Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/319

 "The bravest are the tenderest, The loving are the daring."

The poet laureate voices the sentiments that fill our hearts as we review this strong, brave, tender loving character: "My good sword carves the casque of men, My short lance thrusteth sure, My strength is as the strength of ten Because my heart is pure."

On occasions like this our hearts turn to one who was imprisoned, manacled, and treated with many indignities, although no more responsible for the action of the Southern States than other public men. His persecutors were unable to bring him to trial. The text-book on the Constitution taught at West Point came in the way. For the Chief Magistrate of the young republic that arose so full of hope and noble purposes, and died so free of crime, the Commonwealth of Mississippi gave Jefferson Davis; soldier, statesman, and vicarious sufferer for a people who will cherish his memory so long as valor has a votary or virtue a shrine.

OUR HEROES WHO FELL IN THE STRUGGLE.

We pause to pay a tribute to the mighty host of brave officers, soldiers, and sailors who fell under the banner of the lost cause. We cannot call their names—all honor to them. They were spared from witnessing the flag furled. A large number of these did not return from the fated field of Gettysburg, as did some here with the burning thought that "someone had blundered." The tragic scenes at Appomattox could leave no regretful and sorrowful memories in their hearts and lives.

"As the mist of the past is rolled away, Our heroes who died in their tattered gray Grow taller and greater in all their parts, Till they fill our minds as they fill our hearts, And for them who lament them there is this relief, That glory sits by the side of grief, And they grow taller as the years pass by And the world learns how they could do and die."