USA > Alabama > Reminiscences of public men in Alabama : for thirty years, with an appendix > Part 53
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Certainly the lands of Forts Morgan and Gaines, and for Mount Vernon Arsenal, were ceded to the United States for the erection of such "needful buildings " for the defense and protection of the people of Alabama. For what other purpose should the Government of the United States hold them? But it is too late, if not improper, to pursue the argument.
Alabama has vindicated her integrity to the world. She sends her Commis- sioner here to purchase the property which her people prefer to hold in their own defense. It is now useless to your Government, except to injure them or their allies or friends. Knowing these facts, they were right to seize it, and are mag- nanimous to offer to pay your Government the amount it cost. They can not mis- understand your course in refusing to receive their Commissioner; that you deny their right to take their destiny into their own hands, or to defend themselves against the Government of the United States, or to resist its authority, and that you mean to control their action by military force.
Their Governor advised you as soon as possible of the seizure of the forts and arsenals, "that it was done by his orders to make the secession of Alabama peace-
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ful, and to prevent your reinforcing those places, and shedding the blood, and sacrificing the lives of her people in endeavoring to maintain the authority of your Government over them." Subsequent events have proved his wisdom and forecast. Your transfer of troops from Northern and Western posts to this city, and to all Southern forts where you apprehend that the people might take them for their defense, to secure peaceful secession, show your inclination to keep them for their coercion, and to prevent peaceful secession. The frowning artillery and armed men brought to the unaccustomed view of the people of Maryland and Vir- ginia, of Charleston and Pensacola, are just causes of offense to those who esteem themselves free citizens-not subjects, masters or servants of Government.
The people of Alabama will not consent that places of power granted by them to Government for their defense against insurrection and invasion, shall be used in aid of their invasion and subjugation. They regard the uses now made of Forts Pickens, Sumter, McHenry, and others in Southern States, as a gross abuse of the people and trust-a plain usurpation of ungranted power. And be assured that the men of the South will not long endure this constant menace of the power of your Government, or suffer it to stand sentinel over their doorways, with pre- sented arms, ready to challenge themselves or their friends, or to dispute their in- gress or egress. The instincts of mere brute force, no less than the noblest senti- ments of humanity-self-preservation, patriotism, honor and pride of independ- ence-conspire against such deliberate insult, and persistent menace of injury. If not surrendered for the defense of the people against your standing army, they must and will take them at any hazard and at any sacrifice.
Those States that have seceded will never unite with the Northern States under a common Government. The idea is preposterous-the ground is hopeless. There has been constant and increasing strife between them for more than a quarter of a century. They differ so widely in principles and sentiments, in morals and manners, religion and politics, as well as social institutions and habits, that the world knows they are different and uncongenial types of civilization.
They have long seen and felt it, and can not have a motive for living together that is not purely selfish and mercenary. I trust and believe they will hereafter form separate aud distinct Governments, in which they can not love each other less, or harm each other more, than under a common Government. The people of Alabama believe their rights will be better respected by the New England and other Northern States, when out of this Union, than they have been in it. The common prevalence in the South of this opinion will forever prevent the rebuild- infi of the old Union.
With your knowledge of the history of the United Stases, and the unhomoge- neous characters of the Northern and Southern peoples, you must agree with me that man will never witness the reconstruction of the Union. Then, why hold forts and keep troops in the seceded States, if not to disturb us ? Why not take the purchase money offered for them ? Left to yourself, I think you would with- draw your garrisons and sell us the forts; for you pray for peace, and protest against coercion. Take care that your councils do not compromise your honor or your character by evincing uses of these strongholds at variance with your prayers and protests.
A superannuated soldier, whose vanity and ignorance have never failed to pro- voke contempt whenever he essays to play the statesman, is not competent to ad- vise you. Neither is a mere jurist and scholar, who has lived a recluse, and knows less of living and feeling men than of dead languages and abstract sciences. Trust your own judgment, and I think you will correct the errors they have committed by transferring your troops from Southern States-where they can only excite suspicion and heart-burnings, and make enemies of those who should be friends- to the Western frontier, where war is being carried on against citizens of the United States.
