The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1884-12-24

ed into walks, drives and terraces from
base to summit. Borders are fringed
with evergreens. Cedars, pines, and mag
nolias have been artistically planted.
The plats and terraces are sodded with
1 Bermuda and clover, which form car
/ pet as plant as heart could wish.
Here rest the remains of 900 L. s
soldiers. Neat marble headstones mark
( the spot under which each lies. Huge
cannon, standing perpendicularly, (may
an cannon, ever so stand and point y
grimly guard the dust Of the dead
! Hhue wandering about amidst these
/ scenes we met the daughter of the Su-
/ penntendent, a very intelligent and
pleasant young lady, who related
many interesting facts about the Gene
/ terry. la return an old Confederate
| naturally INDUCED in memories suggest
/ ed by the hills and ravines Of Nicksburg
/ Truly as ! survey this imposing scene,
! DO | realize the sin of war, and the folly
! Of sectional extremes and party spirit.
l iegi naught but respect and charity
/ Tor these innocent victims of untoward
circumstances. All who were actors on
the stage between 1861 and 1865 were
merely IN the track of mighty politico-
tanatical cyclone, which had been gath
erng It's destructive elements for fifty
/ years. While / admire the motive that
/ prompts the YictOrs TO create and per
[ petudte this monument to the sacrifices
/ Of the Union soldiers, at the same time
/ l feel that it would be a graceful and
becoming exponent of the true spirit of
reconstruction and reconciliation, were
similar cemeteries provided and kept up
tor GH who fell in that fratricidal strife
/ Equally honest and sincere: equally
blinded and misguided mutually the
victims Of their times aud environments.
their memory and yalor should be equal
| Iy revered, and faithfully transmitted.
rs a common heritage, to future ages.
I When you 20 10 Eicksburg do not fail
% visit the National Cemetery.
After pleasant day in the Hill City,
we took the
ELEGANT STEAMER NATCHEz
10 complete our journey. Of all modes
of ira el that by palatial steamer is
the most luxurious. As a country par
son gazes down the splendid saloon,
brilliant, sparkling and enchanting IS
fairy dream, he forgets his humble
abode, and feels as grand as prince.
On our arrival at Somerset, on Lake
Palmyra, ] learned that
HON. JEFFERSON DAVIS
vas at his old home. ! had long desir-
ed to form bis acquaintance and to pay
my respects to him personally. Having
been from boy Of his political faith,
aud having long respected and admired
him as the greatest of living statesmen.
gladly ayaiIed myself of so favorable
an opportunity 10 make him visit.
On beautiful day in November. Col.
Bedford, Of Vicksburg, and myself were
warmly welcomed by the Ex-President
Of the Southern Confederacv. Bv his
pleasant greeting and kindly manner.
sir. Davis made his visitors at once feel
at ease. ! was pleased to find him in
good health, and quite active, wearing
gracefully the burden of 76 years. Our
conversation took a wide range. from
the smallest to the greatest affairs.
Whatever topic was suggested. he was
ready with views and comments, oriri-
nal and foTcible. Could all the citizens
Of the North, and not a few of the
South, pass even one hour in the com
pany of this quiet, considerate, and
iegant christian gentleman, it would
disabuse their minds of the horrible
ogre that is conjured up by the mere
mention of the name of jeff Davis.
His serenity in the midst of persecu-
tion; his resignation and tranquility in
defcat, and yengeful disfranchisement
mark him rs a philosopher. While his
speeches and State papers, furnish the
finest specimens Of civic literature, | am
a pains tospeak thus, because desire our
young men to view Jefferson Davis and
the Lost Cause in his and its true char
acter. Let me, then, emphasize that Mr.
Davis is not a monster, with horns,
tushes and club feetl No more were he
aud his colaborers rebels, traitors, or
c0nspirators! Young men of 1884, let
me say 10 you, that the use of these
opprobrious epithets ard their their APP
pIcati0n to MIR. Davis, or his adherents,
merely betrays the stupid ignorance, or
veuemoUs. murderous malignity of those
who employ them. Please read laws.
history, speeches, editorials, and look at
pictures in the light of this truth! Your
fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters
were not rebels or traitors, but were, in
every worthy element, the peers of the
noblest manhood and womanhood
Where Davis, Lee, Johnston, Breckin-
ridge and Polk led, none need blush to
have fOl}olced!
But says some curious reader, "What
about the wedding| You have travelled
long ways geographically and chrono,
logically, but no orange blossoms, or
bridescake yetw Well, the wedding
came of at the appointed time, and
everything passed of as merrily as a
marriage bell The bride was elegant
ly attired, and looked lovely and beau
pful, as she really is at all times, and
the groom looked as manly and hand
some as a (cooa) possibly could. In
clear tones they pledged themselves to
each other; friends congratulated them;
the young people evinced their Joy by
tripping the light, fantastic toe; and
/ finally, all partook of bountiful feast.
/ Our mission ended, we betook our
selves by rail to our retired nook, from
which the writer wishes all parsons and
pedagogues as pleasant trip, as kindly
I greeting, and enjoyable vocation as
! that of their humble servant.
J. w. II.
PALo Afro, Mrss., Dec. -. 1884.