The review. [volume] (High Point, N.C.) 1908-19??, 1913-05-01

DdIEc, cG~oS DoFH GA"
died ~ ~
in New Orleans on the Alabama, for Brazos ST.
Iago, near Port Isabel in southeastern Texas. He
and his troops reached there Aug. g. and were
encamped for some weeks of hard drill such as
only a West Pointer knows how to give, but when
at last they joined General Taylor they were pro-
nounced the best trained and most orderly volun-
teer troops in the army. It was a remarkable
organization. Colonel Davis made a reputa-
ton which transcribed that of any other officer
except General Taylor himself OF him the Mis-
sissippians at the front said: IF the time OF our
regiment expires and our colonel even then
thinks could be useful, there is not man IN
his regiment who would not sacrifice his life TO
obey him. SO much has his gallant conduct raised
him in their estimation. The degree of power
his GOODNESS. courage and discretion have &C.
quired for him in the army generally is incred-
ible.'
On Feb 22-3, 1S47, Santa Ana approached the
American position-a high plateau eight miles
south of Saltillo His army of 10000 men attack
ed General Taylor's left. This was Colonel Da-
Wis celebrated stand which reported all over
the country. 1t had saved the day for General
Taylor
The battle of Buena Vista virtually closed the
war so far as the field of General Taylors opera
tons concerned
A few weeks after his return from Mexico, Col
onel Davis was appointed by the governor Of Mis-
sissippi to a seat in the United States senate
vacated by the death Of of the state senators.
In December, 1847, he took his seat for the
first time in the United States senate, where he
remained until 1851, when he resigned to take
part in the issues of Mississippi In 1852 he took
part in the campaign of Franklin Pierce and in
March, 1858 became secretary of war. At this
time he was in excellent physical health, intel
lectually in his prime, and morally there was
rarely to be found commanding character
in the country.
In March, 1857, Mr. Davis re-entered the senate.
duriD no o6p nix STRAIT ion of Mr
chanan-during part of the time Mr. Davis was
seriously ill., and at the close of the session, 1853,
he made visit to the New England states. be-
ing received everywhere with the highest marks
of courtesy and popular esteem.
Mr.. Davis. when aroused, master of ora
tory, of which he gave brilliant displays in the
senate and the hastings; indeed there were
occasions when he to the majestic, and
caused the minds of his hearers to revert to SINH
lar appeals of Rienz and Demosthenes. In the
memorable debates in. the senate 18591S61-he
bore conspicuous and commanding part. His
speeches of this period exhibit anxious premo-
milton Of the impending rupture, land when Mis-
sissippi, not a matter of choice, but of neces-
sity, resolved to secede and the southern sena-
tors took formal leave of their colleagues, what
pen should depict their anguish? Mr. Davis had
passed seepless night, due to the pressing re-
sponsibility of his course we'll to illness.
Nevertheless he appeared in his accustomed place.
The floor halls and galleries were thronged with
earnest spectators they had been only on
greatS occasions, when the voices of Webster and
Clay had resounded. Amid profound silence Mr..
Davis arose to bid his adieu-the whole world
knew that it was too late for aught else He
spoke in simple chaste English devoid of flowers
of rhetoric, but in such sorrowfu and convincing
manner that many tear fell upon cheeks unac-
customed to the moisture of emotion. 1t not
difficult for that generation to understand the
principles which actuated him.
The convention of Mississippi, after ordaining
the withdrawal Of the state from the Union, had
adopted an ordinance providing for the levy of
force OF 10000 men and comforting the chief COM
mand upon Mr. Davis, with the rank Of major
general. This he accepted and fastened home
from Washington to make arrangements for rails
Ing and organizing the troops 1t was his destiny
to enact part yet more conspicuous than hither-
to In the saddest drama of modern history. War
the greatest of modern wars, the greatest in some
respects known in the history of the human
race 1t lasted four years and a little over:
marked throughout by sanguinary conflicts with
heroic exploits both Sides all of which have
been duly chroniced in proper place. When Mr.
Jefferson Davis, after short illness, died in New
Orleans Dec 6, 1885, North and South East and
West recognized the fact that "a great soul had
passed away He borne to his temporary
tomb in Metairie cemetery by the governors Of
nine states, and during the winter following the
legislatures of the South held formal memorial
sessions. Never was more universal homage rem
dered to departed chieftain. Four years later
by request Of the people of Richmond Va and
of the South generally, his remains were removed
to Hollywood cemetery and given fina, sepulture
In Richmond the people collected from all parts
Of the country and listened to fond eulogies of
men who had known him best A fitting statua
was erected to his memory representing him in
the full vigor of mature manhood az a cava,rv
commander.