The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1884-08-13
Texas Confederates HI. Davis Let.


a grand reunion of the old settlers
and ex-Confederate soldiers was begun
at Dallas, Texas, on the 9th inst. The
attendance on the first. day was esti-
mated at 10000, The public buildings
and many Of the business houses and
residences were decorated, and the city
presented d gaia appearance. Anotable
feature of the first days exercises was
the reading of the following beautiful
and scholarly letter:
BEAUy1oR. Mrs, July 2e.-Maj. john
F. Elicit: Ny DEAR SIR have receiv-
ed yours of the 18th inst, and the renewed
invitation to attend the reunion in Texas of
the old settlers and -Confederates inten-
SITES the regret heretofore expressed at my
inability to be present on that occasion.
The very gratifying terms OF your letter
revives the grateful recollection of the
many manifestations of the kind regard OF
your people. From the date of your rev.
olution and admission as an independent
State OF the Union have watched your
progress and development with the hope
and expectation that Texas would be in
the fulfllment of her destiny the empire
State of the American Union. Her yast'terri
tory, with a corresponding variety OF climate.
soil, material and agricultural product
ions, form a solid basis for such anticipa-
ton should her territory remain undivided.
1t was with such hopes for her future that
in the official position to which / refer
resisted the transfer of the northern portion
OF the State to the public domain Of the
United States; but shorn of that portion of
her territory which was north Of the par
allel of 81 deg. 80 seconds, there yet re-
mains enough to Justify the expectation
alluded to above. The expansion of cul-
tiyation has no doubt changed the appear
ance of the country, substituting the useful
of agriculture for the beautiful of nature.
Years age, In its wilder state, | went over
the wide. spreading plains carpeted with
primroses, while here and there rose isolated
groves of sturdy oaks, and felt the charm
OF a scene where nature had on scale too
grand for mans imitation laid out parks
replete with beauty; but the most cherish
ed memory is that of the cordial, uncon-
ventional welcome OF the gallant, free
hearted sons of Texas. Therefore l have
said Texan instead of a Highland vel
come" the underworld Ger. The approach
ing reunion is to bring together the men
whose friendships were formed in camp,
and which have the sure enduring founda-
ton OF having been cemented under the
severest tests OF toll, priyation, suffering
and danger, by which all that is weak or
meanly selfish is exposed. Happy indeed
must such reunion be, and from afar
send YOU my warmest congratulations. OF
the hardy old settlers who against desper-
ate odds won the battle of the war for in
dependence-of the veterans who served in
the war with Mexico, how few, all weak
and withered their force, wait on the verge
of dark eternity The Romans gave to
Great Britain and to the United States in
the rules and articles of war the basis OF
the military establishments Of three peoples
who have attained to the highest degree of
militaryiglory, and it was rule among the
Romans richly to reward their generals
when returning successful from foreign
war, but never to grant triumph for a
victory won in internecine strife. With
us the rule has been reversed, and the vet
Grams OF the war with Mexico have been
the subjects of special discrimination.
During the progress of the Texan revo-
States army, went unheralded to join the
struggling Texans and entered their service
as private His ability as well as his
reputation attracted notice, and step BY
step he rose to the command of one of her
armies. Baptized in her service he be-
came her adopted son. When the war oc
cured between the Uuited States and Mex
leo he led regiment OF Texans to Join the
Army of the Rio Grande. Thus he was both
an cold settler and veteran of the war
with Mexico He subsequently re-enter-
ed the Army OF the Cuited States. OF which
he was a brevet Brigadier General when
Texas seeded from the Union and war was
inaugurated between the States. True to
his allegiance to his adopted mother and
sovereign, he left the army Of the United
States and offered his sword to the Cenfed-
eracy. When commanding a Confederate
army in one of the great battles of the war
and victory was within his grasp, he fell
mortalIy wounded and died upon the field.
Great in council as in action, faithful in
every relation of life, he died as he had
lived, the deyotee to duty, and left behind
him the good name which gives grace and
perpetuity to glory. Need it be said to
Texans that refer to Albert Sidney John
ston? All that was mortal of that hero
reposes in the soil of the land he loved.
Generously patriotic Louisiana is creating
an equestarian statue to his memory. a
tribute twice blessed.
From that portion OF the State in which
yoIr reunion is to be held, there came to
the army in Mexico Col. Woods regiment
of cavalry. | was closely associated with
them on a critical occasion in the attack
on Monterey. Should any of the suryi-
vors be with you please present my frater-
nal greetings to them. Rocked in the era
die OF revolution the history of Texas is
full of heroic deeds, from the self-sacrifcing
band of the Alamo, who gave to their
State the example of how men should dare |
and die to protect the helpless. to the de- |
Tense of Sabine Pass, which for intrepidity |
and extraordinary success must, / think, |
be admitted to have no parallel in the |
annals of ancient or modern warfare. |
Texas is now boldly striding EDWARDS in
the conquest of peace, and can not wish
for her a brighter future than that in
agricultural, mining, manufacturing, edu-
social and religious efforts, she
may gather Wreaths of oak worthy to min
gle with the fadeless laurel that decks her
brow. Deprived of the happiness of meet
ing probably for the last time the old set
Tiers and ex-Confederates in their re-
union, of receiving the friendly welcome,
feeling the warm grasp of their hands, /
send to them my earnest prayer that every
good and perfect gift may be vouchsafed
% them, and remain faithfully yours
fSigned) JEFFERSON DAVIS.