Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-10-10
Extracts from "a Letter from 1r. Davis
TO Hon. james Lyons.
NEW ORLEANS, january -, 1876.

don. James Lyons:
Ny Dear nd.-YOur very kind letter
q the 18th instant was for Harde1 from
Memphis, and has been received ut this
place.
have been so long the object OF mali :,
nant SANDER and the subject Of unsrrupu-
Ous falsehOod by pnrtisans OF the class OF
Mr.. Blaine that, though | cannot say it has
become to me a matter Of Indifference. it
has ceased 10 excite my surprise, even IN
this instance. when IL rc1chcst extremity
II accusing me OF cruelty 10 prisoners.
What matters it to one whose object il per-
sona and private advantage that the r.
cords. both Federal and Confederate, dis.
prove TIE charge; that the country il full
81 Witnesses who bear oral testimony
against il, and that the effort 10 revive the
bitter animOstics OF the war Ob,truc.S the
progress toward the reconciliation Of tn,
sections? II is enough for him II his self
seeking purpose be promoted.
Ii would, however. seem probable that
such expectations must be disappointed.
for only those who are wiiully blind can
fail TO see in the circumstances OF the cjsc
the falacy OF Mr.. Biaines statements. The
published fact OF an attempt 10 subOrn
Wiz. when under sentence Of death. by
promising him pardon II he would crimi-
nate ne in regard 10 the AnderSOnyllle
prisoners is cOncl lsiye ~ 10 the wish II
the Government TO make such charge
against me, and the failure TO do 80 show,
tnat nothing could be found TO sust lin il.
May ne not say the evidence OF my limo.
sence was such that Holt and ConoVer,
with their trained band OF suborncl wit
nesscs, dared not make against me this
charge-tEe same which WirZ. for his life.
would not make. but which Blaine. for tho
presidential nomination, has made;
This foul accusation, though directed
specially against me, was no doubt intend
ed as, and naturally must he, the arraign-
menl Of the south. by whose authority and
IN whose behalf my deeds were done. 1t
may lie presumed that the feelings and the
habits OF the southern soldiers were under
stood by ME, and in that connection any
fair mind would perceive in my congratu-
latory orders TO the army after victory,
in which the troops Were most commended
fol their tenderness and generosity 10 the
wounded and other captIVe., as well the
instincts OF the person who issued the
order as the knightly temper OF the sol
diers to whom 1t was addressed. Il Is adj
mitted that the prisoners in our hands were
not Is well provided for rs we would. but
il l. claimed that we did rs well for them
as we could. Can the other side say as
muchY
Under the mellOwiDg influence OF time
and occasional demonstrations At the North
OF desire for the restoration OF p,ace and
good WILL the southern people have forgot
ten much-haye forgiven much-of the
wrongs they bore. II II be less so among
their invaders, It is but another eXample OF
the rule that the wrong-doer il less able TO
forgive than be who has suffered csuseless
wrong. III Il not, however. generally
among those who brayed the hazards OF
battle that unreienting ylndictiyeness il 10
be found. The brave are generous and
gentle. III Is the skulkers OF the field-the
Blaines-who display their flag. on an un.
tented ntid. They made no sacrifice 10
prevent the separation Of the States. WHY
should they be expected TO promote the
confidence and goodwill essential TO their
union!
When closely confined at Fortress Mon.
roe was solicited to add nv name 10 those
OF many esteemed gentlemen who had
signed petition for my pardon, and an
assurance was given that on my doing so
the President would order my liberation.
Confident OF the justice OF our cause and
the resli;ude OF my own conduct, I de-
clined 10 sign the petition, and remained
subject TO the inexcusabls privations and
fortunes which DIR. Craven has bnt family
described. When, after two years Of close
confinement, | was admitted TO bail. AZ
often as required l appeared for trial under
the indictment found against me, but In
which Mr.. Blaine's dctions do not appear.
The Indictment was finally quashed on no
application Of mine, nor have I ever eyaded
or avoided trial upon any charge the
General Government might choose 70
bring against me, and have no view OF the
future which makes 1t desirable to me 10 be
included In an amnesty bill.
am, respectfully and truly. your friend,
JErssRsoS DAVIS.