The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-12
HER MEMORY OF JEFF DAVIS.
Story of n Girl of the Confederacy, to
Whom He Gave His Picture.

Sue Tarpley Carter, in the Confederate Veteran.
In The days of my childhood Mr.. Davis was a
Of my father in Jackson, Miss. Business often
called him to the Capitol. and as they were
much together. and some Of the most vivid
memories of my life are connected with that
Though but a little girl. I would sit for hours
listening to their talk of the serious times that
bring. They were both slave owners, kind and
~nierciful masters. and the question which was
Between them in a way to interest even a child.
Mr.. Davis was a brilliant conversationalist;
such a fund Of nformatio was Underlying all
he said that 1t was a liberal education to be
Si,h him m bl lie De was q type E. OF ep,t fhe o ooa S1a5s.
ment. His fine breeding was always present,
but never obtrusive.' To children he was lovely,
Kind and gentle always. he fulfilled completely
my ideal of a Christian gentleman. for he loved
his church and was guided by its teachings in
every action OF his life. His coming was like
warm place in his heart from my earliest year,
1t was pleasure unspeakable.
I heard my father say, after one Of his visits,
Mr.. Davis is The grandest man I ever knew"
and i have letters Of his while in Washington,
when Mr.. Davis was secretary of war. telling
of the high esteem in which ne was held and
| predicting a future for him that would over
shadow even his fame In Mexico.
were full of pride and delight when he was
chosen President of the Confederacy. confident
that this choice had fallen on one entirely
| MONTGOMERY to be inaugurated. He bore his
new honors with his usual calm dignity, was
| little OF himself. but much OF the cause we held
so dear. Oh. those golden days or hope. 1 see
them through a mist of tears,
When the cannon doomed and the crowd gath
cred TO escort him to the depot. Mr.. Davis had a
little boy upon his knee trying TO mend n broken
toy. He put the little fellow down. saying in a
tone Of voice that touched us ali: This is my
last day in private life; tomorrow I belong to
the people" Just before he left he turned to
ne saying "paushter, have something for
self that accompanies this sketch. For many
years I have preserved 1t carefully, burying II
rroach Of the Federais. as the discolors.i ~.
around the face still show.
When the war was ended and Mr.. Davis free
he came to Jackson as the guest of Governor
Humphreys. We had not seen him since those
ianend 20 Gays ~ him ns son nan su Wse our much m,,f and we
garrisoned by Yankee troops. and We dared moi
make a demonstration for fear of harm TO him.
The young people gathered at our house and
planned 10 storm" Governor Humphreys and
greet his distinguished guest. The Governor.
stantiy, and I have his note beside me as
write. saying. Storm on. young ladies. l am
ready"
My mother and I were invited to receive with
the Governors family. and I can never forget
once moF with years OF suffering and disan-
rointment between %. Mrs. Davis was with
full for utteranoe would have broken down but
for her timely word or smile.
from scotland We could have no recep.ion
for the Yankees were with us still, but II was
whispered among his friends that he was there
and when evening came there was n con~tan,
coming and going In our home for hours. some.
times only a few words or n handshake. Jus,
enough TO let him see that the hearts OF thu
people were with him still. II was a wonderful
ae%pnst, ,Ss r,o 70 a ,sf, ~ 20 full sh, Of feeling; -,
fire. and for hours Mr.. Davis talked in hi,
charming way OF his visit 10 Scotland and Of
the kindness ne had met there. His love 70,
Scott was intesined by his visit to Loeb Katrine
which. he said. Scott had described so viyidl,
| A.. ~ a. b,,rsf ttVn, ffa rlA,- h. xA.ta -.
Fitz Jamss's horn and see fair Ellen push hi
shallop FROM the shore. This evening he wa.
| altogether like himself before the storms OF wa
and defeat had beat so fercely upon him. 1 saw
but little OF Mr.. Davis after this. our homes
were far apart. but wncn sorrow touched us
word OF sympathy always came.
As I write. n visior Of his kind and gentle
fac rises before me, nd i wonder how som,
should call him cold and indifferent. Too nobl
Tor bitterness. too grand for revenge. ne Dor,
s.tha sings and arrows 81 outrageous fortune
With a quiet heroispp worthy of such a man an,
the cause he represented.