History of Alabama and dictionary of Alabama biography, Volume I, Part 65

Author: Owen, Thomas McAdory, 1866-1920; Owen, Marie (Bankhead) Mrs. 1869-
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 756

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The procession moved up Dexter Avenue, then Market Street, accompanied by the cheers of the multitude, the inspiring strains of martial music, and the roar of cannon.

The vast crowds had already filled the doors, windows and portico of the capitol, and had spread out over the grounds and along all the streets converging on the Square.

In front of and at the left of the center of the capitol portico, a large platform had been erected for the use of congress, the Ala- bama Legislature and guests.

On leaving the carriages, the distinguished party passed between a double line of military from the foot of the steps to the entrance. The throng surged against the soldiers to catch a glimpse of the new leader. At the entrance the president and his immediate party entered the building, and ascended to the senate chamber. He at once returned to the portico, accompanied by the members of congress. President-elect Davis was seated, with Vice-president elect Stephens at his right, and Howell Cobb, on his left. Gov. Andrew Barry Moore, of Alabama, sat imme- diately below on the temporary platform. Prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Basil Manly. The President then made his inaugural ad- dress, after which the historic State Bible, used by all Alabama Executives since 1853 was presented to him, and the oath of office as Provisional President of the Confederate States of America was administered by Howell Cobb, President of the Congress. The cor- respondent of the "Selma Weekly Issue" of February 27, 1861, thus reported the scene: "President Davis kissed the Bible, and then turning to the vast assemblage said, with deep and solemn emphasis, So Help me God."

The brief record in the journal of Congress Is here introduced:

"At 1 o'clock p. m. the President-elect of the Confederate States of America, es- corted by the Vice-President and the Commit- tee of Arrangements, appeared within the Hall of Congress, and was escorted to the chalr, supported on his right by the Vice- President and on his left by the President of the Congress.

On motion of Mr. Chilton, the Congress then repaired, in company with the Presi- dent-elect, to the front of the Capitol for the purpose of inaugurating the President.

The President of the Congress presented the President-elect to the Congress.

The Rev. Dr. Basil Manly, as chaplain of the day, offered prayer.

The President-elect then delivered his Inaugural address; after which the oath of office was administered to him by the Presl- dent of the Congress.

On motion of Mr. Chilton, the Congress returned to its Hall, accompanied by the President of the Confederate States.

On motion of Mr. Chilton, it was ordered that the inaugural address of the President be spread upon the Journal of this body, and that 5,000 copies thereof be printed for the use of the Congress."

After the conclusion of the exercises by the return of the official party to the senate chamber, President Davis returned to the hotel.

On the evening following the inauguration

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the whole city was illuminated. Every win- dow sparkled with lights. There were nu- merous displays of fireworks. A public re- ception was given at Estelle Hall. For hours the President received the enthusiastic and patriotic visitors and people of the city, all of whom pledged their loyalty and support.

Executive Offices. - Following their ap- pointment and confirmation, the members of the president's cabinet during the first few days of service, had temporarily quartered at the Exchange Hotel. However, it could hardly be said that they opened such quarters for other than informal conferences with friends, and for the tentative or preliminary organization of their respective departments. On February 9, congress appointed a com- mittee of three from the members represent- ing Alabama to inquire and report "upon what terms suitable buildings in the city of Montgomery can be procured for the use of the several executive departments." On Feb- ruary 13 Mr. Shorter, chairman of the com- mittee, reported that the citizens of the city had, through a committee, tendered the use and occupation of twenty convenient rooms in a large and commodious building in the city free of charge, which accommodations they supposed to be sufficient for the present purposes of the government, but, the com- mittee further reported, that it did not feel authorized to accept the proposition so lib- erally tendered, and "after a careful examina- tion of the city, ascertained that a large and commodious fireproof building on Commerce Street, a portion of which is now occupied by the Montgomery Insurance Company, can be procured for the use of the government." The building contained "two secure and fire- proof vaults and is well located for ample supplies of water in case of fire." The rental was to be $6,000. The report was adopted, and the same committee appointed to con- tract with the owners and proprietors of the building for twelve months on the terms in- dicated.

