Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/90

 its recent convention, "to adopt the necessary means to have the name of Jefferson Davis restored to 'Cabin John Bridge,' Washington, D. C." It is nearly half a century since the closing scene at Appomattox ended the War between the States. The country is re-united, and we are one common people, and as such it is the duty of all patriotic citizens to assist in obliterating every evidence of the ill-feeling, malice and sectional prejudice engendered by the war. The mutilated keystone on "Cabin John Bridge" stands out in bold relief as an act of indignity offered to a man who served his country in time of war and peace with exceptional ability and fidelity; and while it is recorded as the act of one man who was blinded with prejudice, it reflects upon the honor of the whole American nation, and should be corrected as soon as possible. As the wife of a Southern Republican, I am proud of my government. Its recent action, in returning the captured battle flags, and the generous appropriation for the care of graves of Confederate soldiers buried in Northern cemeteries, will always be remembered with pride and gratitude. It was a most courteous act on the part of General Fred. Grant to furnish a military escort when the remains of the late Mrs. Jefferson Davis were removed to Richmond, Va., for final interment, and the floral tribute sent by President Roosevelt, on the same sad occasion, was highly appreciated by the Southern people. It had been the hope of Mrs. Davis that she would be spared to see the name so dear to her restored to "Cabin lohn Bridge," but fate decreed otherwise, and we now have it as a duty to render this tardy act of justice while we have with us the only surviving daughter of this distinguished man—I refer to Mrs. J. Addison Hayes, a resident of Colorado; and who claims Washington as her birthplace, having been born there during her father's term as Secretary of War. You will find enclosed a copy of a letter from General Stephen D. Lee, Commander-in-Chief of the United Confederate organization, who is in hearty sympathy with this movement. As you will remark, General Lee is very hopeful that the Secretary of War can and will do the right thing, and we would prefer to have it done quietly, so as to prevent adverse and radical expressions from any party.