The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-10-30
Address OF President Davis to
the Arnsy of Temnessee.
HEADoUARTERs ARMY OF TENNESSEE,
October Ia, 1868.

4 i 1870 - ss- =
SOLDIERS
A grateful country has recognized your ar
duous service, and rejoieed over your glorious
victory of the field Of Ghickamauga. When
your countrymen shall more fully learn the
adverse circumstances under which you at
tackled the enemy, though they cannot be,
more thankful they may admire more the
gallantry and patrioticadevotion which secured
You success. Representatives of every State
in the Confederacy, your steps have been fol-
lowed with asfectionafe solicitude hy friends
in every part Of the -Confederacy. Defenders
Of the heart of our territory, your movements
have been the object Of intensest anxiety
The hopes Of our cause greatly depend upon {
you, and happy it is that all can securely rely
upon, yonr achieving whatever. under the
blessings Of Providence, human power can eff
feet. thu you have done much, very much
remains to he DONE Behind -yon is a people
providing for your support and depending on
you for protection Before you is country de-
vastated by your ruthiessinvader, where gentle
woman, feeble age and helpless infancy have
been subjected to outrages without parallel in
the warfare Of civilized nations.
With eager eyes they wareh for your COM
ingto their deliverance, and the homeless re.
fugee pines for the hour then your victorious
arms Shall restore his family to the she!ter
from which they have been driven. Forced
t., take up. arms to yindcate the POLITICAL
rights, the freedom, equality, and State sove-
reignty, which were the heritage purchased by
the blood Of your revolutionary sires. you have
but the alternative Of slayish submission to
despotic usurpation or the Independence
which vigorous, united. persistent effort will
secure. All which fires the manly breast,
nerves the patriot, and exal,s the hero, is pre-
sent to stimulate and sustain you. Noblv
have you redeemed the pledges gwen IN the
name Of freedom to the memory Of your ans
cesters. and the rights of your pesterity
Ihatyon may complete the mission to which
you, are devoted, will require Of you such .ex-
ertlon IN the future as you have made in the
past; continuance in the patient endurance Of
toll and danger. and that self denial which re-
,lects every consideration at variance with the !.
public service, as unworthy Of the holy cause
IN which you IRE engaged.
B When the war shall have ended the highest
need of praise will be due, and probably giy-&
EN-, to him who has claimed least for himself
in proportion to the service he has rendered.
and the bitterest selfreproach, which NAV
hereafter haunt the memory of any one. will
be to him who has allowed selfish aspiration
to prevail over a desire for the public good.
United as you are in common DESTINY. obe-
dlense and cordial cooperation are essential.
y necessary, and there is no higher duty than
that which requires. each to render to ali what
Is due TO their station. lie who sows the
SEEDS oi dIscontent and distrust prepares for ,
tue harvester slaughter and defeat
10 zeal you have added gallantry; to gal
iantry,. energy; to energy, fortitude. Crown
these wltilharinony, due subordination. and
cheerful support Of lawful authority, that the !
m OF your duty may be full. Ifervent.
~ nope that the feroeious war SO unjustly
wased against our country may soon be end.
ed; that with the blessing of peace YOU NAV
De restored to your homes and the useful pur-
suits; and Ipray thai our Heavenly Father
may cover you with the shield Of Ills pretec-
ton IN the hours Of battle, and endow YOU
WIN tns virtues which will close your trials
IN victory complete.
lo,gned} JEFFERSON DAVIS
Official: GEO. VIZ Brent. IA. "A. q