The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-28
Bill Arp's Letter

Confederacy was organized Mt Montgom-
cry the leading part that Georgia was
destined TO play in the terrible drama
that ensued would doubtless have re-
ceived recognition and the presidency OF
the young republic would have been
rendered to Toombs but for an unfortu-
nate circumstance. With tho moment OF
excitement came the temptation to too
free Indulgence. and another was chosen
TO lead her fortunes.
To Toombs fell the honor Of being SCI
lected for the portofolio OF state in Prcsi-
with his refractory disposition to follow
the guidance of another when he had
himself so long led and directed.
Aftcr the cessation of hostilties orders
We're issued by the Federal authorities for
the arrest and confinement of the Con-
federate President Davis. stevens.
Toombs and the rest Of the ill-stnrrcl
organization of the Confederate Govern
mcnt, and it was rumoTed that it vas
their intcntion to ccnfne Teonbs in IN
iron cage like Baiazet of old and exhibit
him throughout the Northern states and
humilate him as much as possible. About
this time a trusty negro appeared at the
Z
news OF the arrest of Mr.. stephens. at
Crawfordville, after which he was rcnov-
cd to Fort Warrior, in Boston harbor On
the heel of this intelligence a cavalca le
of Federal horsemen was seen to entc"
the front gate
No time was to be lost. While Nfyu.
Toomhs detained the soldiers on one Plea
or another, tho general escaped on horse
E ,c
the roeondite region OF Tallulah. After
several months spent in retirement in
that lovely and romantic mountainoN9
country he made his way. attended with
great difficulty and danger of being
caught by the abort and watchfull sol
3iery. 10 New Orleans. where he took
steamer for Havana and then to Europe,
When asked by acquaintance he met in his
travels there how he managed to get Tho
means to dafray his expenses on tho trip
he replied. Il am eating an acre OF Tczas
land 4 day
The philosophy OF this remarkal9"
mans life. ,he story Of his brilliant
achievements and bitter disappointment.
his hopes. aspirations, tastes and rs
tines. have a peculiar interest to al
Soutbcraors and especially Georgia ne
JnflnE liF TEFIDu III WilNI lAt lNp ~
lions We're arraycd in bitter hostility and
about 70 engage in deadly strife. no wan
welded greater in0uenco in molding the
,!cstinies of he South than he. Always.
his bold heart. eloquent tongue and "iar,
intellect shonr brightest when bGtt'ire
IL defense Of MS native land
To form 4 just conception of TooLlts'
charactcg ana att8inmcnts. 4 knowledge
of the environment OF the times IN wnirh
he lived and tho circumstances wstb
winch III vas SURROUNDED IS essential.
This is the best cleaned from such mo-
nioratill as he has left. II is perhaps
unfortunate tor history that such Jroa1-
mont character has left so few writings
and SUCH neacey memoranda. The wy
genius of the man was aversc 10 il. Hc
sold that a soo1 srccch would moi b."
written and ! written speech coGld not
be spoken.
ny The morcst chance | was led TO tic
discovery Of man, rare old letters aud
documents Of interest, among which ~'sr"
{. nun'be" Of Toomhs' which throw mus,
light en- jha methods Of thought Hr !!
action.
I lcsrncd hat in IN old deserted md