Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 24.djvu/249

 for Mr. I )-!>,.<' /,', / 241

bound to each OIK- of our section of the land by the indissoluble ties of friendship, love, and veneration. Called by the unanimous voice of the people- of the South to lead them (as Joshua of old), he ac- cepted the honor of being enshrined in the history of the nation as its chief, forced there by the free suffrage of a united people. From the moment of his coercion up to the hour of his capture, he com- manded the respect, not only of the people of the late Confederate States, but of the world at large, and especially of the United States Government. His opinions were received everywhere as the will of the people, whose mouthpiece he was. He has our love for every virtue which adorned the Christian, the gentleman, and the patriot, shown forth in every act with the brilliancy of the morning sun, re- flecting honor upon his country, dignity upon his government, and purity upon the social circle. Our veneration for called by eight millions of freemen to rule, every creed and political party gave in immediate and unrestrained obedience, followed where he pointed the way, obeyed without a murmur the law promulgated by his council, and cheerfully gave up every comfort for the public good at his suggestion. Now we lie powerless at the feet of a victorious government. Our brave brothers sleep in their honored graves, or \valk beside bearing on their persons marks of the fierce conflict which has tried their courage and manliness, with every comfort buried in the general wreck of war. With naught but their energies and honor remaining, having given in their adhesion to the laws of the land, and taken the oaths of fidelity to the government, they have become quiet citizens of the same, only asking to be permitted to remove the numerous vestiges of the conflict, which you, sir, seem, not only willing, but determined to accord to us. With your hand upon the helm (Constitutional Right), you are giving a sublime picture to the world of heroic fortitude. The tempest, though sub- siding, still causes the ship of state to plunge and reel ; yet, upheld by justice and patriots of the land, she may be anchored in the safe haven of the "Constitutional Rights" as laid down by our noble sires.

"The ark was borne upon the waters of wrath, yet lifted to the summit of a mountain, it there remained a monument of God's mercy, and from it a dove was sent, which returned with an olive branch. Will you not send out the dove (hope), to him whose only fault was, " He did not reject the dangerous honor with more sta- bility?" Will you not permit the Government to the ark, now

borne above the waters of strife, and its chief banner the olive 10