The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1866-03-10
LETTER FROM MRS. JEFREKs
SON DAVIS.


The following letter has beenaddrsssed
by Mrs. Jefferson Davis to the Secretary
and Agent es the Ladies' Southern Aas0-
citation:
MEL VIEW, Ca, Dec. 4, 1865.
T, B. Clark, Esq, Secretary and Agens
L. s. A. Association
Ny DEAR SIR: am in receipt Of your
very kind letter In the name OF the La
dies Southern Aid Association, having
+" for its object the purpose Of Plscing"
me and family in eircuSustsaces some
what commensurate With their estimate
of" me and mine, and beggiBg that | viii,
at my earliest convenience, designate .
place to which the means D. collected maF
be conveyed, so that they may safely
and satisfactorily" reach me.
From our desolated and Impoverished
trends scarcely expected such an ex-
preston of material sympathy, though my
powers of gratitude have been almost dali
" taxed to thank those who have, with
50 much heart eloquence, pleaded with
the President for him who, though unsue-
eessful, has given ron all be oould-hia
best energies-snd whose only hope ct
future happiness lies in the sweet trust
often expressed, that he has not lost your
confidence and love. Ignorant of all which
his own people have done for him IN his
painful captivity, his devotion is unabat-
ed. "The unfortunate have always been
deserted and betrayed, but did ever man
have less to complain of when be bad lest
the power to serve? The multitude are
silent Why should they speak save to
Him who hears the best words most -
cretly uttered? Ny own heart tells me
the sympathy exists-that the prayers Of
the family hearth are not yet hushed. Be
loving and confding still to those from
whom have received much more than /
deserve; far more Official honors than I
ever desired. Those for whose cause /
suffer are not unworthy Of the devotion Of
all which I had to give" This is the
message Of love which Is sent through
prison gates to our own people. ] say
our people, because both of as have been
brought up with you; one Of as was born
in Mississippi, the other came to her IN
infancy. These are my own people, and
it is privilege, of which no change o.
circumstances can deprive me. 10 the
accepted prayers of our widows and On.
phans, our suffering but heroic women,
our brave and true men, our innocent Et-
tie children, loook for the restoration Ck
my little children of their agonized but
Christian father. IF = mercifal Provi-
dence so ordain it, we hope 90 live and die
among you, Mutually eonsoling and bear
ing each others burdens. We would MOI
have our dear friends betrayed by their
sympathy in Offering, for our use, too much
from their own g basket and stoEe" ]
and mine have so far been miracaloualR
cared for and shielded from want We
seem ever enviGoned by the lovo which D
reAeesed npon us from that Mhieh ightea
my husband in his dungeon sofsened hin
prison walls with sunny pictures Of loving
eyes and outstretehed arms.
Grief and gratitude seems TO impose up
on me silence. / would, but cannct ~
more. I will inclose In this note the
names and directions Of gentlemen -
whom the contributions Of which 700
speak may be inclosed. And instead ef
the eloquent voice which 80 otter has
poured forth his love TO his dear peeRh,
now mute, offer Hife's and mothesis,
and countrywoman's gratitude to yeu
and those you represent.
/ have the honor to be, very gratefully
and sincerely, yours, VARINA DAVIS.