The several cabinet officers were confirmed on the following dates: Robert Toombs, of Georgia, secretary of state, C. G. Memminger, of South Carolina, secretary of the treasury, and Leroy Pope Walker, of Alabama, secre- tary of war, February 21; Henry T. Ellett, of Mississippi, postmaster general, Judah P. Benjamin, of Louisiana, attorney general, February 25; S. R. Mallory, of Florida, March 4. It appears that Mr. Ellett did not accept, and John H. Reagan, of Texas, was confirmed as postmaster general March 6. These were all of the members of the cabinet who were appointed, confirmed, or who served while the seat of government was at Montgomery.

Executive Mansion .- While in Montgom- ery, President Davis had quarters both at the old Exchange Hotel and also later at what is known in the literature of the times as the executive mansion. On arrival at Montgomery February 17, 1861, he at once repaired to the hotel, and there he remained until about March. Mrs. Davis reached the city March 4, the day "the Confederate flag

had been hoisted," according to her Memoir. Continuing she says:

"The house chosen for us was a gentle- man's residence, roomy enough for our pur- poses, on the corner of a street and looking toward the State Capitol. There were many charming people there, who were all intent on kind services to us; our memory of Mont- gomery was one of affectionate welcome, and if we should have judged by the hampers of blossoms poured out before us, it was a flowery kingdom."

The house to which Mrs. Davis referred was the residence of Col. Edmund Harrison, one of the old citizens of Montgomery. A few facts concerning the official residence of the president are to be gleaned from the jour- nals and statutes at large of the provisional congress. A resolution of February 25th directed the committee on government build- ings "to lease a furnished mansion for the residence of the President." Later an ap- propriation act of March 15 contains an item of rent of house for the president, $5,000. A still later appropriation bill of March 21 contains an item "For furniture for executive mansion," $987.58. This expenditure for furniture had been authorized by congress. On the last day the congress met in Mont- gomery May 21st a resolution directed the secretary of the treasury to sell "the unex- pired lease of the President's house," as soon as the seat of government should finally be removed from Montgomery.

Concerning life at the mansion, little is now recalled. De Leon says that the ladies "held occasional receptions, after the Wash- Ington custom, at which were collected the most brilliant, the most gallant and most honored of the south." In the chance remark of some ancient dame, then a girl in teens, or from a grizzled veteran, then a youthful social leader, can be had enlargements of De Leon's picture. The town had filled with lit- erally hundreds of the political, military and business leaders of the south, and many were accompanied by their wives and daughters. These made a brilliant company, and while their stay in Montgomery gave little oppor- tunity for local social life, yet among the officials, from the president to those of lower rank, there were receptions, balls, parties and teas. The young gallants and maidens took long rides on horseback, or in handsome turnouts, or spent the mornings in attend- ance upon the sessions of the congress. The native grace and charm of Mrs. Davis, refined by long residence In Washington and the social centers of the country, gave her ac- knowledged leadership.

As stated above, the president's family took up their residence in the house provided about March. In the course of a few weeks Mrs. Davis left for a visit to her home in Mississippi. The Montgomery Weekly Adver- tiser of April 17, 1861, in a brief local an- nounces her return, saying, among other things: "as the steamer 'King' on which the accomplished lady was a passenger, neared the city, a salute of seven guns were fired

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by the boat. She, with the remainder of the family, stopped at the 'White House' on the corner of Bibb and West Washington streets." After the decision to remove the capital to Richmond, Mr. Davis and members of his cabinet left without delay, but it was about a week later that Mrs. Davis and his family followed during the first days of June.

( See White House of the Confederacy.)

Confederate Flag .- The first Confederate flag, popularly known as the "Stars and Bars," was flung to the breeze on the fourth day of March, 1861, the day of its adoption by the provisional congress. In anticipation of the report of the committee and the for- mal adoption of a design, Hon. Alexander D. Clitheral had had one prepared from the model. The congressional action found its way into the city, a "large concourse of spec- tators" assembled on capitol hill. Miss Letitia Christian Tyler, daughter of Col. Robert Tyler, and granddaughter of John Tyler, ex- president of the United States, had been se- lected to raise the flag. The news account, contained in the Montgomery Weekly Adver- tiser of March 6, gives this thrilling account:

"When the time had arrived for raising the banner, Miss Tyler steadily and with heart throbbing with patriotic emotion, elevated the flag to the summit of the staff, cannon thun- dered forth a salute, the vast assemblage rent the air with shouts of welcome, and the people of the south had for the first time a view of the southern flag."

