The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1896-01-16
: THE CONFEDERATE PRESIDENT.
"A TALK FROM ONE OF HIS sTAFF.
Ex.GovernOr Lubbock Tells How
Ae First Met Mr. Davis-Tke Inn
preston He Made as United
states Senator

states Senator
Austin (Tex.) Cor. Atlanta Constitution.
A small man in physique, with
blue eyes sat in the capital here the
other day with purity Of interested
listeners surrounding him. Tho man
1s known to every Texan and he has
served the people of this State in posi-
tlOns OF honor and trust and his career,
though it may not be familiar to peo-
pie residing outside Of the Lone Star
State, Is remarkable one. The per-
son was Ex-Governor and ex-State
Treasurer Frank II. Lubbock. He
was interesting his listeners with re-
miniscences of the dead president Of
the COnfederacy-.Je etferson Davis
with whom he was intimately ac-
quainted and associated during the
trying and turbulent days.
Il feel u deep veneratiOn and love
for jeff Davis" the old man began as
q perceptible tear found. its way down
his rugged cheek. THE story OF his
life and death has been told ia prose
and song by many OF the abest minds
OF our country" he continued, but l
think l can tell you something that
may DO of interest to you about this
dead hero and statesman.
1ngton as d United States Senator. In
my view Of the war he came up fully
to the standard fixed upon him as a
distinguished man and l think he
s!ood as the peer Of any man then in
the councils Of the government. En-
tertalnlng these views AS soon rs | was
chosen Governor Of the State Of Texas,
In 1861, | repaired to Richmond, Va,
that might take counsel Of this great
nina and endeaVOr to so shape my
course touching the war rs to give
strength and prosperity to the Con-
1ederate cause. /. found him then at
the front, where he always was when
his civil duties permitted. Returning
nome was inaugurated, and through
my administration Texas kept in har-
mony with the government at Rich
mond, putting into the Confederate
service 10000 men. Upol the expira-
tlon OF my torn as Governor, entering
the army and while serving in Louis
lana, Mr.. Davis appointed mo on his
STAN with the rank of colonel Of
cavalry, had my nomination confirmed
by tue Senate without my Knowledge
and requested me, if | accepted, to re-
port at once for duty that he wished
an officer near him US a representative
from the trans Mississippi country
After an immediate and hurried con-
sultatiOn with Generals Wharton,
Hardeman and Harrison and others oil
my military associates, loft for Rich
mond in few hours. My reception
was all l could have desired. Mr..
Davis, always kind and polite, assured
me OF his pleasure at my coming so
promptly and made me feel quito at
home In his military family.
my first impression when entered
hia Dr9Senca p0nffrno6 rnv nrau inno1,,
formed opinion Of his grand and
dignitied character, Of his patriotism
anu devotion 10 the work TO which he
had been called by a trusting people.
Constant attenda ice day by day upon
the executive, while in his office or
during his very frequent visits to the
field, the camp and the hospital, found
el In my heart a strong love for the
man and still more Increased my ad-
miratiOn for the soldier and states
man. Frequently visiting his home in
talented and lovely wife, surrounded
by his children, L knew him, my
friends," the Ex-Governor b:ightenoi
up and said, ''as Il noble husband and
atfectionate Christian parent. Beside
the happiness of his family he appeared
never to be concerned about any thing
but the welfare of his people. From
the day l took service with him to the
very moment that we were 80 cruelty
separated, subsequent to our capture,
his request that l should be placed in
the same prison with him being denied
all through his triumph and his
adversity-i witnessed his unseltish.
ness. He displayed more self-abnega-
tion than any human being have ever
known. While commander in chief,
with thousands ut his bidding, he in
variably declined escorts and guards.
When cautioned about exposing him
self to danger, he always replied: Il
have no fear for myself And in the
most impressive manner he would visit
the lines of the army with one aide.
While fond Of society, he rarely sought
1t during the war, 1t being his pleas
ant duty to give every hour of his time
to his country. While burdened with
weighty matters of State, he was
kindly attentive TO all classes of peo-
pie. He was ~ polite and aifable to
the humblest soldier or his messenger
boy as to the officer of tho highest rank
In tho army. For this and his many
great virtues he was loved by all who
served near his person. He was
always welcomed with great respect
ana cord1allty when visiting the troops
IN their quarters. 1t has been asserted
that he was harsh and severe TO those
with whom he Differed" said the dead
chieitaln's staff officer. This is an
entire Misrepresentation of his nature
ana disposition. Though tenacious Of
his own opinions and quite fixed in his
Judgment when formed, he seemed to
me to be much more tolerant tnan
other men OF ability and power with
whom have been associated. While
others would be tolerant and very
exaeting during our struggle, he
would be the apoogist of many who
failed In their duties, treating delin-
quents with compassion and leniencv. -
The colonel continued: After tho
war was over l had the good fortune
Of travelling with him in France, Eng
land and Scotland. 1t Is known that
as On orator he was seldom equaied, ar ID
as o conversational ist he surpassed All
| have ever met His accurate obser-
vatiOns and extensive reading made
him most charming, and as travelling
companion the life of any party. He
visited these countries for the pur-
pose OF business and to build up his