Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 35.djvu/180

166 "Is Davis a Traitor, or Was Secession a Constitutional Right, Previous to the War of 1861?" By Albert Taylor Bledsoe, A. M., L. L. D., late professor of mathematics in the University of Virginia. Republished by Mary Barksdale Newton, in memory of her husband, Virginius Newton, of Richmond, Va. The Hermitage Press, Inc., 1907, Richmond, Va.

As expressed in its preface:

"It is not the design of this book to open the subject of secession" (but merely to discuss that subject from the standpoint of abstract right), "in order to vindicate the character of the South for loyalty, and to wipe off the charges of treason and rebellion from the names and memories of Jefferson Davis, 'Stonewall' Jackson, Albert Sydney Johnston, Robert E. Lee and all who fought and suffered in the great war of coercion."

The recent Confederate Reunion at Richmond, Va., where gathered once again the survivors of the historic struggle of 1861-5, makes timely the republication of the work under review; and, as a valuable contribution to the history of this subject, this work should be included in all public libraries and generally read.

It is true that it cannot be claimed for this work that it is a dispassionate summary of the arguments which have been advanced on both sides of the great question which it discusses. It was written too close to the culmination of the deadly strife in arms for this to be expected. It does not contain altogether a complete statement of the arguments which have been advanced in support of the position taken by the author; and it