Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 28.djvu/321

 Mrs. Davis' kindness to t4ie soldiers and afflicted people of Rich- mond.

" I came to know at the close of the war many Mississippians, every one of whom I have been able to count my friend. In my congressional M-rvioe I was fortunate in having the support of the Mississippi delegation, as I did generally those of the South for every measure I introduced, and I was glad to assure Mrs. Davis of my appreciation of the action of her friends, which aided me in the IM>S.ILH- of many measures calculated to promote the interests of my district.

" I was also glad of the opportunity to tell her how much she has, by her influence and power, contributed, through her acquaintance in the North, as well as the South, to bring about the harmonious relations which now happily exist among the people of all sections of the country. The St. Lawrence University, and the people of Canton, in June, 1899, testified in a most impressive manner their liberality and generous sentiments toward the people of the South in conferring upon Colonel Lamb, one of her most active and distin- guished soldiers and civilians, the honorary degree of LL. D. During the vacation season that Mrs. Davis may spend in Canton she will be enabled to contribute much in creating and extending those feelings of good citizenship which grow out of friendly association.

"Those of our people who meet Mrs. Davis will carry away the most agreeable impressions of an interview with a highly-cultured and refined woman, who has passed through the most important and interesting half century of our country's existence, and who speaks interestingly of every public event, and leaves the impression that after more than seventy years of acquaintance with public char- acters of this and European countries, she is in full possession of all those qualities which dignify her sex, and feels the keenest interest in every measure relating to the public welfare of the country, which is to her, as to them, the best and most beloved.

" I have replied to your inquiry, with many misgivings regarding the propriety of answering the request lest I might trespass upon the private rights of one who, however conspicuous her position in public life has been, has for years avoided the public gaze and mod- e->tly devoted herself to the task of brightening and cheering the lives of those who suffered on either side in the great national conflict. It would not become me to enter upon any details of those personal qualities which distinguish her in private circles and cause her to be