The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1899-11-08


WI ole people Of these United States
were watching With solemn and pro-
found interest the dcings Of men and
States. Continents seemed to stand
still and contemplate the scenes that
were transpiring in the two divided
sections Of this great Union. Men in
all sections-North, South, East,
West-difered as to the proper policy
to pursue. The ''irrepressible con-
sfict' came, and with it disrupted
Union. Some Of US experienced to
the utmost the ills and perils and de-
priyations and wreck it brought. As
to the right or the wrong, we shall not
now discuss. We were with our peo-
pie Of the South from beginning to
end, and have no apology to make or
scensure to offer.
Bud what we SET cut to say is this !:
Some conflicting opinions have been
written and printed concerning the
man chosen to act as Chaplain at the
inauguration of Jefferson Davis as
President of the Confederate States
of America at the capitol in Mont
gomery, on Monday, the eighteenth
day Of February, eighteen hundred
and sixty-one. We have diligently
sought for correct information con-
cerning this matter, and now give be-
low the reply to our inquiries. We
are sure this will settle all contro-
versy:
Anderson, S. c., Feb. 4, 1898.
Maj. John G.. Harris, Montgomery,
Alabama-Dear Brother: From the
original, now lying before me, I make
an exact copy of my fathers draft of
the prayer he offered upon occasion Of
the Inauguration Of Jefferson Davis as
President under the constitution for
the provisional government of the
ssConfederate States Of America and
this copy J. herewith enclose.
In my fathers diary, under date of
Monday Feb. IS, 1861, I find the fol-
lowing: "This day, the Inauguration
Of the President, Jefferson Davis,
took place; he standing on the steps
Of the capitol. I was selected by the
committee of arrangements to serve as
Chaplain I rode in a coach
drawn by six gray horses, in company
with the President and the Vice
President and Capt. Jones, our mill
tary escort. Fer the order of process
sion, see extracts from papers. The
ceremonies were prefaced by prayer,
as follows
[The record of the prayer here
agrees with the original, of which I
send you the copy
go, Thou Great Spirit maker and
Lord of all things! Who humblest
thyself to behold the things that are
done on the earth, and before whom
the splendor Of human pageantry van
isheth into nothing! By thee rulers
bear sway; Thou teachest Senators
wisdom. We own thy kind provi-
dence, thy fatherly care, in the peace
full origin Of the government Of these
Confederate States of America We
thank thee for the quiet considerate
unanimity which has prevailed in our
public councils: and for the hailowed
auspices under which the government
of our choice begins. Let thy special
blessing rest on the engagements and
issues of this day. Thou hast pro-
vided US man to go in and out before
us, and to lead thy people. O! vouch-
safe thy blessing on this, thy servant!
Let his life and health be precious in
thy sight. Grant him sound mind
in sound body. Let all his acts be
done in thy fear, under thy guidance,
with a single eye to thy glory, and
crown them all with thy appreciation
and blessing!
ssWith the like favors, bless the
Congress of the Confederate States,
and all who are, or may be, charged
by lawful authority with public cares
and labors. Put thy good Spirit Into
our whole people. that they may faith-
fully do all thy fatherly pleasure.
Let the administration of this govern
ment be the reign of truth and peace
let righteousness. which exalteth a
nation, be the stability Of our times,
and keep us from sin, which is re-s
proach to any people; establish thou
the work of our hands upon us; turn the
councils of our enemies into foolish
ness; and grant us assured and con-
tinual peace in all our borders!
"We ask all through Jesus Christ
our Lord; Amen!'
"Hon. Howell Cobb, President Of
Congress, administered the oath Of