The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1883-04-04
The Home of Jefferson Davis.
Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper

The Sunny South! How little can
those whose lives have fallen even in
pleasant places "due North" realize the
indehnable charm of the Sunny South;
its soft and caressing climate; its vivid
and wondrous vegetation; its peculiar
and attractive scenery; its wins0me and
gracious peoplel So new is it, vet so
old, so much of the polish of the dacien
regime, with just enough leayen of the
rush of the nineteenth century to add a
special and pungent piquancy. That
the South was dear, very dear to me,
goes without saying; that longed with
a precious yearning" to revisit it, an
abiding desire; and when the hour in my
busy life arrived that set me free for a
brief holiday ! realized how delightful
was the respite even though its dole of
days was OF niggard and paltry measure.
With the glamour of the Sunny South
upon me, its sunshine in my eyes, its
voices in my ears, its charm in my heart
with the recollection of my gracious
and all too flattering,reception, fragrant
as sweet blossoms in my mind--I feel
how little my pen can do, even in de-
scribing something of what | have seen
during the days that passed with such
memorable swiftness and can buIot down
the tlotsam and jetsam eddying upon the
now full tide Of my memory. Among
my most pleasurable "reminiscences a
visit to Beauvoir, the stately home of
Jefferson Davis, is cut in boldest relief.
\
Beauvoir is stately mansion, remind
ing one of an old English home. 1t is
approached by an avenue Of superb and
venerable trees. At the gate, in spirit
of true Southern courtesy, Mrs Jefferson
Davis awaited us. Mrs. Davis is statues
que and stately Her elegantly shaped
head sits upon her shoulders as though
chiseled by PhiGias. 1t is so exquisitely
poised that one cannot refrain from gaz
ing, while her every movement is the
approximation of dignity and grace
A rich mass of hair, whitened, alas not
(, by the hand of time, is wound in mas
sive coil at the back of the beautiful
head. Her figure is stately and the
close-ftting black dress, with its Wat
teau plaits, chung to her form as though
to caress it. She wore no ornaments
whatever, save the circle of gold on heI
fine and shapely hand. Her manner i,
80 winsome as to completely absorb one
and as we walked up to the mahor-house
beneath the arching boughs of lordly tree
that stood like sentinels presenting arm
as we passed, felt its fascination to thu
full. Ascending steep flight of stept
we were ushered into the reception
room, an apartment at once as elegant a.
it is coy. A bright log fire smiled a
us, and great easy-chairs received III
with open arms, Miniatures of many
generations gazed at us from the walls
; and books, old and new, were at GU
beck. Pictures and portfolios, dainty
bits Of work, and all the costly knick
knackeries that bespeak refinement anC
culture blossomed in this charming OLE
; room, and, as if to complete the picture
huge, shaggy Newfoundland dog be
| fore the fire sprawled, who even in sleeI
ever and anon wagged his bushy tail 70
; very hospitality. Mr.. Davis marie,
daugter is on visit to Beauvoir-th
electric lights in the household-her tw'
beautiful children.
After a delightful chat, Mrs. Davis vol
unteered to show us her husbands stud,
! --Ltt NOTkSuUJ III WHICH llC IhIHOd vi
History Of the War"-and in which h,
passes so much of his waking hours
This sanctum is verandied building
: with a conical roof, standing apart from
! the manor-house and in the midst o
= magnificent trees. The interior pre-
SCENTS all the rude reality that actua
work ever imparts, and is lined with tw,
tiers of books. Everywhere are evi
dences of jeff Davis individuality il
the form of pictures and statuettes. Nh
= Davis will not permit any profane hand
here, and everything must remain as h
n leaves it. While he is closeted in hi
sanctum no one may disturb him. Thi
law is Draconian. Mrs. Davis almos
! apologized for the condition of TIL
grounds, which were quite enNeshabiH,
J owing to the difficulty of procuring
y labor. Beauvoir, as is known, was tn
gift to Jefferson Davis from an arden
= admirer, and a right lordly gift it was
I OF my reception at Beauvoir | may no
;, speak more. The sweetest and graciou
: words Mrs. Davis spoke to me, whe
: claiming me as Southerner, found thoi
. abiding-place. They dwell in my hear
= with the recollections of this Gueenl
: lady and Of beautiful Beauvoir.