Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-10-03
were Dsvi. aad Tyler Conspirs,ors9


were Davis aad Tyler ConspirstOrs?
To the Editor of the Dispatch &:
The letter Of President Davis in reply
to the charges Of John Sherman that the
late war between the States was the
outcome Of a clsndestine conspiracy
on the part Of Mr.. Davis and other
Southern leaders should be convincing
enough in its vindication Of the purity
Of motive of the Southern people.
1t is a well.known fact that Virgini,
did every thing that she could do con-
sistently to avs.t & destruction Of the
Union-s contingency which was
viewed with the utmost horror and
dread by her people.
President ~ Ter, the protector OF the
futile Peace Conference, aud who pre-
SIDED over its deliberations, hopeless Of
the restoration of smity between the
North and South, voted for the ordi.
uarce Of secession, and dutifully fol-
lowed the fortunes Of his native State.
Anything from the pen Of Mr.. Davis,
he embodied representative of tho
sreat southern struggle, finds peculiar
interest in the minds, not only of
eouthcru, but Of most readers. This
evident intimate knowledge Of the in
lrirtic character Of Mr. Tyler-the FORE
most leader in Virginia at the critical
iuncture menaciDg her relations in tho
t'nion--ss portrayed in this letter. is,
and should be, regarded az conclusive
testimony TO the exalted character and
pure motives Of Mr.. Tyler, which we're
Incompatible with the Vaccinations Of
secret conspiIstor:
BEAUvoIR, Miss, Aug 5, 1856.
Lg0a c. Tyler, Esq:
My Dear Sir was very thankful
70 YOU for the volumes you sent ire re-
syecting your father aud grandfather.
III health and q desire to read before
writing have delayed nay prompt ac-
acknowledgement. The work is cOusid-
cred by he Of grest value as Supplying
much hat vas wanting Of oar early
history. Your father was greatly es-
'eemsd and admired by me, ss well for
bis strict consclentiousness, his extra.
ordinary talent. and graceful accom-
ulishuents. His conduct in regard to
me United States Bank, which was the
subject Of complaint by some members
Of his party, furnished the highest evil
Ience of faithful adherence TO princi.
lie. | well remember when he ap.
neared before a committee Of investiga-
ton of which | was a member, and
which was directed to inquire into the
conduct of Mr.. Webster when Sec
retaIy Of State, 10 regard to the
use Of the secret.service fund, that the
ex-President declined the offer Of the
book containing the list Of the warrants
Drawn against that fund, saying that ne
Was willing TO state all which he could
remember, but did not desire any AID
% his memory. lie then recited the
warrants drawn, giving the name and
amounts in each case, and thus covered
all which the record contained. 1t
seemed to me such an extraordinary
exhibition Of memory that took occa-
sion to remark upon 1t, hen he modest
ly replied that, supposing those dis
6ursements would never be inquired
into, he had felt more than the ordinary
weight of responsibility in regard to
hem, and could not probably have SO
we'll remembered the expenditure OF
any other fund. Thus did no exhibit q
conscientious integrity more conmends-
bic even than his memory.
Asan extemporaneous speaker, re-
gard him IS the most felicitous among
the orators have known. To his son and
successful biogrspher, it may not De un-
acceptable to relate an incidentinsupport
Of the opinion | have just expressed.
Once, when on my way to Washington
city the steamboat on which wastravel-
ling landed at Cincinnati. Mr.. Tyler was
in the city; heard | was at the landing
and unable to 60 ashore, being on
crutches from q wound received In
Mexico, and kindly came on board the
boat to see me found there numosr
Of persons who had preceded him aud to
whom he was personally unknown. In
being introduced to thsm he WAS ad'
dressed by the spokesman in conpll-
msn,ary manner. He replied SO felici-
tously, that had it been possible to sup,
pose that the address was anticipated
by him, it might we'll have been con-
cluded that the reply had been pre-
pared.
Twas warmly attached to your father
and have not failed to remember the
gallantry and devotion of his sons in
defence Of the South as worthy Of their
Lineage. With sincere regard, believe
me Very truly yours.
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
"A Hfsfas4 X