Hoping that you may come out of seeming evil, and that we may not be precip- itated into war by your preparations to prevent it, and wishing you the peace and tranquility in your retirement that follows good deeds, I have the honor to be, respectfully and truly, your friend and obedient servant,
C. C. CLAY, JR.
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Finding that his services in a diplomatic character, owing to the circumstances which have been stated in an official shape, had availed nothing, Mr. Judge entered the military service. His war record may be briefly summed up:
1. As a volunteer private, in which capacity he served a short time at Pensacola, early in 1861.
2. Soon after leaving Pensacola (in 1861), he was appointed by President Davis Colonel of the Fourteenth Alabama Regiment, which was organized and mustered into service at Auburn. The late lamented D. W. Baine was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, and O. K. McLemore, a son of the late Col. Charles Mclemore, was appointed" Major of the Regiment.
3. The Regiment was removed to Virginia in the Fall of 1861, and did service during a portion of the ensuing Winter at Evans- port, on the Potomac, supporting the important Confederate bat- teries there, which for a considerable time blockaded the Potomac. In the meantime, the regiment performed arduous picket duty, with a considerable force of the Yankee army in front, under the command of Gen. Sickles.
4. In the Spring of 1862, the regiment was ordered to York- town, and there served until the retreat under Gen. Johnston, during which retreat, the battle of Williamsburg was fought.
5. In consequence of some injuries from a collision of railroad cars, among which injuries was the fracture of his right leg, Col. Judge resigned his command of the regiment. He also suffered from rheumatism, contracted by severe exposure on the Peninsula of Virginia.
6. Soon after his resignation, President Davis tendered him the position of presiding Judge of a Military Court in the Army of Virginia, with the rank of a colonel of cavalry. This appoint- ment he declined, principally on account of his rheumatism, as it would subject him to further exposure in the cold climate of Northern Virginia.
7. Without solicitation by him, President Davis then tendered Col. Judge the same appointment to serve with the army in Mobile, which he accepted, and served until the close of the war.
Upon the reorganization of the State Government in 1865, he was elected one of the Judges of the Supreme Conrt, which posi- tion he held until he was superseded by the Reconstruction meas- ures of Congress. He now resides at Greenville, engaged in the practice of the law.
Throughout his public life, and in every trust committed to him, Mr. Judge has displayed talents of a high order, with a fidel- ity which has never been questioned, and he is now enjoying the fruits in the universal respect entertained for him. His mind acts like electricity in taking hold of a subject, in speaking and in
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repartee. I have thought that he had as clear a mind as I ever knew, joined with a prompt decision of character in the perform- ance of duty, equal to any demand or any occasion.
At the close of the session of 1853-'4, the last active business day, a large proportion of the House became convivial, and threw the House into great confusion. Having many accounts and bills to sign, it became necessary for the Speaker to retire into one of the Clerk's rooms. The question with him was, who could govern the House, and dispatch the necessary business ? Mr. Judge was selected and sent for, and asked if he thought he could control the House ? His reply was "I'll try," and he took the gavel and Chair, and I never witnessed a better performance. He held the reins as though he had the management of restive animals, and directed the business with decision and rapid dispatch, never balk- ing or blundering once. Remarking on this to a gentleman-a Judge of the Supreme Court-he said that Mr. Judge was the clearest man in his arguments of any lawyer at that bar.
He is a native Alabamian; has grown to his present status in reputation within the limits of this State, and has devoted his energies to her advancement in prosperity, and to the interests of her citizens. He is yet in the vigor of life and usefulness, and it is hoped that many days of happiness are yet in store, as a reward for his exertions to promote the good of his fellow-men.
JAMES M. NABORS returned to the Senate in 1847 from Shelby and Bibb. The journals show a long term of service by this gen- tleman, in one or the other branch of the Legislature, during all of which time he was a faithful, active, intelligent, working mem- ber. A planter of respectable means, fair education and intelli- gence, and, with honest purposes, he devoted himself to the work of legislation with an eye single to the public good. He filled the measure of a good citizen and faithful representative. His views of public policy were consistent, and maintained by sound reasons, well expressed in debate, giving him at all times a marked influence in the councils of the State.
