The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-06-03
Preserving First White
 House Of Confederacy
By MRS. CAMPBELL CORY, REGENT

ing secretary Mrs. Clifford Lanier, Jr. i; treasurer, Mrs. George c. Ball.
 Mrs. Davis Gift
 On February ,, 1901, the First White House Association of Alabama was granted a charter by the Alabama leg islature Being interested in the pre- servation of the home where she had spent the first important days of that thrilling time, the organization of the Confederate States of America, Mrs Jefferson Davis gave to the ladies try ing to preserve this history to Ala bama, many priceless relics to be placed in the old White House when preserved. Among these were the fur niture at Beauvoir last used by MT. Davis; his historic sword, chairs, bu- reaus, table upon which he wrote the Rise and Fall of the Confectionery" valuable books used by himself and his beloved daughter Winnie, bric-a- brac vases and other relics too numer- ous to mention. Mrs. J. D. Beale was then chairman of the White House committee and it was through her wonderful and enthusiastic work that these relics were procured for Ala barpa. The late Senator Joseph F.. Johnston was governor of Alabama, and upon request of the White House committee, through its chairman Mrs. J. D. Beale, the governor promised that the relics, if given, would be carefully kept in the capitol of the state until the White House was ready to receive them. MT. Chappell Cory, then private secretary to the governor, therefore turned over to the ladies one of the most attractive rooms in the capitol where the relics were viewed through glass door, and which for years was known as the Jefferson Davis room. Countless thousands have gazed On relics through the glass doors, and on memorable events at the capitol the door has been thrown open and the members of the association would serve tea in the corridors that visitors might view them and hear their thrills ing history.
 Mrs. Davis Last Wishes
 Before Mrs. Davis death, hearing that there was danger that these relics might be taken out of the custody Of the White House women, Mrs. J. D. Beale, the regent, Mrs. Clifford Lanier, Sr, and Mrs. Chappell Cory met Mrs jefferson Davis, by appointment in the city Of New Orleans There they spent several days consulting Mrs Davis. and received from Mrs. Davis own hands, her last will and testament concerning these relics. It was memorable and historic time which these three women treasure among the sacred days of their lives-those hours spent with Mrs. Davis and few of the noted Con- federate Veterans friends, as they talked of the time when the Confed- crate government was formed in the Cradle of the Confederacy," historic Montgomery.
 Negotiations for Purchase.
 Before MT. l.. J. Renders death committee composed of the late Mrs Clifford Lanier, Sr., Mrs. Chappell Cory and Mrs John Tilley was sent to La Grange, Ga, to consummate if possible the purchase of the Jefferson Davis house. MT. Render, the owner, refused to sell the land, but gave the commit tee his promise that whenever he de- cided to remove the house he would give the White House association the refusal of the building. His heirs have faithfully kept this promise. Later Mrs. Chappell Cory went to LaGrange alone to see MT. Render. After long and pleasant talk with him, he told her he was deeply sympathetic with the White House women in the struggle they had made, that he thought 1t would not be long before the house would have to be removed and promised her lie would let the White House as sociation have the house then for $500.
 The Relies Removed.
 In January l9l9, soon after Mrs. Chappell Cory was elected regent, she received the sad intelligence that owing to the crowded condition of the Capi- tol,' the beloved Jefferson Davis relies would have to be removed from the Jefferson Davis room The association was called to meet at the Capitol to move the relics. Answering this call were Mrs. Chappell Cory, regent; Miss Pauline Hausman, vice regent. and Mrs. Mary Phelan Watt, recording secretary. With aching hearts these members packed and carefully wrapped each article, and reverently laid them away in a large dry vault in the cellar of the Capitol, knowing they would be safely guarded there. They were kind ly assisted in removing the relics by MT. William Darden, private secretary to Governor Kilby.
 Out of the Darkness.
 Some thought this the end of tho