Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/130

 of the middle period—alongside President Lincoln as he is portrayed to-day—Why not? What is there left in the life of Jefferson Davis for any man to condemn?

Let his portrait be as widely distributed as the portrait of any other great man. Let our school books contain eulogies of Jefferson Davis as well as eulogies of President Lincoln. Let extracts from his speeches be used by our young boys in their declamations. In short, let us do for him whatever we do to make future generations remember any other great man.

Well, Mrs. Behan, I find that I have been carried away out of all discretion in writing this long letter. Forgive me; I will not treat you so any more.

Faithfully your friend,

New Orleans:

I write an immediate answer to your letter because I am always glad to be in co-operation with your good work.

I am delighted by the fact that you will file your report with General Mickle, who will be glad to bring it to my notice at the proper time during the Reunion.

I repeat that we must hold up the name of Jefferson Davis in high honor just as he well deserves. The country is getting in frame of mind to appreciate our noble President.

With the most affectionate regard for you, L am,

Your friend,

April 3, 1909.

Your approval of my suggestion as to the action of the U. C. V. in noticing the replacing of the name "Jefferson Davis" on "Cabin John Bridge" is very gratifying. We are under certain obligations in this matter—and what we do must be done delicately—Southern-like—unanimously and patriotically. I know that all this will be considered. The meaning of that restoration