The history or genesis of the flag has in recent years been the subject of much investi- gation. The Confederate organizations have undertaken to make a declaration as to whom the honor or credit should be given. The journals of the Confederate congress contain many references to the subject. A commit- tee on flags was appointed by congress to receive and consider all the designs submitted. Its report contains nothing to definitely deter- mine the inquiry. However, the statement is made that the flag as adopted and reported was the work of the committee, and "none of the designs sent by individuals as models having been thought suitable." It is quite definitely determined, however, that the flag as adopted embodies in large part the sug- gestions submitted by Nicola Marechal, a dis- tinguished portrait painter then residing at Marion, Perry County.

The flag recommended by the "Committee oll a Proper Flag for the Confederate States of America," appointed by the Provisional Congress, in its report of March 4th, 1861, is as follows:

"That the Flag of the Confederate States of America shall consist of a red field with a white space extending horizontally through the center, and equal in width to one-third the width of the flag. The red space above and below to be of the same width as the white. The union blue extending from through the white space and stopping at the lower red space. In the center of the union a circle of white stars, corresponding in number with the States of the Confederacy."

Note. The union is square; the stars five pointed. The length of the flag one and a half times the width.

Second flag .- The ""Battle Flag," known as the second flag, was designed by General Beauregard, adopted by General Joseph E. Johnston, after the first battle of Manassas (Bull Run), and afterward adopted by the Confederate Congress. The reason for its adoption was that in the smoke and dust of battle the "Stars and Bars" was frequently mistaken for the "Stars and Stripes." The "Battle Flag" was conceived on the field of battle, lived on the field of battle, and was proudly borne on every field from Manassas to Appomattox.

Third Flag .- The third in the series was adopted by the Confederate Congress, May 1, 1863, as the "National Flag" of the Con- federate States.

Fourth Flag .- A modification of the third flag was adopted March 4, 1865, as the "Na- tional Flag" of the Confederate States, by the Confederate Congress, for the reason that when the flag adopted May 1, 1863, fell limp around the staff, it resembled a flag of truce. The red outer border was thus added.

Southern Newspaper Correspondents .- Of all those who came to look in, upon and share in the progress of events, there was no more representative group than the members of the Southern newspaper press. At the head of the list was William M. Browne, who for years had edited the "Constitution" in Wash- ington City. At this date the publication of his paper had been discontinued there, to be later resumed at some point within the new Southern Confederacy. He had been the recognized organ of President Buchanan's ad- ministration, until the secession issue took form in the withdrawal of the States of the South. His bold defense of the action of the seceding States, as right in itself, a fixed and unalterable fact, which should be recog- nized by the United States Government, brought about a breach between him and the members of the Cabinet. During this trying period he did not falter, and some of the severest, and at the same time most dignified public criticism ever put forth came from his pen.

There was present also Col. James Gardner, an able and vigorous editor of the Augusta "Constitutionalist," and the publisher of the "Southern Field and Fireside." Colonel Gardner had already come in for much praise on his efforts to establish a home newspaper literature. Major William T. Thompson, the editor of the "Savannah News," but more widely known as the author of "Major Jones' Courtship," was here also. The Augusta "Re- public" was represented by Col. J. B. Weems, and the "Middle Georgian" by Mr. A. P. Burr.

Many papers were represented oy reporters. For the Charleston "Mercury" there was present Mr. E. G. Dill; The Charleston "Cour- ier," Messrs. N. E. Foard and Henry Spar- rick, and for The Charleston "News," Mr. J. C. Moses.

The Southern Associated Press, the very

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existence of which will be news to many, was reported by Mr. W. H. Pritchard, its agent, and by Mr. A. E. Marshall, as "phono- graphic reporter."

Certain it is that no group of leaders in the South exercised more influence than the intelligent and progressive editors, both of the daily and weekly press.

- Northern Correspondents .- There were rep- resentatives of the northern press in Mont- gomery during the existence of the period of formation of the Confederacy, and their correspondence, and the editorial comments suggested by it are of interest as illustrat- ing contemporary feeling. The particular extracts given also afford interesting glimpses of conditions.

