The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-30

tho beloved Jefferson Davis. NY associa-
ton with Mr.. Davis during our great
struggle and the opinion | formed OF his
disinterestod and patriotic devotion 10
the cause Of the COnfederacy and Of his
unvarying cOnstancy and courage makes
the duty most agreeable, except that
recognize my inability TO give such an ac-
count OF his Services and portraiture Of
hls character as is due 20 his memory.
TO say that he was an honest man.
brave soldier. an able statesman. sim
core patriot and an earnest Christian does
not give full idea of his character. In
one respect there was 10 some extent
mlsappreheusi0ns Of his character. IL
was sometimes alleged that ne was self
wliled. lmpCIiOus and stubborn. Those
iu close contact and association with him
old not so regard him. ] have heretofore
expressed the view, and now repeat #.
that practically he had two characters.
or rather two methods Of thought and
action While in his private relations he
was Gontieness and kindness I'm the dis
Charse of his public duties he seemed 10
lie guided almost wholly by a sense Of
duty. and he seemed 10 expect those who
conferred with him about public matters
20 address themselves directly TO the mat
ter under consideration and he was not
at all ume- Uatent with such persons
ass sought TO occupy his time in general
conversation, or as 10 matters about.
which they could give him no informa-
ton
1t Will Ice readily understood that oc-
cupyins his position. in which his whole
time was necessarily given TO the dis
charge Of important public duties he could
not permit that time 10 be wasted in
commonplace conversation or listening TO
men who could give him no real informa-
tlon. This doubtless created the idea with
such persons that he was self-willed and
imperiOus.
ANOTHER FALSE IDEA
Another mistake as TO his character
mad' by some persons has been that
Ae would not listen 10 advice about
matters of Importance. More than four
years 0f constant contact with him as
member of his Cabinet enables me 10
say that this was a great mistake His
habit was, when he took up a public ques-
fllM ou which he had 10 act. 10
exhaust all available sources Of in
formation on 10 before coming to a con-
c.usiou always consulting freely with
members OF his cabinet and with others
who might Dee able 10 give him informa-
ton. After doing this and reaching his
conclusion, the matter was settled with
him unless presentation of new facts re-
Quired further consideration. lie had not
time 10 consider questions upon the same
facts. And lu the position ne occupied
Nacillation would have been about as bad
as au erroneous decision of public ques-
tlons. 1 say tlls much on these points be
cause ! think lu respect 20 them some
injustice has been done % his memory.
"Thc solcitlde of President Davis
for tine success OF the Confederate army
caused him several times 10 put HIM
self under the nre Of Federals in battle.
Al the battle of Seven Pines (Fair
Oak0 I saw him, General Lee and
General Magrudcr under "a heavy fire
OF musketry and demonstrated against
his 50 exposing himself when there was
no special necessity for 10.
MIR DAVIS BRAVERY.
During the first day Of the seven
davs' fighting near Richmond. he was
exposed Go the enemys fire ana Gem
srad Lee ordered him 10 quit the field.
some davs afterwards General Lee APP
,..er.l lu the cabinet and Mr. Davis
ioeularlv said he chad supposed he WAS
rommand,l- -in-ch.ef but that General
I.e had ordered him from the field, and
on tie day OF the battle between Rich
mond and Petersburg ! saw Mr. Davis
ln company with General Beauregard.
under "a brisk IRE of cannon and sharp
shooters for considerable time. dur
ing which several persons were hit
ana on. sol0ier boy standing near the
President had his arm shot OF by
she'll At the request Of some OF the OFF,
Gers / urged him 20 leave the field. as his
exposure TO the ire OF the enemy was
unnecessary
"lu the cabinet next morning refer
rms 90 mr advice that he should quit
tho iclN f.e rvenins before, he said