Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1889-04-23

At that time, however, n rainfall, ex-
traordinary for its violence and duration,
occurred, so that over places dry during
the battle rolled torrents which, in the
afternoon of the 22d, it was difficult to
cross. The movement was therefore
abandoned. The next day Mr.. Davis
| rode over every portion of the field and
visited the wounded in the various camp
hospitals. In one of these he found the
dead body of young relative. and every
where encountered the public men of the
south who had participated in the en-
gageinent. Another conference took
place on the night of the 22d, with the
view Of determining e-c propriety of an
advance to the south side of the Potomac,
but from causes that need not be consid-
cred here the contemplated project was
abandoned and Mr.. Davis returned to
Richmond.
A third visit was made In October.
1868, to the Army Of the West, then in
front of Chattanooga and aligned along
the memorable Missionary Ridge. A spirit
of discomfort had arisen, and there were
loud complaints that instead of being
compelled to remain idle on the borders
Of Tennessee, the army had not been led
into the heart of the state before the
Federals recovered from the shattering
blows of Chickamauga. Hence the
visit of Mr.. Davis was peculiarly oppor-
tune and did much to inspire the hope
that change for the better would be
quickly made.
On the ID Of April, 1866. while Mr.
Davis was attending the usual Sunday
services in st. Paul's church. Richmond,
II cou.c- quietly passed up the aisle to
his pew and handed him dispatch. 1t
was the announcement from Gen. Lee
of his withdrawal from Petersburg and
the necessity for the evacuation of tho
Confederate capital. The contents were
suspected by both the rector and the
congregation, and amid scene Of sub
dued excitement Mr.. Davis retired from
the church. Going at once to his office,
he assembled the heads Of his depart
ments and bureaus, and gave the needful
Instructions for tho removal of the re-
cords, and late that afternoon they were
sent south. The next morning Mr.. Davis
reached Danville, Va, where, under his
personal directions, hasty lines of in
trenchments were thrown up and ener-
getic efforts were made TO collect supplies
for Gen. Lees army. 1t was from this
point that Mr.. Davis issued his last
proclamation.
A few days later, accompanied by
some of the members of his cabinet, he
resumed his journey, pausing at Char
lotte, N. c., and other points,
to confer by telegraph and courier
with Gen. Joe Johnston, who was then
in course Of negotiation for tho sur
render Of his army. His escort consist
ed Of small body of cavalry. When he
arrived at Abbeville, S. c., there were
with him Gen. Breckenridge, Judah p.
Benjamin, Mr.. Mallory, secretary of the
navy, Mr.. Reagan and Gen. Lawton.
With this remnant Of the defunct Con-
federacy, the last council of the war was
held. 1t took place in the library of Mr..
Armistead Burt, who had been mem
Der of congress previous to the war. As
they assembled around the center table,
anxiety was written upon every face.
Mr.. Davis was the calmest of the six.
There was no attempt at concealment.
Long since II had become apparent to
all others that the end was al hand, and
CONTINUED 10 fourth poge)