Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-05

universal custom of President Daviss to
turn over 10 him every matter that be-
longed TO no particular department. SO
numerous were his duties and so great
his capacity for work, that II was not
unusual for him so remain steadily at his
desk from 8 A. NJ. one day until / or 2
o'clock the next morning. In August, 1852,
owing TO overwork and some friction with
others, he resigned, but not long after
wards President Davis insisted on his
returning to the Cabinet. AS much OF the
business Of the Confederate Congress was
transacted In secret, no great deal I.
known of its workings, but II is claimed
by those acquainted with its inner affairs
that the greater portion of its important
legislation was framed by Mr.. Benjamin.
sELF-sACRIFICE.
An act performed in 1862 shows the true
patriotism Of the man. General Huger
was In command of Roanoke Island and
Mr.. Benjamin was filling the post of Sec
rotary of War. A requisition for powder
was made and was not filed. This was
twice repeated without avail and Roa-
noke Island fell An investigation was
ordered by Congress, and IL took but a
few seconds for the Secretary to inform
the committee that the powder had not
been forthcoming for the best Of reasons
there was none TO send. The question
then arose as to what might be the prob
able effect upon Congress and the people
In general of this disclosure OF the Con-
federacy's limited resources. II was de-
cided that this would never do, and the
committee was in a quandary. At Mr.
BenJamin's own suggestion the committee
recommended that he be censured by
Congress for neglect OF duty. History
contains no parallel Of such patriotism.
IN DANvILLE.
Mr.. Benjamin evidently did not accom-
pany the presidential party from Rich
mond TO Danville on the fateful April 2,
1866, for on the following day he was met
In the streets OF the latter city by Rev. DR..
Hoge, Of Richmond, who, after question
ing him closely, learned that he unlike
the remainder of President Daviss Cabi-
net, was not the guest Of Major Suther-
lin. Being hard pressed by the reverend
gentleman, Mr.. Benjamin reluctantly ad-
mitted that he had, owing to the crowded
condition of the city, been unable to Sc
cure board. OR. Hoge. in answer to
query, assures me that this was simply
an accident and was in nowise attribute
BILE to race prejudce) The clergyman.
who was a great friend of Mr.. Benja- |
minis, insisted that the latter should ac-
company him to his abode and share his |
apartments with him. This the Secretary |
refused to do, saying that DR.. Hoge's |
hostess was stranger to him, and that |
II would be an unwarranted impertinence |
for him to intrude upon the family unin-
vited. DR.. Hoge allayed his fears after
some argument, assuring Mr.. Benjamin
that any friend OF his would be more than
welcome to the household.
The following Sunday Mr.. BENJAMIN
gave an exhibition OF his admirable tact,
which can best be described in the words
Of DIR. Hoge:
"At the breakfast table the conversation
turned to the subject Of church services,
and Mr.. Benjamin inquired casually of
our hostess where she was going to wor-
ship that day. Now. / happened to know
hat as member Of Mr.. Davis's Cabinet
official etiquette demanded that he
should accompany his chief TO his
the EpiscopaD church, and when
our hostess replied, in tone
hat almost implied an invitation,
We are going to the Presbyterian church
o hear DR.. Hoge PREACH wondered
What Mr.. Benjamin would do. He never
lesitated moment. but in his most affa-
lie manner asked, May have the plea
ure OF accompanying your
LEES SURRENDER.
After church the party was sitting IN
he parlor chatting when Mr.. Benjamin.
vho had been called away, entered the
DOM, and, after copversing nonchalantly
or short time. beckoned DR.. Hoge to
ollow him TO their chamber. When they
'ere there Mr.. BENJAMIN said; "Dr. Hoge. ,
didn't have the heart 10 tell you before ,
hese ladies something want TO COM !
lunicate TO you" He then went on to ,
ny that General Lee. had surrendered. :
Ir. Benjamin's face never revealed what
Q suffered, ~bus,s said DIR. Hoge In re- {