Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-08-09

A Letter from JeH Davis In Which he
INDUCES in Sentiment and Historical
"Reminiscences


A Letter from JEFF Davis in Which he
INDUCES in Sentiment and Historical
"Reminiscences.
DALLAS, Aug. 6.-Nearly twenty yete-
ran organizations are represented at the
ex-Confederate reunion here to-day. They
have camps and headquarters on the
ground at Long Lake. THERE'S also a spe-
cial headquarters for ex-Union soldiers,
and the most fraternal relations are mani
tested by the survivors of the two armies.
This morning there were fully 1000
men in camp, and the city was
packed with visitors. The number at the
grounds this afternoon and tonight Is
variously estimated at from $4,000 to 2O,-
600. Col. c.. S. Mitchell, President of the
Ex-COnfederate Association, delivered the
address of welcome, which was responded
to by Gov. Ireland. Most strenuous ef-
forts were made to secure the presence OF
Mr.. Jefferson Davis, the society going so
far as to place special train and palace
car at his disposal, but at his age-t6
years-his friends feared that the excite
ment of the meeting would prove fatal 10
him, and he was prevailed upon to remain
away. He sent the following letter:
BEAUvoIR, MISS, July 29, 1884.
Major John r. Elliott:
My DEAR SIR have received yours OF July
IS, and the renewed invitation TO attend the
reunion in Texas of the old settlers ana eA-
Confederates intensIties 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 reVo-
luton and admission as an independent state
Of the Union have watched your progress ana
development with the hope and expectation
Texas WOnid
destiny, the Empire state OF the American
Union. Her vast territory, with corre-
spending variety of climate, soil, mineral, ana
agricultural productions, form sold
basis for such anticipation, should her
territory remain undivided. 1t was
with such hopes for her future that In
the official position to which l refer L
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 parallel
of 80 degrees 80 minutes there yet remains
enough TO Justify the expectation alluded to
above. The expansion of cultivation has no
doubt changed the appearance of the country,
substituting the useful OF agricultural man
for the beautiful of nature. Years ago, in its
wilder state, | went over wldespreadlng
plains, carpeted with prlmroses, while here
and there rose isolated groves OF sturdy OAKS,
and felt the charm OF scene where nature
had, on a scale too grand for mans imitation,
laid out parks replete with beauty. But the
most cherished memory is that OF the cordial,
hearted sons of Texas. Thereafter l have
said, a Texan instead of a Highland welcome
the wide world over.
The approaching reunion is to bring together
the men whose friendships were formed in
camp, and which have the sure, enduring
foundation of haYing been cemented under
the severe tests of toll, priyatlon, suffering,
and danger, by which all that Is weak or
meanly selfish is exposed. Happy, indeed,
must such a reunion be. From afar | send
you my warmest congratulations. OF the
hardy old settlers who, against desperate odds,
won the battles of the war for independence,
of the veterans who served in the war with
Mexico, how few, all weak and withered, Of
their force wait on the verge of the dark eter-
nifty. The Romans gave to Great Britain and
to the United States the basis of the military
establishments Of three peoples who here at
tanned to the highest degree Of military glory,
and it was a rule among Romans richly to re-
ward the Generals when returning successful
from q foreign war. but never TO grant TIL
umph for a victory won in interneclne strife.
With us the rule has been reversed, and the
veterans Of the war with Mexico have been
the subjects of special discrimination.
During the progress of the Texas revolution
a distinguished officer left the United States
army and went unheralded to JOIN the strug-
Cling Texans, and entered their service as
private. His ability and his reputation at
tracted notice, and step by step he rose to the
command of one of her armies. Baptized in
her service, he became her adopted son. When
the war occurred between the United States
and Mexico he led a regiment of Texans to
join the army of the Rio Grande. Thus he
was both an old settler and a veteran Of the
war with Mexico. He subsequently re-
entered the army of the United States, of
which he was a Brevet Brigadier General.
When Texas seeded from the Union and war
was lnaugurated between the states, true to
his allegiance to his adopted mother and SOW
eregn. he left the army of the United states
and offered his sword to the COnfederacy.
When comm anding a Confederate army in one
of the great battles of the war and victory was
within his immediate grasp he fell mOrtally
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 devOtee 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 Johnston All that was mortal
of that hero repOses IN the soil of the land
he loved. Generously patriotic, Louisiana is
constructing an equestrian statue to his men,
orv, tribute twice blessed.
From that portion of the State in which
your reunion is to be held. there came to the
army in Mexico Col. Woods regiment Of cav
airy. was closely associated with them on
a critical occasion in the attack on Monterey.
Should any of the survivors be with you,
please present my traternal greeting to them.
Rocked in the cradle of revolution, the his
tory of Texas is full of heroic deeds, from the
self sacrificing hand Of the Alamo, who gave
to their state their example of how men
should dare and die to protect the helpless, to
the defense of Sabin Pass, which, for intre-
pidity and extraordinary success, must,
think, be admitted to have no parallel in the
annals of ancient or modern warfare. Texas
is now boldly striding onward in the con-
quests of peace, and l cannot wish for her a
brighter future than that in agricultural.
mining, manufacturing educational, social,
and religious efforts, she may gather wreaths
of oak worthy to mingle with the fadeless
laurel that decks her brow. Deprived of the
happiness of meeting, probably for the last
time, the old settlers and eX-COnfederates in
their reunion, of receiving the friendly well
come and feeling the warm grasp of their
hands, l send to them my earnest prayer that
''every good and perfect gift may be vouch-
safed to them, and remain faithfully,
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
The name of MIR. Davis was enthusiastic
cally cheered, and his absence produced
deep regret, as many came long distances
expecting to meet him.