The Tribune correspondent, on March 5, 1861, among other things says:

"If the position of Mr. Lincoln's inaugural is sustained by the people of the United States, collision and civil war are inevitable. This Confederacy will never pay tribute to the United States. The only hope for a peaceful solution is the immediate abandonment of all idea of collecting the revenue by the United States, and evacuation of all the Con- federate forts.

"The only practical issue for Northern Con- servatives is to insist upon a peaceable separa- tion, or to battle energetically against the Northern Radicals, carrying the Spring elec- tions, breaking up the old Union, and joining this fresh, vigorous, liberal and expansive re- public. A reconstruction of the old hulk under Lincoln is a practical absurdity.

"Mallory, the secretary of the navy, is mak- ing preparations for war on a large scale. The city and the military are quite gay. President Davis has taken a splendid White House here."

Again, on the next day, the same corres- pondent sends this speech:

"The members of the Confederate Congress are extraordinary workers. Their sessions average about 10 hours daily, and very little of the time is consumed in Buncombe speeches.

"The various Executive Departments are even more industrious, and are working lit- erally day and night in their several bureaus. The machinery of the new Government is being put in working order with remarkable rapidity.

"In case actual hostilities should break out, the policy here will be to augment the export duties to a standard that will yield $50,000,- 000, while the imports will be kept at the lowest possible figure, for the purpose of de- stroying the revenues and crippling the com- merce of the northern states.

"The possible contingency of a want of food is recognized, and the preparations for corn planting are already on the most exten- sive scale."

The New York Herald correspondent sends the following among other despatches from Montgomery, March 10, 1861:

"This new government is working won- derfully. The cabinet of President Davis

is a very able one; there is no common man in it. Energy, ability and work characterize it. The business department is, of course, that of War. The secretary, Hon. L. P. Wal- ker, although new in this sphere of life, works con amore, and thus far has proven the President's foresight in selecting him."

After noting the reinforcement of many of the military posts throughout the south, the correspondent grows enthusiastic with reference to the new Confederacy, and he incidentally takes a fling at the Tribune con- temporary of the Herald:

"The truth is, Greeley and Co., can never be made to understand these Southern people. They are called idle, and so they are, when they have nothing to do. But give them an object, and the devil himself is not more industrious. They are a unit too- there is no division amongst them. Recon- struction is thrown overboard, and such a man as Jefferson Davis at the head of the new Confederacy-clearsighted, calm, reso- lute and firm-in twelve months it will be firmly established as one of the powers of the earth."

Among other correspondents visiting Mont- gomery at this period was William H. Russell, the American correspondent of the London Times. His letters, however, were far from gratifying to northern journals, and they were not slow to severely criticize and condemn his views. At first they were expecting hin to severely attack the south, southern insti- tutions, and the proposed new government. When after two or three letters it was ap- parent that he was accurately describing scenes and events as they were taking place, and that he was interpreting events in a way wholly unfavorable to the north, they were filled both with disgust and rage. An examination of the contemporary files of the New York Sun, the Philadelphia Press and the Cincinnati Enquirer reveal many interest- ing and unfriendly comments, all showing a change of attitude and unfriendly opinion of Mr. Russell.

War Inevitable .- Irrespective of the hopes entertained with reference to peaceful sepa- ration, from the president down to the hum- blest citizen, there was a feeling that a strug- gle was inevitable, and that a resort to arms must follow the demand for the withdrawal of United States forces from southern ports. The several cabinet conferences, involving a consideration of these and kindred sub- jects were of dramatic interest. The issue was made with the demand for the evacua- tion of Fort Sumter. After a decision had been reached that unless the demand of the Confederate government was met, the Fort should be reduced, the telegraphic orders to Gen. Beauregard were despatched from the telegraph office then located on the second floor of what is now the Winter building, the particular office facing on Dexter Avenue.

On the following day all realized that war had actually begun. The news first became known by the raising of a flag over the tele- graph office, and the brief announcement that

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the bombardment had actually begun. There was the wildest excitement. The venerable Dr. Weir of the city appeared on the balcony near the telegraph office, and proposed three cheers for Gen. Beauregard, which was re- sponded to with enthusiasm. The company then pressed through the square and down Commerce Street to the government building, where the Confederate colors had been thrown to the breeze, and a squad of the "Montgom- try Blues" were firing a salute of seven guns for the seven Confederate states, and a single gun in honor of Gen. Beauregard. Despatches were read from time to time by Gen. Wag- ner, chief clerk of the war department, and he was interrupted with cheer after cheer, so that he could proceed with difficulty. These scenes admirably indicated the spirit of the people, animated by the single purpose of sustaining hy arbitrament of arms the action of their representatives in the formation of the new republic.