Mr. Nabors was a Democrat, and it is saying much for his posi- tion in his party, that he was selected to place in nomination the name of Dixon H. Lewis for the United States Senatorship, at this session. He died many years ago, and in the onward course of events his name and services have been forgotten; but he be- longed to a class of men whose example should be cherished and followed in the faithfulness, the rigid accountability, and the econ- omy of a representative of the people. He was a worthy, unpre- tending member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
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GEORGE N. STEWART, of Mobile, a lawyer of distinguished rank, is well known to the country as the first Reporter of the Decisions of the Supreme Court. His information was extensive, and his capacity for labor seemed to have no limit, with a degree of neat- ness in details and a simplicity of statement, peculiar to himself. His mind was original in its conceptions, and well disciplined, so that he could bring forward in an intelligible shape any measure which he deemed necessary for the public good. He stated his premises, gave the argument which influenced his conclusions, in a brief and lucid manner, and generally carried along with him the minds of others to the same point. Although a Whig in poli- tics, he was free from bitterness, and his course was often liberal, thereby gaining the respect and confidence of his Democratic op- ponents.
His term of service in the Senate, commencing with the session of 1847, was four years, and was the only connection he ever had with the Legislature; but during this brief period, he brought for- ward measures of such magnitude in the conception, as to identify his name favorably with the strong men of Alabama in the halls of legislation. Mr. Stewart is in all respects a business man, sys- tematic in his plans, and persevering in their execution. He has little or no imagination as a speaker, and never aims at mere orna- ment. His object is higher, never deviating from the line of thought until he has demonstrated his proposition, or thoroughly analyzed the matter in hand. This accomplished, he resumes his seat.
Mr. Stewart still resides in Mobile, pursuing his profession with the same earnestness, assiduity, and method, which marked his early life when struggling for excellence. He is one of the genial landmarks of society, and never suffers an occasion to pass unim- proved, when he can advance the interests of the city of his resi- dence.
SETH P. STORRS was elected to the Senate in 1847, as the suc- cessor of S. W. Harris, from Coosa and Autauga, and was elected again in 1849. In the latter canvass, his competitor was William S. Kyle, Esq., a lawyer of much personal popularity and weight of character with the people, who died many years ago, leaving a son, Col. Osceola Kyle, a lawyer of Wetumpka, as the representa- tive of his family. It is only justice to say, in this connection, that Col. Kyle proved his devotion to his principles in the late war between the States, in command of a regiment from Alabama. He is much respected for his intellgence and chivalrous bearing.
Mr. Storrs served in the Senate until the close of the session of 1851-'2, in which time he established a high character for intelli- gence and business qualities, combined with great industry in 32
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legislation. He was a native of the North, where he was well educated, and settled in Wetumpka about the year 1834, where he succeeded well in his profession of the law. His dignity, social bearing, and pleasant hospitality added to the society of the place.
In person, he was well formed and developed, and was an agree- able companion in the line of anecdotes and innocent amusements. Col. Storrs reared an intelligent family, most of whom have fol- lowed him and his wife to the silent resting place; but he has yet living a daughter, Miss Charlotte Storrs, who in the beautiful en- dowments of character-dignity, intelligence, modesty, and refine- ment-is an honor to her name, and the State which gave her birth. Col. Storrs died in 1854, and if I mistake not he was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He also left a son, now of the firm of Gibson & Storrs, publishers at Montgomery.
MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE.
A number of Representatives who had not previously served in the Legislature, took their seats at the session of 1847. Some of them will be here noticed, including a few of more experience in public life, not heretofore sketched.
