Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 28.djvu/288

 282 Southern Historical Society Papers.

February u. On the night the Constitution was adopted and an election ordered for the next day at 12 o'clock, we had a "counting of noses," and found that Alabama, Mississippi and Florida were in favor of Davis, Louisiana and Georgia for Howell, and South Carolina divided between Howell and Davis, with Memminger and Withers wavering. Howell immediately announced his wish that Davis should be unanimously elected. When the Georgia delegation met, Mr. Stephens moved to give Mr. Toombs a complimentary vote from Georgia. I suggested that four States were for Davis, and it would place Mr. Toombs in a false position. Toombs expressed his doubt that four States were for Davis, and preferred they should be can- vassed. Judge Crawford was commissioned to do so. Then came the question as to Vice- President. Mr. Toombs returned the com- pliment by suggesting Mr. Stephens. Kenan and Nisbet responded in favor of it, but a death-like stillness reigned as to the balance. We saw they had us, so after a few minutes Howell retired. Bar- tow followed him and I followed Bartow. I was told that no other word was spoken after we retired. When we reached the capitol, we heard that Georgia had presented Mr. Stephens. We placed ourselves right and then let' it rock on. Stephens was very anxious to accept in a public speech at i o'clock to-day. The crowd of presidents in embryo was very large. I believe the Government could be stocked with offices from among them.

February 12. I am hard at work on three committees, each of which is charged with important business. I tried to get the name of this republic the " Republic of Washington," but failed. The name now had, "Confederate States of America," 'does not give satisfaction, and I have no doubt will be changed for the permanent Constitution. I am disgusted with old Withers, of South Carolina. Rhett is a generous-hearted man, with a quantity of cranks. Barn- well is a gentlemanly man, full of politeness and modesty, and attracts my kind feeling. Memminger is very shrewd a perfect Mc- Coy metamorphosed into a legislating lawyer.

February 15. I am sick at heart with the daily manifestations of selfishness, intrigue, low cunning and meanness among those who at this critical moment should have an eye single to the protection of their people.

The best friends of the Confederacy here are troubled at these continued rumors of President Davis being a reconstruct- ionist. Many are regretting already his election. If he does not come out boldly in his inaugural against this suicidal policy we shall