Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/142

130 the name of Jefferson Davis. Mr. Horne is a stonecutter by trade, of Moss Point. When the project had reached the point of having the tahlet resurfaced and the name re-entered upon it, Mr. Horne left Moss Point and went to Washington to secure the contract.

"Not for what there is in it, but for the love of my Southland and to be able to perform this little service in memory of Jefferson Davis," was the sentiment expressed by Mr. Horne as he took the train for the National Capital.

When it came to letting the contract, the firm of J. H. Shelton & Son, of Washington, underbid the stonecutter of Mississippi and secured the contract for $147. Mr. Horne was sorely disappointed. He left his home in Moss Point with this one object in view. Determined to do the work at all hazards before ever returning to his native State, Captain Horne went to the contractors and offered to do the work for most nothing, just to have the honor. He was given the job.

"It was a labor of love," wrote Mr. Horne to Mrs. Behan a few days ago, "but I feel that I have rendered a service for my people which nothing else could satisfy. I shall keep the tools with which this work has been done, twenty-four chisels and a hammer, and they shall never be used on another job if I can prevent it."

Dr. Samuel E. Lewis, chairman of the Monumental Committee, U. C. V., wired Mrs. Behan from Washington on May 15th, as follows: "Restoration of Davis' name 'Cabin John Bridge' all done except finishing touches May 14th. Souvenirs by express."

Mr. Horne also wrote Mrs. Behan of the final completion of the labor. The souvenirs mentioned consist of chips from the hard granite, while carving the name of Davis.

Captain Horne and his wife will now return to Moss Point. He wrote a letter detailing some of his experiences while restoring the name. He referred to the small pay and the difficult undertaking. Having to work directly in front of him he found it exceedingly difficult. Dr. Gerald Webb, of Colorado Springs, who had married into the Davis family, called on him while at work. Since the completion, Mr. Horne has received a delightful