GEORGE AMASON, of Sumter, was a planter, a bachelor, rather young on the list, had a well set figure, a pleasant face, and was always ready for fun and waggery. He did not legislate a great deal-that is, he did not go much into the details of business; but was generally on hand when voting was to be done. He was a Democrat of the old stripe, without disguise, although he made no noise about his politics. He was a genial companion with those of kindred taste, and a little bluff for some circles; so between the two he circulated out-doors, and at the corners, and in the offices of the Capitol.
I heard an amusing incident connected with one of his visits to Mobile, which illustrates his character. Being in the city to dis- pose of his crop of cotton, he visited the theater, and noticed, among other things new to him, the quizzing (opera) glasses that were used from different parts of the house, and they all seemed to center upon him. He was somewhat annoyed, and returning the next night, it was repeated quite extensively, so much so that he determined to take a part in the business. The third night he returned, carrying with him a tin trumpet about six feet long, bought for the purpose; and when the quizzing glasses were used to improve the vision of their owners, Mr. Amason deliberately raised his long trumpet, and placing the small end to his eye, he turned it about on the audience, especially on the quarter where the glasses were most abundant, and completely vanquished the
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crowd of quizzers. He died in the zenith of his manhood many years ago.
JAMES F. BAILEY, of Perry, served only through the session of 1847. He was a young man raised in the State, and educated at the University, and settled at Marion in the practice of the law. He was a Democrat, and was elected on a split ticket, with Messrs. Garrott and John, his Whig colleagues.
Mr. Bailey came into the House with a good deal of prestige, for he was made Chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs, a post rendered the more conspicuous, because the profession of arms had received a new impulse from the war in Mexico. He discharged the duties of his place in a competent manner, and was regarded as quite an accession to the membership of the House, in his sprightly social qualities and ready attention to business.
Towards the close of the session, Mr. Bailey was unanimously elected Judge of the County Court of Perry county, which, of course, cut short his legislative career. When Probate Courts were established, and the election of Judges given to the people in 1850, Judge Bailey was elected, and continued in the office, if I mistake not, until the surrender. In the meantime he was elected, in 1860, as the colleague of the Hon. William M. Brooks, to the Convention of January, 1861, and voted for the Ordinance of Secession, and gave to the cause of the Southern Confederacy his earnest support during the war.
Judge Bailey still resides in Perry county, in the practice of the law, where he maintains a very respectable rank. He com- menced public life at an early age, and has had a long lease, which, no doubt, he turned to his profit in public favor and in substantial rewards.
JAMES W. DAVIS, of Bibb, was a Representative in the Leg- islature as far back as 1832, and was a member of the House when I first knew him, in 1837. With slight intervals, he has been in one branch of the General Assembly or the other con- tinuously, up to the close of the session of 1866-'7, the last white man's Legislature that sat in Alabama. His public career has extended through more than thirty years. He has also been Sheriff of Bibb county; and take him from the beginning to the end, he has seen as much of public service as rarely falls to the lot of one man. From his popularity, and the acceptable manner in which he has always represented his constituents, I venture the opinion that he would still be a member of the Legislature, were it not for his disqualification under the Fourteenth Amendment.
Few men have retained the confidence of the people among
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whom they lived so long as Mr. Davis, and this proves that he has not only been faithful to his public trusts, but that he has been a good citizen, a neighborly, kind man. To this record he is fairly entitled, and his example in this respect is worthy of note and imitation. During his long service, he seldom, if ever, de- tained the House with a speech. That is certainly a merit, and yet few men have acted and voted with a better understanding of questions than Mr. Davis. He was unpretending, though jealous of his rights and privileges, and would resist any encroachment upon them, and intimated, by his correct course as a Representa- tive, that he knew the philosophy of having two ears and one tongue.
He was a Democrat, and is, and will be one as long as he lives. He was for Judge Douglas, the National nominee for Presi- dent, in 1860, and was opposed to secession; but he gave his only son to the cause of the South, and long before the war closed, he was childless. He is a faithful, true man in his friendships, and like all such men, fixed in his prejudices, yet quiet about either.
