The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1878-06-18

fancy or the opinions Of others, was
never lost without abundant cause.
From the time first knew him, he was
nv warm and constant friend Com
ing to Camden in FEBRUARY, 1872, COM
parative stranger, I cnt, red his Office as
his student. Here | had ample orpor-
tunitics for stud ring his characteristics !;
aud can tru'hfnlly say that, during
the years of our acquaintance and asso-
ciaiion. MT one day passed that | did
not feel that he was nearer to me than
he was the day before, go strongly
was impressed with his high sense of
honor, his opeu-heartel generosity. his
unswcrving filelity-h;s true nobility
Of soul. As l have said, While he lived.
I owed him adcbt Of gratitude [ could
not pay. lie is now gone, and [ can
rot forget my obligation.
Hon. w. Y. Lc;tuer said
May 1t pie tse the Court:
I cannot let this occasion pass with
out heartily concurring in tho resolu.
tons Just offered, and in giving some
expression TO my appreciation of the
exalted virtues Of our deceased brother
James Davis. These surroundings. may
it please your honor, reminds us forci-
bIy Of him, and although he is not hsre
moving and living in our midst. yet he
-lill lives; lives in our hearts and mrm-
ories, an object Of the sncerest love
and admiration.
IF, may it please your Honor, [ was
called upon to say what regarded "a the
salient point, the most distinguishing
feature ofhis character, 7 could not do so
for the reason of its entire symm-try.
He had no idiosyncracy Of character,
but each trait stood in its proper rela-
ton the one to the other, aud thus con-
stitutcd symmetrical whole As cit
lien he was active, cnergeti, and USE
full. Io his intercourse with the world
he was frank, amiabls, courteous and po
lite, and yet, as firm as a rock. Modest
and gentle as a woman, he was as bold
as lion when the occasion required.
Tn word he illustrated in his life and
character the highest qualities ofcitizsn-
ship, not only iD his personal bearing
towards his fellows, but 10 his capacity
to perform, and in his readiness to
undertake any enterprise which could
in any manner rebound to the good of
his country. Viewing his career from
a professional standpoint, [ may say
that our deceased brother was a good
lawyer. He had studied the great
principles of the common law thorough.
". and was admirably posted in his pro-
fassion He was careful and painsta-
king lawyer. and having prepared his
cases thoroughly, he always argued
with ability Ny first acquaintance with
Mr.. Davis was in January 1859, and
from that. time on 10 his death. /
learned to know him we'll. Although
he was not my friend in the sense of
confidential friendship. yet our relations
wer e mo st cordial aud friendly.
Tn a word loved him. The stand
point, however, from which most de-
sire to speak of him. is ms soldier Of
she army Of Northern Virginia. There
in all those great battles, which were
fought in defence of Southern indepen-
dencc, Mr.. Davis 10 his sphere Of acton
as a soldier shows conspicuously. Con:
scienlious to the last degree in the dis.
charge Of his duties. and, wi;hal, SOL
dier of unquestionable courage, he de-
voted himaelf with all the ardor of his
noble nature to the cause Of his country,
and as such, his memory should evor be
as sweet odor to his countrymcn. But
he has passed away, and when think
Of his loved ones left alone in these
hard times Of poverty and trial, my
hesrt is fllea to oyeraowiug,
J. T. Hay. Esq, said: Nay 1t please
Your Honor,
Iwish to lay my small tribute on the
grave of our esteemed friend. | knew
Mr.. Davis we'll To those who did not
know him, it might seem that much Of
wnat has beer said to-day was hyper
bolical, but It is all strictly true. Ny
acquaintance with Mr. Davis was
intimate. and / knew him we'll. My
feelings for him were so strong that |
often said I thought more of him than
Of any man out of my immediate family.
Erom september, 1873, to April, 1877,
my office was next door to that Of Mr.
Davis. and I saw hin daily, and as
often during the day as one would who
knew him and was as close to him as I was
only one door separating us. There
WIS one remarkable thing about our
friend. Though so independent in his
views, so firm in doing what he thought
to be right; though he never consulted
motives of cxpediency when principle
was at stake, nor shrunk from public
opinion; though he was never biased
by fear or favor in the discharge of dur
ties, he was beloved by ali. It might
be said of him, as truly as of any man
who ever lived. that he had not an cne-
my. Never have heard any one, Of
any class, condition or race, say that he
disliked Mr., Davis, This, your honor,
is a high tribute to any mans character.
Our friend was a sonnd and wcll-in'
formed lawyer. have discussed mat
tcrs of law with him more than with
any other man of my acquaintance, and
:. IL n. an