Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-12-18
Memorial Service of Hon. jefferson Davis
in st. Paul's Episcopal Church
in Richmond.


FORMERLY RECTOR OF THAT CHURCH.
On Wednesday, the 18th inst, simulta-
neously with the impressive ceremonies at
tending the burial of Hon. Jefferson Davis
aE Kew Orleans, memorial services we're
held in the churches Of Richmond, all de-
nominations of professionals participating as
did also the Catholics. The address at st.
Paul's Episcopal church, in which Mr.. Da-
Wis was confirmed and which he regularly
attended. and in which he coIamuued,
whilst be resided in Richmond during the
war was delivered by Rsv. DR.. Minuige-
rode who was at that time the Rector of
that church. He knew Mr.. Davis intimate
ly, moro SO probably than any one else not
a member of his family, and his address is
of deep interest, and should be read by all.
THE ADDRESS.
DR.. Minnigsrode said that the first time
he ever saw President Davis was when the
latter arrived here from Montgomery and
stopped at the Spotswood Hotel. The &C
onaintance grew into friendly intercourse,
u
last time the Doctor saw him was in Allan
ta.
"My wife and ~ said lie, s!gent there
on a visit, not knowing that it was to De toe
dav Of the unwilling of the statue of Hon.
B. 81. Hill, on which occasion Mr.. Davis
delivered the Grafton. We arrived too lats
to hear him speak, but" said Dr.. Minnige-
rode. az called on him in the afternoon,
and upon giving nay parue at the door the
lady tIshered ne without ceremony into
Mr.. Davis's room. When he looked up and
saw me he sprang from the sofa and clasp
ed me- in his arms"
sit was al hour never to be forgotten,
said the Doctor
Upon parting Mr.. Davis expressed the
fear that they would never meet again oa
earth.
THE PLAIN TRUTH.
The Doctor expressed his gratitude that
he had been called upon to deliver this ad-
dress, He felt sure that no flowers of rhet-
oric were expected from him; but only that
in his humble position lie should lay
wreath of loving remembrance upon bis
friends tomb.
Dr.. Minnigerode believed that his friend
bad obtained a crown brighter than earth
can give, and he paid lofty tri )ute to Mr..
Davis's Christian oharaftor, speaking es
pecially OF his purity and gentleuess and
bis undying love to his neighbor; beginning
with his WI family and extending through
al gradations.
70 RIRE-EATER,
People, said Or. Minnigerodo, had often
misunderstood Mr. Davis very .auah. He
lad been spoken of as ga fire eater" Mr
Davis did not deserve that name, said the
Doc'or unless it meant firmness. trathful-
ness cnnsoientiousness He was DO bravo
90, he vas NJ deDlagogue. He yielded
to the last necessity in eonseuting to seces
sion. He was naturally gentle. Con
science rnled him supremacy.
HIS LOVE FOR RICHMOND.
There is reason to believe, said the Dec
,or. that Mr. Davis's love and affection for
Richmond prevented him from giving up
his CO pital city in time successfully to meet
he enemy in the open feld.
Oar isndship, said DIR. Minnigerode, es-
tao isheS pleasant intercourse between us,
but never used that privilege to NEEDLE
with the affairs of the country, sSili lees FOR
private purposes. At the time of the sec
ond Inauguration, however, said the speak
err, I besoue ht him to call upon Goo in good
earnest. | wrote that the character of the
rnler was apt to become the pattern of the
sopie. tTr Davis never answered my let
Ter bat he did What asked him to do.
RETALIATION,
Again. when our people were disturbed
b. some outrageous act of the enemy and
were clamoring for retaliation, l. talked
With him tremendously, and be said: ST
our enern es DO wrong that is no excuse for
our doirg Wrona."
All of the following 's il Pr. Ninnige-
rode's own language:
BECOMES CHRISTIAN,
About this time he united himself with
the Church. Oar intercourse had become
more freonent and sasnel more and more
on the subject of religion; and by mas wile'c
ID vice / went to see him on the subject az
81 al1ns..se;ur Christ. II met me more than
40 T. gted his desire TO do So
half way, s-stR tf4F gattfh. that lie
aud unite himse. : als ,,.s5dsE
must be Christian ne few ,
soul. He spoke very earnestly and muss
humbly of needing the cleansing blood Of