The Union daily times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1918-current, 1922-07-11
jefferson Davis

soSAy III &oOcs
AT an early age he went with his
parents to Mississippi, where he re-
ceived his early education. He en-
tered West Point Military Academy,
graduating there in 1928.
For seven years he saw important
service on the frontier.
AS to his personal character, no
man stood higher than Mr.. Davis for
honor, integrity and truthfulness in
all the relations of life. He was a
modest man, and very mild of man
ner, while being mild and gentle he
had convictions, and the moral cour-
age to stand by them. He was a sim
cere Christian in word and deed and
was gentleman of wide and varied
culture, especially versed in political
history and philosophy. He is crowned
as the creator of new order, and
glorified in history.
Mr.. Davis was elected to congress
in 1845, where he was an ardent fol-
lower of Calhoun.
Mr.. Davis entered the senate in
1S47 and became the leader of the
Southern party in the slavery and
states rights.
He was a genuine patriot, the wise
leader, the able statesman, who un-
derstood the principles of civil and re-
hgious liberty, and was willing to
make every sacrifice save honor, in
of
the South.
Mr.. Davis tried in every honorable
way to maintain peaceful relations
with the federal government and to
avert war. During the war he acted
with good judgment, dignity and de-
votion to principle and was especially
anxious to mitigate the suffering and
sorrow caused by the war. He was
never seen looking in houses as he
passed along the streets, or running
trying to see who or what he could
see.
Davis was man of positive con-
victions and of strong prejudices
against individuals and policies. He
lad his own theory of how the war
was to be conducted
The greatest weakness he showed
was when he removed General Joseph
+. Johnston from command, much
against his will, but because advisors
asked for the removal. This was to
avoid friction in the cabinet, or else
where, and that crippled the Confed-
eracy. Sherman would never have
marched through Georgia to the sea,
| but for this. He was much criticised
and misjudgd by many of his own
countrymen even after the war, and it
caused him much heartache. but he
bore it patiently for he loved the
South, and did all that he honestly
knew how to do.
His gallant conduct at the battle of
Buena Vista made him next to Scott
and Taylor, the most popular heroes
of the day. In this battle his regi-
ment, the First Mississippi, was at
tackled by force that outnumbered it
six to one, and was sorely pressed
But Davis, knowing that if they were
driven from their position the Amer
lean line of battle would be so weak
ened as to imperil the safety of the
entire army, held his ground with in
Vlncible resolution. Santa Anna,
growing desperate at the successful
resistance of the Mississippians, final
ly ordered a brigade of cavalry to
charge them. Davis formed his regi-
ment in the shape of v, opening to-
wards the enemy, while he sat at its
apex. The Mexicans rode gallantly
on into the V. The Mississippians
stood with their rifles on their shoul-
ders and their fingers on the triggers,
awaiting the orders of the colonel.
When Davis called out the word,
Fire" his troop shot the Mexicans
from their saddles. When Davis was
SO badly wounded that the surgeon
told him to retire, he refused to 90.
He had his wound dressed while he
sat in his saddle, and held on. The
end soon came and the wounded col
onel was able to seek relief which he
so much needed. The Mississippians
were victorious from their desperate
struggle.
He was taken prisoner soon after
the fall of Richmond and was confined
in Fortress Monroe for two years, but
was liberated by the general amnesty
of 1868.
At the close Of the war his inten-
tions were to remain in Richmond. be
arrested, and if need be suffer as a
martyr for his country, but he was
prevailed upon to try to escape.
Mr.. Davis published "Rise and Fall
OF the Confederate Government" 1t is
the best history of the war and sets
forth very clearly his character, his
achievements, the principles for which
he stood, and the difficulties he en-
countered.
Mr.. Oliver Dyer, in publishing a
book on the great senator's said that
he became attached to Davis Oh ac-
count of his personal kindness and
that he noticeI IL ulnoys r,oyo liz,