The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1863-09-07
Speech of Mr.. JemisOn, the Successor
OF MIR. Hancey in the Confederate
Senate.
[Delie1vd on Retiring from the AtI1ama Sen
ate Atalnst Aith 1863

Ue{iet1ea on Refirthg from The Aflibdma sen
afe, 4,yaa aih, 1861
Senators: My election To the Confederate
States Senate renders me, from the com
mencement of the term of service Ineligible
to hold a place amongst You as member OF
this body shall, therefore, this morning
tender my resignation as such. Before doing
which, however, tender you my resignation
as your presiding officer, that you may at
once proceed to I'll my place
Elected to- Gil the vacancy occasioned by
the death of the L,mented Yancey, whose
eloquenGe and pcrseycra in the cause Of
Southern rights contributed more largely
than the efforts OF any other man To brin,,
about our separation from the old Federal
Union, and to whom, up to the period OF Sc
cession, as well as upon the question of Sc
ccssion ITSELF it is well known that was op
posed in my political views, it may not be
-deemcd inappropriate TO briefly state my
views as to what course the Government and
the people of theConfedcracy, in the present
trying emergencies Of the country, should
pursue.
The question of secession is Of the things
that are past. 1t has become p part Of tie
.couptry's history. Future historians, other
men, and other times, will pass more i'm
partial verdict as to its wisdom and lis policy
than the present generation. But it is for
the present generation to decide its own po.
iitical status. 1t matters not whether our
separation was right or wrong, wise or un
wise. The alternative now presented 10 lis
il, to press forward, arms in hand, until vi
shall have achieved an honorable and glO
rions Independence. or to tanely and baseIy
submit to, the lowest political and social deg
radiation. However ardently, peace may b,
desired, there is not, trust, amongst US, OF
in the Confederaey, one who would accept
peace on any other than honorable terms
Who would, for the sake OF peace, he willing
to see the Southern people consigned to po-
ltical degradation aud doomed TO social
equality with our siavesy We are aold hy
our Opprcssors that no terms of peace will
be accepted but upon the unconditional and
Immediate abolition of slavery, and confisca
lion OF rebel property. If there il aug mar
in the land wto would accept peace on these
terms, he deserves traitors doom.
Though a more able and eloquent aayo
cate Of OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES, my predeces
sor, if living, would not give to the cause
OF our bleeding country more Jealous and
unwayeTing support than myself
Whatever clouds may dsrken the prospects
of our independence, lei us not despair o,
despend Let lis bear in mind 'the race h
not always TO the swift nor the battle ta the
strong" Relying upon the business of our
cause, aud iu.ploriBg the favor of Divine
Providence, let us press forward to conquer
an honorable peace or to honorable graves
Let rs know no such word as ...fa3.r. Lei
our lips never whisper IT,. Let II not eRseI
into our thougi.s. Let us Danish II eyei
from our dreams.
My connection with the legislation OF !ht
State is now aboat being terminated. Yes
IN all human probability, terminal cd forever
Our parting brings many sad reflections. -
We pzrt, some Of ne, never to- meet again
either III the halls of legislation or the.eom
mob walks Of life. We part with Many. dark
and threatening clouds hanging over tbs
prospects of our beloved coRniry Let INT
in this her hour Of adyorsity, exhcSt you
that each OF us shall pledge to the other biz
life, his fortune, and his safred honor in dc
fence Of her holy cause.
Senators aud friends, hid you ON slifsc
tionate farewell May the God OF Heayel
bleas you individually. May Hc direc,
yonr councils, and deliver our bleeding coun
try from the hands of her enemies.