Mr. Davis is a modest man, and will no doubt be surprised to find himself noticed in these sketches; but I could not pass him by, for there are points in his character that commend themselves to the men who are to come after him. He must have commenced life at a very early age, as the last time we served together, 1865-'66, he appeared to be but little past the meridian. His person is slender, and abont six feet six inches in height.
JAMES G. GILCHRIST, of Lowndes, a lawyer, planter, and Whig, was elected to the House in 1847. Although very decided in his political principles, he was liberal in his discriminations, in voting for men and measures; and in this respect he was sometimes eccentric, an instance of which may be given :
While exchanging opinions with a fellow-member about the candidates for Judge of the Fourth Circuit, among whom was Mr. Posey, a Democrat, Mr. Gilchrist said he thought he should vote for Judge Posey; that, while he never saw him before, and knew but little of him, he liked the make and wear of his boots, and should vote for him on that account; and he did so vote. Mr. Posey was remarkable for the fit and neatness of his boots, and Mr. Gilchrist judged his character by this specimen of good taste.
Mr. Gilchrist was a working, active member of the House through the session, but seldom engaged in debate. After this, he remained in private life until the stirring scenes of 1860-'61. He was a member of the Convention, and voted for the Ordi- nance of Secession, and favored extreme measures. He indorsed his vote by entering the service of the Confederate States, and serving faithfully to the surrender.
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Mr. Gilchrist is a North Carolinian, well educated, and a South- ern gentleman in every feeling of his nature. He possesses a fund of humor in his personal associations, and is philosophical in his turn of mind. He now resides in the city of Montgomery.
PHILLIP S. GLOVER, of Sumter, was returned to the House from Sumter. He was a lawyer by profession, and for several years had been a partner in the practice with Henry F. Scruggs, Esq., formerly Judge of the County Court. He belonged to a class of jovial, clever young men who resided at Livingston; and while he was not extensively occupied at the bar, he held a court of his own as a Justice of the Peace, and rendered judgment as appeared to him right and proper. In politics he was a Dem- ocrat.
At the session of 1847, he was a candidate for Judge of the County Court, having for one of his competitors Samuel A. Hale, Esq., formerly editor of the "Flag of the Union," at Tuskaloosa. Mr. Glover was defeated before the Legislature, soon after which he died of pneumonia. At pages 349 and 350 of the Journal of the House, the following proceedings appear :
SATURDAY, February 12, 1848.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
Mr. Amason announced to the House the death of Mr. Philip S. Glover, one of the Representatives in this House from the county of Sumter, and offered the fol- lowing resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That this House has heard, with profound regret, of the death, on yesterday, of Philip S. Glover, Esq., one of its members from the county of Sumter.
Resolved, That a committee of ten be appointed to make such arrangements as may be deemed necessary or proper in regard to the obsequies of the deceased, in connection with his friends or brethren.
Resolved, That the members of this House will wear the usual badge of mourn- ing for thirty days.
Resolved, That this House will adjourn until Monday, at the usual hour, for the purpose of attending the funeral ceremonies of the deceased.
Resolved, That this House does sincerely condole with the friends of the deceased in this afflicting bereavement, and that the Clerk forward a copy of these resolu- tions to the widow of our late highly-esteemed friend and colleague.
Mr. Speaker appointed Messrs. Amason, Storrs, Stallworth, Pearson, Tate, Malone, Jackson, Walton, Wynn and Gunter, the Committee of Arrangement.
Mr. Young offered the following resolution, which was adopted :
Resolved, That the Door-Keeper be instructed to procure the necessary scarfs and badges of mourning, for the members of the two Houses.
And then the House adjourned until this afternoon, at 23 o'clock P.M.
FEBRUARY 12, 23 o'clock P.M.
Mr. Speaker called the House to order.
Mr. Storrs, from the Committee appointed to make arrangements for the funeral services of Mr. Glover, reported the following:
ORDER OF PROCESSION FOR THE FUNERAL OBSEQUIES OF HON. PHILIP S. GLOVER.
The two Houses will assemble at the Capitol at 22 o'clock, and form procession in front of the Capitol in the following order:
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