Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-07-30


The ROblest efforts Of manhood arc ELECTED By a
good cause, and by an intelligent Consciousness Of
right When to this strong support is added the
guidance and presence of On Eonorsd leader. enjoy
ing the confidence of all followers and friends we
have all the indictments and inducements which
could be required Under such auspices brave men
become heroes. and common men, even towards
might become brave.
All elements and conditions of motives and in
ducements that ever stirred up people to great
deeds Of selfassertiOn sad defence are enjoyed By
the SOath.
We have cause which transeends all human in
terests in Importance. We guard the precious de-
post of constitutional self>Covernment for which
our fOrefathers sbored and toiled for generations,
even before the closing struggle of the Revolution
We have leader, for when we can find no earthly
parallel short Of George Washington in modern his
tory, and EpaminOdas in ancient history militia
~ chieftain who has never pursued or promoted
military ambition, patriot Of tried valOr and ap
proved virtues and exalted qualifications in cOun-
sci as acti0n-an orator, statesman, and soldier,
in the best senses of these terms great in every
sphere and field. and greater in the rare eombina-
ton of excelloncies. Such is Jefferson Davis who
by the controlling direction, believe, of a
favorable Providence, has been called to the Presi
dency of the new Southern Republic. It Is given
to few men shine lead in counsel and in action
few can equally excel in action and in the record
Of action, and fewer can command surprising inhu
ence both By the pen and the tongue.
Great captains illustrate the world's history and
great writer's have recorded their deeds uttered
their own thoughts Of perennial significance, but
the list Of those who have been marked and prom,
ient above their fellows in the mastery both of the
sword and the pen is short and easily told 1t has
been the privilege of few noted in history to
address grave and august assembly of legislators
in a message Of thrilling import, and with the next
days sun lead daring and devoted army to deci-
siye victory
On the 10th of July Jefferson. Davis addressed to
the Confederate Congress in Richmond the model
message-clear, concise and prehensive- which
was placed before many readers that evening.
On the 2lsI Of July and before that message had
reached one half Of those ldracly addressed. its
author was turning the tide Of battle in favor of
small army of volunteers Of freedom, struggling
against an overwhelming host of hirelIngs. led by
or under one who mas been called ''the great cap
tain Of the sge,' and who never before conducted
army except TO victory.
The harness Of warfare Is not laid aside until
modest message Of victory is sent by the same hand
A message which does not indicate in word or let
ter the participation Of the author in that eventful
issue
Jefferson Davis, the conqueror of Beuna Vista,
the author Of the message Of the 10th July, the
presiding and directing chef over the great issue
and ordeal at Manassas on the 2lst July-Jetferson
Davis, our President, Is a name of which we my
be proud 1t is indeed, "a tower Of strength" and
Is 50 regarded throughout the Republic.
We accord all due honor to others and to the Gen
erals who actively prepared for and fought the bat
tie. To each and to all, to the departed and the
survivors, officers and privstes, engaged in that
glorious effort, honorable mention shall be given
For one whose towering pre- eminence is due to
personal qualities and qualifications well as to
Office and station, we can reserve our special re-
CARDS and for him thousands Of quick throb5iug
hearts are sending forth the earnest fervent PRAYER
"GOi bless and prosper and preserve our Presi-
dent"
We believe thatprayer viii be answerei--CsIrl les