Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/125

 i{/e, Services and Character of Jefferson Davis. 117

THE SOUTH KNEW HIM AND THEREFORE HONORS HIM.

The people of the South knew Jefferson Davis. He mingled his daily life with theirs under the eager ken of those who had bound up with him all that life can cherish.

To his hands they consigned their destinies, and under his guidance they committed the land they loved, with husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers, to the God of Battles.

Ruin, wounds, and death became their portion. And yet this people do declare that Jefferson Davis was an unselfish patriot and a noble gentleman ; that as the trustee of the highest trusts that man can place in man he was clear and faithful ; and that in his high office he exhibited those grand heroic attributes which were worthy of its dignity and of their struggle for independence.

Thus it was that when the news came that he was no more there was no Southern home that did not pass under the shadow of afflic- tion. Thus it was that the Governors of Commonwealths bore his body to the tomb, and that multitudes gathered from afar to bow in reverence. Thus it was that throughout the South the scarred sol- diers, the widowed wives, the kindred of those who had died in the battle which he dehvered, met to give utterance to their respect and sorrow. Thus it is that the General Assembly of Virginia is now convened to pay their tribute. Completer testimony to human worth was never given, and thus it will be that the South will build a monu- ment to record their verdict that he was true to his people, his con- science, and his God ; and no stone that covers the dead will be worthier of the Roman legend :


 * * Clarus et virfortissimus. ' *

SOME PERSONAL TRAITS OF CHARACTER.

The life now closed was one of conflict from youth to manhood, and from manhood to the grave. Before he was a man in years he was an officer in the army of his country, and intermissions of mili- tary and civil services were but spent in burnishing the weapons which were to shine in the clash of opposing interests.

The scenes of the hearthstone and of the cloisters of friendship and religion have no place on that large canvas which portrays the great events of national existence ; and those who come forth from them equipped and strong to wresde and contend leave often behind them