Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-12-07
PERSONAL "REMINISCENCES.
Jefferson Davis, the Christian Soldier
Statesman, and PatriOt-By Rev. j.
william Jones.
Special telegram TO the Dispatoh.I

INIeflNi telegram 10 iur Di-iht' III
ATLANTA. GA. DecembCr G.-1he death
OF an old man who has more than hyod out
his f0ur-scOre years would ordinarily eN-
cite but a passing interest. But the death
of this great man who for 50 many years
was a prominent figure III American his
tory. who was q born leader of men, who
has been a central figure IN the most stir-
ring events ever enacted on this CONT
nent. and who has borne himself a. grand
ly in peace as in war, in the shades ot re-
tirement az in the busting activities q
public life-the death of such a man Will
attract universal attention. elicit general
comment, and recall incidents OF interest
not only IN this country, but IN the civil
lZed " orld as well.
Other pens viii give detailed sketches ot
his eyentful life, be II mine only 20 recall
here some personal "reminiscences OF he
man as knew him, and hon0red him, and
loved him. ana 20 give brief outline OF
his character which was well worthy Of the
careful study and imitation OF our young
men.
1T FIRST MANASSAS.
I first saw President Davis on the field ot
First Manassas. Having the honor OF beng
at that time high private in the rear
rank" Of the famous old Ihirtoenth Nir-
ginia regiment, which Gn the brigade
Commanded first by Kirby Smith. and
after he was wounded by Colonel Arnold
Elzey) came on the field at the supreme
crisis Of the battle. we saw great
stir and heard vociferous cheering near
the Lewis house. and were soon per-
mitted 10 Join in the general enthusiasm
with which we greeted our President"
As | recall him as he appeared that day,
sitting his horse with the easy grace OF
the trained horseman, / endorse the de-
scriptiOn Of him given by writer who saw
him in memorable scene IN the United
States Senate not long before {;
APEE PICTURE.
"In face and form Davis represents the
Norman type with singular fidelity If my
conception OF that type be correct. lie IS
tall and sinewy, with fair hair, gray eyes,
winch are clear rather than bright. high
forehead, straight nose, thin, compressed
lips. and pointed chin. Has eheek-bones
are hollow and the vicinity of his mouth is
deeply furrowed with interesting lines.
i.eanness Of face, length. and sharpness OF
feature. and length Of lSlb. and intensity
OF expression, rendered acute by angular
facial outline, are the general Characters.
tics OF his appearance"
sroNEwALL JACKSON.
It was upon that memorable day at
! Manassas that I. j. jackson, who had Just
won hi, SoutFiQpd OF "StOnewall," IS re-
ported to have pushed aside the surgeons
who were dressing his wounds and to have
| exclaimed, tossing his old gray cap IN the
! air: There comes the President. Hurrah
4 fo- the President. Give me ten thousand
men and viii be in Washington tonight.
And there can he but little doubt that i
the President had known Stonewall
"Thunderbolt." Tornado" or "Cy
clone" would have been much more ap
propriate soub,f,lisi for himl eswell then a.
( he knew him afterwards that he would have
given him the ncn. Tor i. is now q part o.
the history OF that great victory that. 81
! far from stopping the pursuit OF the routed
enemy las was falsely reported at IN,
! time), President Davis was exceedingly
anxious % push them across the Potomac
| and at one time issued pereDlptory ordcl
10 that eifect, which was only. counter
| manded az the earnest request OF Generali
| Johnston and Beauregard.
THE BATTLES AROUND RICHMOND.
The next time ! saw President Davis
was during the Seven Days Battles
| Around Richmond during which thai
| pleasing incident occurred OF his gentl,
rebuking General Lee for being so far u
| the front as to enda2gsr bis valuable lie