The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1921-05-19
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JEFFERSON DAVIS !
PRIZE ESSAY BY
MISS DOLLY McFADDEN ]

On the 3rd day of June 1908, all
important event in the destiny of our
great Southland took place, for it was
on this day, in Fairfield Kentucky,
that Jefferson Davis, cne Of the great
est American patriots, was born. This
illuStrious SoutIerner, whose life and
character, was misrepresented to the
world, at one time, by malicious hate
and envy now illumes true history
with glory and honror, because it is
Sustained by justice and supported
by the staff of truth. He possessed
wonderful and powerful manhood,
that never forgot its>duty to God and
man. His pure heart was so filled
with the love of the Master that it is
natural to believe that he Surrendered
pure, unSpotted soul to his creator.
This great statesman though cruel
ly treated and fealfully prosecuted,
bore his tials with that faith and trust
which strengthened instead of weak
ened his interest in humanity. He
was never known to turn from lib
erty's Call', but fame and eminence
of position, can never escape the mis-
representation and SANDER Of the en-
vious, and Jefferson Davis was no ex-
ception, because he was human.
In viewing Mr.. Davis carerr, during
the Confederacy, it is interesting to
carry the memory back, and note the
very first military duty assigned to
him; after graduation from West
Point, his first duty was at Fort Craw-
ford, Wisconsin, in the capacity Of
second liuetenant OF Infantry in the
regular army. When the dark, heavy
cloud and gloom of war, became evi-
dent in the South, the Montgomery
Convention" assembled for the pur-
pose of organizing the Confederate
Government, elect officers and arrange
everything which would be necessary
for a new government. The South
found herself confronted by a grave
and serious problem; to find an indl-
vidual, strong enough, to guide, with
and through the help of the Almighty
Father), this great "ship of state".
1t required not only the military ge-
NOUS of a trained soldier; but also q
statesman of valor, strong will and in
tellect and a soul which had the cour-
age to dare, in the face of the coming
conflict. At this juncture of deliber-
alton, bright beam Of hope and
faith, suddenly illuminated the South
as they realized that such man was
available for such possibilities were
found in Jefferson Davis. During the
Assembly at Montgomery, Alabama,
he was unanimously chosen president
of the Confederacy.
In 1862 he was declared Constitu-
tional president of the Confederate
States of America; the votes being
cast by all the people of the seceed-
ing states. He was never known to
seek an office and this fiattering and
distinguished office rather sought him.
After Mississippi had seeded from
the Union, Mr.. Davis was appointed
Commander-in Chief of the state
forces by the governor.
1t has been said that he was aston
ished beyond measure, when he found
that at the Convention he had recelv-
ed the grave and important honor OF
president.
MANY of our Southern students have
been misguided by false historians,
in this assertion; that he was elected
only by the choice of politicians; this
statement is untrue; he was the de-
cided choice of the entire South who
realized his great soul and intellect.
Their Judgment proved good, for the
DISTINGUISHED leader exercised wonder
full executive ability, in discharglng
the duties of this faithful and COM
plicated trust.
At this period of the South found
herself surrounded by danger and pc
ril: it was necessary for quick but
careful and deliberate action TO De
taken, in order to retain their peace
and pride of liberty which had obtain
ed control of the government power;
separation from the Union must De
the solution of the problem.
After his Inauguration as president
of the Confederacy, he displayed great
devotion for the Union and its upkeep'
bv calling into effect, the peace COM
mission. At this commission, he did
not allow the political views OF his
delegates, to have any weight IN the
matter of his choice-one being a
Wing, one a Democrat and one fol-
lower of Douglas. He gave them no
private instruction, but left patriot
ism and honest conclusions to serve