Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 14.djvu/505

 Address of Hon. B. H. Hill. 499

conversation between himself and the commissioners b<-loie th.ir departure from Richmond.

You have heard it said that the President embarrassed the com- missioners by giving them positive instructions to make the recogni- tion of independence an ultimatum — a ccmdition precedent to any negotiations. This is not true. Mr. Davis gave the commissioners no written instructions and no ultimatum. He gave them, in conver- sation, his views, but leaving much to their discretion. They could best judge how to conduct the conference when they met. His own opinion was, that it would be most i)roper and wise, so to conduct it. if they could, as to receive rather than make propositions. While he did not feel authorized to yield our independence in advance, and should not do so, and while he did not desire them to deceive Mr. Lincoln, or be responsible for any false impressions Mr. Lmcoln might have, yet, he was willing for them to secure an armistice, al- though they might be satisfied that Mr. Lincoln, in agreeing to it, did so under the belief that re union must, as a result, follow. I may add that Mr. Davis had no hope of success, or of securing an armis- tice, after he learned that Mr. Seward was to accompany Mr. Lincoln. " Mr. Lincoln," he said, " is an honest, well-meaning man, but Sew- ard is wily and treacherous."

I could detain you all night correcting false impressions which have been industriously made against this great and good man. I know Jefferson Davis as I know few men. I have been near him in his public duties ; I have seen him by his private fireside ; I have wit- nessed his humble Christian devotions ; and I challenge the judgment of history when I say, no people were ever led through the fiery struggle for liberty by a nobler, truer patriot ; while the carnage of war and the trials of public life never revealed a purer and more beautiful Christian character.

Those who, during the struggle, prostituted public office for private gain ; or used position to promote favorites ; or forgot public duty to avenge private griefs ; or were derelict or faithless in any form to our cause, are they who condemn and abuse Mr. Davis. And well they may, for of all such he was the contrast, the rebuke and the enemy. Those who were willing to sacrifice self for the cause ; who were willing to bear trials lor its success ; who were willing tu reap sor- row and poverty that victory might be won, will ever cherish the name of Jefferson Davis, for, to all such he was a glorious peer, and a most worthy leader.

I would be ashamed of my own unworthiness if I did not venerate