The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-06-03
A WORD FOR .sPGGR JEFF DAVIS"

To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:-
Having Published communication from "South-
erner in your valued paper OF yesterday the writer
hopes that you VIII show your usual fairness and
pu blish the reply.
.'Southerner' Ia wrong in saying that JET Davis
was the moss ''despised and hated' man In the
South at the end OF the war. True, many very
many sef-sacrifcing political brigadlers and other
officers thought that their grand and high order or
talents ought to he taken advantage Of BY Davis,
ana the great benefit tina. would accrue to the
from their military genus should and could only
find vent through higher rank Politicians, too
would have pet theory Tor the benent OF the
try and remotely for their private gain and al
vantage. But when all these parties and their
CLAIMS for promouon and their schemes for gain
would be investigated by Mr.. Davis many, for
obvious reasons, would be thrown aside. This,
OF course, made enemies at once. and
these disappointed patriots would blame and
denounce Davis. As IN four years great
numbers were disappointed In advancing
na,eS e 50 DAVIS grea but many
the people appreciated the man and his
efforts. Davis, himself, never tried to have his sal
airy paid IN gold. During the latter part OF the
1t should have been, and at one time the question
agitated by the newspapers. He never inter-
fered with General Lee or his army. On the con.
trary General Lee was always consulted about at
fairs IN all parts OF the South when he within
reach. Davis made some bad appointments, natu-
rally and also a great many good ones. lie did IN
terfere with Joe Johnston when powerful pressure
was brought TO bear on him. ana again lie wanted
prevent that famous ''fetreatlst' from drowning
his army IN the Gull OF Mexico.
Davis may nave had aspirations Tor dictator
shipn III so he was certainly right, for no reyou.
ton should ever be hampered ny Congress and re
dicuous laws, other than military, for the time be-
ing. The Southern Congress was a mht.St0ne around
the OF the Confederacy, and TO !; belongs much
the blame that is heaped on Mr. Davis shoulders.
Every member Of the SOutherp Congress should be
presented with medal Dy The North, for they did
more than any Thing else to destroy the cause, by
their squabbles, dissenslons and cowardice, &c.
Davis OF course, made plenty OF mistakes; who
would not? But those valiant Southern men who
fought the battles OF their country III New YORK and
elsewhere, and initiated the sharp crack OF the rife
by the popping Of champagne, certainly have no
right TO crltlcse the acts OF Mr. Davis any other
leading Southerner. Their standpoint may have
been very good one far as ease and comfort
were concerned, but not one which would enable
them to he well informed OF what was actually tran.
spring the South, or the causes which influenced
tine leaders.
Mr. DAVIS late speech may not advance the inter-
ests the democratic party III the North, but the
same democrats must remember that the South be-
lieves they went bacKn on them during the war,
party. The democratic party has been It's own
worst enemy for number or years past, ana II Is
rather late 10 tnat JEFF Davis. any other indi
vGual destroying Its chances Tor victory in the
future.
The writer OF this was a junior officer in Lees
army during the whole war, and IN position to
know the facts he has mentlOned--wl vote for
Sherman too, If he Is nominated for the Presidency.
JUNE ], 1871. AN EN- REB.