REFERENCES .- T. C. De Leon, Four Years in Rebel Capitals (1890), chapters 1-11; Smith, History and Debates of the Secession Conven- tion (1861); Confederate States of America, Journals of the Congress of (1904), vol. 1, in- dex; Ordinances and Constitution of Alabama, with Constitution of the Confederate States of America (1861) ; United States War Depart- ment, Executive and Congressional Directory of the Confederate States, 1861-1865 (1899) ; Thomas M. Owen, "Formation of Southern Con- federacy, February 4, 1861," in the Montgomery Advertiser, February 5, 1911; Mrs. Jefferson Davis, Jefferson Davis, A Memoir (1890), vol. 2, chapters 1-9; Selma Morning Reporter, April 13, 16, 1861; Montgomery Weekly Advertiser, March 6, April 17, May 15, May 22, 1861; Con- federate States Statutes at Large, 1861-62, vol. 1. index.

CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY. See Special Days.

CONFEDERATE MONUMENTS. Memo- rials of varying forms, as shaft, boulder, arch, or tablet, erected to honor the lives and deeds of Confederate soldiers, sailors, and civil leaders and officials, or to mark build- ings or scenes, or to commemorate events associated with Alabama in the War between the Union and the Confederacy. The spirit prompting these evidences of love and grati- tude found early expression. The formation of memorial associations immediately follow- ing the close of hostilities had, as one of the primary objects, the building of suitable monuments or memorials to the Confederate dead. Through the half century following, under the inspiration of a constantly growing appreciation of the heroic past, and led by the devoted women of the State, numerous me- morials have been completed and dedicated.

The list which follows is a guide to details of location subject commemorated, organiza- tion by which erected, date of dedication or unveiling, cost and references, viz:

Anniston: on Quintard Avenue; to Confeder- ate soldiers of Calhoun County; by United Sons of Confederate Veterans, and the public;

dedicated June 3, 1905 .- Confederate Veteran, Nashville, Tenn., April, 1905; October, 1909.

Athens: in public square; to the Confederate soldiers of Limestone County; by survivors and the Joseph E. Johnston Chapter, United Daugh- ters of the Confederacy; dedicated June 3, 1909; cost $1,500 .- U. S. C. V., Bulletin, May, 1910, p. 131; Emerson, Historic southern monuments (1911), p. 16, ill.

Auburn: in cemetery; to 98 Confederate sol- diers buried there; by Ladies Memorial Asso- ciation; dedicated April 26, 1893; cost $500 .- Manuscript data in Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Auburn: Tablet in Langdon Hall, Alabama Polytechnic Institute; "To the Students who fought under the Stars and Bars of The Con- federacy;" hy Alumni Association; unveiled June 1, 1909 .- Confederate Veteran, July, 1909, pp. 316, 317; U. S. C. V., Bulletin, May, 1910, p. 131.

Birmingham: Shaft in Capitol Park; to Con- federate soldiers and sailors; by Pelham Chap- ter, U. D. C., and the public; dedicated April 26, 1905; cost $5,000 .- Confederate Veteran, June, 1905; October, 1909.

Boligee: in the cemetery; to Confederate dead; by Ladies' Memorial Association; dedi- cated April 26, 1896; cost $1,500; individual graves marked by white crosses .- Manuscript data in the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Camden: in the cemetery; to Confederate dead of Wilcox County; by Ladies' Memorial Association and Wilcox Monumental Associa- tion; dedicated April 26, 1880; cost $1,064 .-- History of the Confederated Memorial Associa- tions (1903), p. 59; Emerson, Historic southern monuments (1911), p. 20, ill.

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History of Alabama and dictionary of Alabama biography, Volume I, Part 65

Author: Owen, Thomas McAdory, 1866-1920; Owen, Marie (Bankhead) Mrs. 1869- Publication date: 1921 Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company Number of Pages: 756

Author: Owen, Thomas McAdory, 1866-1920; Owen, Marie (Bankhead) Mrs. 1869-
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 756