Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-06-24
JEFF. DAVIS AND GEN. TAYLOR.

A Chapter from Honeymoon Hardee.l
General Zachary Taylor obtained,
while in command of small de-
tachment of Regulars stationed on
one of the islands in Lake 0kee-
chobee, Of Florida, a leave Of alb
sence and, in the winter of 18-,
visited his Baton Rouge farm, a
large sugar plantation in Louisiana,
situated Immediately on the banks
of the Mississippi river.
He was riding through his farm
on young gray colt, which he af-
terwards used as his war charger in
Mexico, and which became famous
as Old White.
While riding on the banks of the
river he saw small boat rowed by
two stalwart negroes, and at the
helm sat young man who waved
his hat to him, intimating to the
Major his desire to see him.
The boat landed, and a tall, grace
full young man who wore the insig-
MIA of a West Point cadet politely
yet firmly advanced and introduced
himself as Jefferson Davis.
Old Zach shook him warmly by
the hand and kindly invited him tC
his mansion, which was plainly Wis
ible in the distance.
Mr.. Davis kindly thanked him,
and replied that he had long de-
sired to do SO, that he had, the past
season, made the acquaintance al
West Point of his two amiable
daughters, Susan and Lizzie Taylor,
and had promised the elder, Miss
Susan, to visit her that fall, pro
vided he could do so. with the full
consent and knowledge of hel
father; that he had learned through
the Secretary of War that he had
applied for a leave of absence and
would visit his home, and that he
had been there some time awaiting
his arrival. Which kind and noble
sentiments were answered by Major
Taylor:
"Sir, l now understand you.
see that you have the insignia of a
West Point cadet and are a soldier
Now, young man, wish you tC
here pledge me your word ant
honor as a soldier that you viii
never enter my door,"
Young Davis cheek flushed.
and, standing proudly up before
his hoped for father-in-law he
doffed his military cap and with t
respectful bow replied;
"Major Taylor, l recognize you
as the proper guardian of YOU
daughters happiness, and l pledgC
you the word Of gentleman anC
soldier I will never enter YOU
house."
They both bowed, and younl
Davis got into his boat and wa
rowed back to his mothers farm
in the State of Mississippi.
On being questioned by hi
mother. he frankly admitted tn
promise he had given Major Taylor
and desired her to be the bearer t,
Miss Susan of the small emblem o
her young hearts affection, an,
young Davis returned to his studie
at West Point.
But the young girl refused to ac
cept her maiden pledge, for tn
reason that her heart was lost, bu
again returned it to young Davis
1t is not known what, or how activ
a part Mrs. Davis took in the prem
ises, but the result was that Maio
Taylor's daughter Susan becam
Mrs. Jefferson Davis, and that he
father never forgave her, that h
disinherited her, and never agai
= spoke to his daughter, who die
years after at the commencemer
Of the Mexican war, leaving thre
children, and said three ohildre
I soon, with the yellow fever, 70
lowed their departed mother.
Davis, shortly after his mqrriag
resigned his position in the arm
and gave his attention to his wei
, stocked farm and to reading.
After he was left a widower I'll
opportunity was afforded him
= drown his sorrows in the Mexics
:. campaign. He raised a mountC
regiment of volunteers and W
l., elected Colonel, rendered their Sc