The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1886-04-29
disquisi!iou on the various breeds Of

disquisi!ion on the various oreeds ol
hunting dogs, their qualities and charae.
teristics, the modes of training them, and
their value for different purposes. Col.
Ogden's friend Nick, pretty drunk, had
entered the room during the talking. and
learning who this marvellous discourser
on dogs was. had listened in open eyed
and open mouthed amazement, and at
last swept away by his enthusiasm,
rushed up TO Mr.. Davis, and sticking out
his huge, grimy hand, exclaimed in tones
that could be heard quarter of mile: ::
by gum, sir, Mr.. Davis, I want to shake
hands with you! I'll be damned if you
amt the greatest man I ever seed, sir!
By gum, sir, man that knows more
about dogs than me an Col. Ogden is
the greatest man in the world, sir! He's
bigger than George Washington an Ma
poeon Bonaparte, sir! Mr.. Davis, l
want you to come out tony place an
stay a week, an it shan't cost you cent,
sir; not damn cent, sir sBy gum, Mr..
Davis, you're jist the man we want for
Governor, sir A man that knows as
much about dogs as you do could beat all
bell, sirT
"And Nick, l understand, is still solid
for Mr.. Davis, first, last, and all the time
for Governor Of Mississippi, louisiana
or any other State into which his rough
diamond admirers nomadic pursuits may
take him
II could fill small volume with the
entertaining "reminiscences and anecdotes
which made memorably pleasant an
afternoon of clumsy amateur races, with
unframed plug horses and young society
men as the material; but one more,
containing a scrap of never-before.pub
lished Confederate secret history, is all |
have time to give. A gentleman of the
party, who has for many years been one
of the most intimate friends of Mr.. Davia,
told me that the Confederate ex-President
once declared to him that he considered
Albert Sidney Johnston the greatest man
he had ever known. He regarded him as
the greatest in every respect. He thought,
if he had adopted statecraft as profess,
ion, he would have been the greatest
statesman of his age; if he had chosen
art, he would have been the greatest
artist; if science, the greatest scientist !;
if law, the greatest lawyer. Asa soldier,
he had no peer on either side during the
war, if he ever had in American history.
Mr.. Davis added so great, so absolute
was my confidence in his abilities, that,
on one occasion during our struggle, l
rendered my resignation as President of
the Confederacy to my Cabinet, provided
they would put Gen. Johnston in my
place.
"Does this not put somewhat new
face on many of the current impressions
of jeff Davis's character? Does it not
materially change the prevalent idea of
his ruthless sel6shncss and ambition, and
show him ready to sacrifice himself for
the sake of his section and people !?
Whatever may be the verdict of history
as to his patriotism, I must say can see
no difference in that respect between him
and many men who now hold seats in the
United States Senate and House of
Representatives, Judgeships in United
States Courts and commissions as United
States ministers to foreign Governments.
They all fought and failed in the same
cause.
"However the future may write him
down, one thing is certain: This coun'
try has produced few more brilliant and
accomplished men, and no more instruct
i've and delightful companion for an
afternoon of tiresome races"