Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 40.djvu/317

 Rh scriptures and to the constitution of the United States, as made by our revolutionary fathers, vindicate the patriotism and the heroic virtues and struggles of our people.

"Now that we are again citizens of the United States, living under the same government and constitutional flag, our late adversaries ought not to desire to degrade us in the eyes of posterity, and if they would be wise and just they should not wish to place our people in history in the position of being unworthy of the rights, liberty and character of citizens of our great and common country.

"And while I have accepted, and do accept, in good faith, the legitimate results of the war, and while I am, and will be as true to my allegiance and duty to our common government as any other citizen can be, I shall insist on my right to tell the truths which show that in that great struggle we were guided and controlled by a sense of duty and by a spirit, of patriotism which caused us to stake life, liberty and property in a contest with a greatly superior power rather than basely surrender our rights without a struggle."

Speaking of the women of the Confederacy, Judge Reagan said:

"They gave to the armies their husbands, fathers, sons and brothers with aching hearts, and bade them good-bye with sobs and tears, but they believed the sacrifice was due to their country and her cause. They assumed the care of their homes and of the children and aged. Many of them, who had been reared in ease and luxury, had to engage in all the drudgery of the farm and shop. Many of them worked in the fields to raise the means of feeding their families. Spinning wheels and looms were multiplied where none had been seen before, to enable them to clothe their families and furnish clothing for the loved ones in the army, to whom with messages of love and encouragement they were, whenever they could, sending something to wear or to eat, and like angels of mercy they visited and attended the hospitals with lint and bandages for the wounded and medicine for the sick, and such nourishment as they could for both. And their holy prayers at all times went to the throne of God for the safety of those dear to them and for the success of the Confederate