to assume the i'm
portant trust you have confded TO his care
The Hall was then cleared of all but the men,
bers, but III 4 few moments the President again
appeared with MIR. Rhett, Chairman of the
congressional Committee, and MIR. Chiffon
of the State Committee, on each side next The.
Vice President, with DIR. Manly and Mr. An
derson, of Florida, and the rest of the Con-
gress by tWos, with the repororial sta If in the
rear. platform erected in front of the Capi-
, tol was occupied by the Congress- with several
distinguished ladies, who graced the stage
with their presence, while raised rostrum.
from which the President delivered his ad-
dress, allowed the eager multitude both to see
and hear him. On the table by his side was 4
large, beautiful bound Bible, almost con-
cealed among the ilowry offerings presented
by his ialr admirers. magnificent wreath
of tri-coiored flowers red white and blue)
reflected great credit upon both the skill and
taste of the gentle donor. whose name failed
to hear.
After tho turouItuons Sbout. of ,-roo+;,,r -.
been stilled, Mr.. Cobb came forward and
spoke as follows
1--WE have assembled to inaugurate the
PRESIDENT OF the Confederate States of Amer
ica. The inauguration will commence with
prayer by the Rev. DR. Manly"
AT the conclusion of the PRAYER of the Doc.
tor, the President was introduced by Mr.
Cobb in these words 'Gen tlemen of Con-
gresS, allow me to announce the presence of
the President, jefferson Davis, who comes TO
| respond TO Your call 10 the Presidency of the
Confedera te States of America"
President Davis then came forward amid
the cheers OF the audience, and delivered his
inaugural. lhe short time allowed for prepa-
ia ton and conSeq quent inability to memorze it,
caused Mr.. Davis to read the address a fact
much 10 be regretted as he is one of the most
accomplished finished orators in the country
The loud, clear tones of his rich deep voice.
however, were istinCtly heard at the extreme
| limits OF the immense throng, whose frequent
| and hearty applause evidenced that the
! in their hearts Mr.. Cobb administered the ca In
| of office prescribed by Congress, which Mr.
| Davis responded to in the words, $50 help me
| God," uttered in a most solemn and impress
| sive tone, with his right hand exalted then
| kissing the sacred volume the ceremony was
concluded
| Loud and prolonged cries for Stephens were
| given, 10 the evident anger and annoyance of
| that gentleman, but the commanding call of
| Mr.. Cobb, "Music ~ "Musc - caused the
| crowd 10 realize the Improperly of their con-
| duct. BY request of the President, Mr. Cobb
| stated that tonight, at o'clock, he would
| hold levee at Estell Hall, the first of the
| Presidential receptions The Congress then
returned to their Chamber, the crowd dis
| persed, the bands struck up their Iiveliest
| airs, the soldiers marched to camp, and with
smiles wreathing every face, Joy thrilling
| every heart, patriotism firing every breast,
| the inauguration of the first President of the
| Confederate States had nothing of mishap to
mar it, everything of rejoicing to gladden. it.