The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1879-08-08

From the Atlanta (Ga-) Constitutional
About two years ago had telegraphic
orders 10 find Mr.. Davis as soon as pos
sible, for the purpose Of obtaining from
him certain desired information. l went
70 Memphis, then his nominal residence,
only TO find that he was not in the city,
that his wife and daughter were in
Europe. and his son in-law in New York.
He then had the Presidency Of the Mis-
sissippi Valley Insurance Company,
sort Of sinecure, think. provided for
him by his friends In the Crescent City,
and il was thought probable that he was
in that city. went down the river. ap-
piled at the Office Of the Trading Com
pany, but found Mr.. Davis absent. No
one could tell me where he was. but
was informed that he was very busy at
work upon his history Of the war, and
was hid away at some quiet retreat. his
location being unknown TO all but his
most intimate friends. discovered,
however, that his letters from his wife
were forwarded TO Mississippi City. a
fashionable watering-place near New
Orleans. on the Mississippi City line.
To this point took myself.
Making my way unguardedly into
pair Of ratings that opened like fun
mel at the depot, and then narrowed into
plank lane that led inevitably to an
old-fashioned, cool looking hotel, l
stepped up to the register and asked IL
Mr.. Davis was in Mississippi City or its
neighborhood. Mine host replied that
he had not seen Mr. Davis. but he had
heard that ne was . stopping at Mrs.
Dersey's." He further informed me
that Mrs. Dorsey was a sort of literary
woman-that she was rich, and that her
residence was known as Beauvoir,"
and that for a consideration could Sc
cure transportation to he same. In
half hour was on the way.
| never had a more melancholy ride
than that which followed. The road led
through heavy pine forests. The tall,
brown trees rose straight and monoton-
Gus from drifts of white powdered sand
the moan OF the wind through their
tufted heads mingling strangely with
the swishing sound Of the waves OF the
yellow gulf as they rolled ceaselessly on
the beach. At almost every turn OF the
road we came upon old houses-of inn
posing size, character and surroundings,
but thoroughly dismsntled and DESC
late. Worm eaten and decayed piers
ran out into the water-roofless boat
and bathing houses were scattered along
the shore; broken down fences of fine
pattern barely limited the shape OF for
mer Enclosures. There were mansions
dead looking, deserted, with grass
growing on their very roofs; there were
stables and carriage houses, and
pigeon-cotcs all disused and ten
antless; handsome grounds choked up
with weeds and sand-drifts. Occasionally
there was sure 10 be seen some pert at
tempt at reclamation that only set of
the general desolation more wildly.
was travelling through strip Of coun-
try formerly one Of the most fashiona-
bic and celebrated. II was here in the
old days that the millionaires OF New
Orleans brought their friends and fam
lilies for the summer, having establish 4
ments here that in splendor and luxuri- /
Gus appointments equaled any thing to /
be found in this then prodigal land.
With the Gulf rolling 1T their feet; with 4
strong saline breezes driving the heat
waves back with the best OF surf-bath- \
ing, yachting, fishing and hunting, and
with society brilliant, well assured and
knit together by the memory Of half-a-
dozen generations. they had all that
they desired. learn that In the past
few years this gulf shore has regained
much Of its lost glory, and that songs
and laughter once more ill these desc
late houses, and yachts and sailing boats
once more speck the yellow waste Of
waters.
At length house OF noble proper
tons, situated on the crest Of match
less bit Of beach, approached by hand
some and well kept grounds, confront
ed me. Ny driver stopped and notified
me that this was where Mrs. Dorsey \
lived. A gentleman was sitting on the
piazza with large table, covered with
papers, by his side. A large dog was
coming down the walk, and turned to
look at the waves that curled up the
beach. The barking Of the dog
at the fence determined me to re-
main in distracted meditation on the
Gulf, until the gentleman, who my
driver contidentially informed the back
Of my head had started to meet me,
could reach the gate.
/" Did you wish to see any one, sirp"
A kind but grave voice, tall, slen-
der man, with brown hair and whiskers
tipping out gray, clear eyes, calm
brow, erect carriage, an indescribable
air Of dignity and sadness. There was
the first and last President Of the Con-
federate States Of america!
Upon presenting my credentials, Mr..
Davis welcomed me warmly, and shak-
ing my hand gravely, led the way to the
house. As we walked up the high,
broad steps Of the piazza small lady,
with black hair, worn as Mrs. HAYES
wears hers, and looking remarkably like
Mr. Mapv r. nrvop tha ant horace 30 49,,