Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-12-07
JUDGE cAMpseLL's OPINION.
The Only Survivor of President Pieree's
Cabinet.
lBy telegraph 10 The Dispatch.l

PHILADELPHIA. December6. Judge James
Campbell, who since the death OF Jefferson
Davis il the only surviving member or
President PicrCe's Cabinet, to-day DIS
cussed tho character and abilities Of the
deceased ex-President Of the Southern
Confederacy.
II knew him perfectly WELL" said the
Judge, referring TO Mr.. Davis. He and /
were associated together on the most init:
mate terms for four years as members or
President Pierce's Cabinet. | first met Mr..
Davis when President Pierce invited US 10
become members of his Cabinet. In oil my
life never met a man that impressed me
more than he did. He was firm and un-
yielding. yet Of a social aud genial DISPOSE
ton, trustful honorable. and honest: no.
body could mistake him. He was kind
husband and an indulgent father, and
loved his home so well that he preferred to
neglect his social duties to remain at his
fireside with his family"
He was an able man and made an admi-
rable Secretary OF War. His counsel IN
the Cabinet was marked with wisdom aud
good sense. He had strong likes aud dis,
likes. and of course was q pronounced
slavery-man, holding the views of John 1.
Calhoun as TO the rights of State.
He had broad education and consider
able literary taste. with q leaning to his
torical research. especially IN reference 70
America. l heard him once discuss medt
cines. describing their effect and character
as well as a doctor.
We had no discussion in the Cabinet on
the slavery question. as President Pierce
forbade it, but we felt that II Fremont was
elected TO succeed Pierce there would be
trouble throughout the country. The
Pierce Administration, therefore. bent all
their energies for the election of Buchanan,
not because we loved him. but he WAS an
old. conservative man, in whose hands the
country would be safe.
] never met Mir. Davis after Buchanan's
Inauguration until the summer OF 1860. tie
had been 70 West Point on official business
aud stopped in Philadelphia on his way
back TO see me in regard TO the presiden-
tial campaign. | was anxious 10 see hlm'
as was DESTROYS 10 prevent any outbreak
in the South that might follow the
election of Lincoln. We had formed an
amalgamated electoral ticket for both
Douglass and Breckinridge and Mr..
Davis had an idea that the Demo-
Gratis would succeed in this State. We
met in the parloroi the Continental Hotel
and had an hours talk. IUndeceiyed HIM,
giving him lengthy reasons why the Demo-
Gratis would not win. | told him that LIN
coin would carry PENNSYLVANIA and would
be the next President. lie was dumfOund-
ed and said he expected better news. lie,
however, said no never knew me 70 be de-
ceived and believed what said. | then
asked them: What are YOU men IN the
South going 20 10 If Lincoln is elected {:
Let me advise you to stand firm. You
will have the Senate aud House aud Lin
coin can do nothing. lie listened to me
cravelv and attentlyely, but said nothing.
Now, let me make a prophecy, Icontinued.
If YOU permit Lincoln TO serve his
term out l pledge my life that bis sue
cessor will be democrat. Mr.. Davis, after
moments study, looked UP and said:
Campbell. I love this old Union. My father
died for 10, but suppose You were among
our people in the South. You cannot he
Gin 10 estimate the bitterness of feeling
already engendered, which will increase IN
the event of Liucoln's election. Mrs.
Davis came in about that time, carrying a
carpet-bag. and az the coach was ready 60
start we parted 1 never saw him since.
The war broke ont. and ! was always war
Democrat and desired with all my heart tho
suppression of the rebellion and the re-
stOration Of the Union.