The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-11-09

- shape and made accessible TO the
historical student some most interesting
letters written by Jefferson Davis and
his wife while the two were fleeing south
ward from Richmond at the close of the
war. The letters were sent from one to
the other in ell sorts of ways. but in
most cases by soldiers. The most of
Them were intercepted, and the collection
finally came into the hands of Edwin M.
Stanton, who was Secretary OF War Mr..
Stanton kept the letters among his pri-
vate papers, and ii was only after his
death that they came to the national IL
brary. I am told that they have never
been published.
These letters we're written under con-
ditions OF terrible excitement. The Con-
federacy was falling and the sword OF
death hung by a hair over President Da-
Wis and his administration. The letters
We're written without any idea that they
would ever be published, and they give
perhaps the truest insight INTO the char
acters of Mr. Davis and Mrs. Davis and
show the beautiful relations which they
held to each other. will let them speak
for themselves.
The first letter is from President Davis
Just after he had sold out his household
effects In Richmond at auction and had
fled southwark to Danville. Va. Mrs.
Davis was with her children at Char
lotte, n. C. The letter reads:
"Danville, Va, April s, 1866.
My dear wife: have in vain sought
10 get into communication with General
Lee and have postponed writing in the
hope that l would soon be able to speak
10 you with some confidence of the fu-
ture. On last Sunday 1 was called out of
church to receive a telegram announcing
that General Lee could not hold his posi-
lion longer than till night, and warning
me that we must leave Richmond, as the
army would commence retiring that even
ing. I made the necessary arrangements
at my office and went to our house to
have the proper dispositions made there.
Nothing had been done after you left and
but little could be done in the few hours
which remained before the train was to
leave.
Il packed the bust (probably of Mr.
Davis and gave It to John Davis, who
offered to take 1t and put II where it
should never be found by a Yankee. L
also gave him charge of the painting of
the Heroes OF the Valley-both were re-
moved after dark. The furniture of the
house was left. and very little of the
things I directed to be put up, including
bedding and groceries, were saved. Mrs.
Omelia behaved Just as you described her,
hut seemed anxious to serve and promised
to take care of everything. which may
mean something
The auctioneer returned account of
sales s2s,4ip. Could not dispose of the
carriages. Mr.. Grant was afraid to take
the carriage TO his house. etc, etc L
sent 1t to the depot to be put on a fat
car. Al the moment of starting 1t was
said they could not take 1t in that train
but would bring it on the next train It
has not been heard from since.
/ sent message to Mr.. Grant that l
mad neglected to return the COW and
wished him to send for her immediately.
Called off on horseback to the depot, left
the servants to go down with the boxes
and they left Tippy. Watson came will
ingly. Spencer against my win. Robert,
David Branford went back from the
depot to bring out the spoons and forks.
which, was told, had been left. and to
come out with General Breckenridge.
Since then I have not heard from either
OF them.
Il had short notice and was interrupted
so often and so little aided that the re-
suits are very unsatisfactory.
THE people here have been very kind.
and the mayor and council have offered
assistance in the matter of quarters. and
have very handsomely declared their un-
abated confidence. l do not wish to leave
Virginia, but cannot decide on my move
ments until those OF the army are better
developed.
II hope you are comfortable and trust
soon. to hear from you. Kiss my dear
children.
II weary of this sad recital and have
nothing pleasant to tell. May God have
you in his holy keeping is the feryent
'rayer OF your ever affectionate
HUSBAND
Z u. d. Howell is here. though 1 have
not seen him. He and Joe Nick came
together as guard to treasury SPECIE
The next letter refers to a letter from
Mrs. Davis. which was probably lost.
1t Is:
'Danville. Va, April g. 1865
Dear Winnie: Many thanks for your
letter giving me an account of your situa-
tion at Charlotte. In my letter of yes
terday gave You all of my prospects
which can now be told, not having heard
from General Lee and having to con-
form my movements to the military me-
cessities OF the case. We are now fixing.
an executive office where the current
business may be transacted here, and do
not propose at this time definitely to fix
upon a point for a seat of government in
the future.
Il am unwilling to leave Virginia and
do not know where within her borders the
requisite houses for the departments and
The congress could be found.
Il hope our dear children will be well
when they have recovered from the ef-
fects of their journey. Enclosed please
ffnd two letters. AS specimens of deem
feeling and idle speaking, they might
stand for extremes In their classes.
Love TO Maggie. little Maggie. JEFF.
Billy and little Winnie. Farewell. INV
love. May God bless, preserve and guide
you. HUSBAND
The next letter is from Mrs. Davis. 1t
was written at Charlotte, N. c., and IL
begins with the affectionate title by which
Mrs. Davis frequently addressed her hus-
band:
'ApriI z 1866.
My own dear old Banny: Since my ar
rival here have been so busy as to have
|oniv the evening To writa in and tbo,, -