Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 9.
Reverend J. William Jones, Ed.

[216]

Mr. Edward Marks then read in fine style a beautiful and appropriate poem, written for the occasion by Mary Ashley Townsend. We propose at some future day to give it in full to our readers.

And then followed the oration of the day, for which service the committee had been fortunate in securing General Fitzhugh Lee, of Virginia.

General Lee was received with enthusiastic cheers, was frequently interrupted with applause, and delivered in admirable style, an eloquent and most appropriate address. We regret that our space will not allow us to publish the address in full, or to give now even extracts from its finest passages.

When General Lee took his seat, amidst thundering applause, there were loud and persistent calls for President Davis. When he arose, the scene witnessed was indeed inspiring. Men flung their hats around their heads, and cheered wildly, the women waved their hand-kerchiefs, and as with clear, ringing voice and graceful gesture he delivered his gem of a little speech, he was again and again interrupted with an enthusiastic applause, which showed that he is not only still “a Master of assemblies,” but has a warm place in the affections of the people.

As imperfect reports of Mr. Davis's speech were published at the time, and as several of our Southern papers have, strange as it may seem, criticised severely his utterances, we are fortunate in being able to give the following verbatim report:

Remarks of Mr. Davis.

Friends, Countrymen, Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am thrice happy in the circumstances under which you have called upon me. The eloquent and beautiful address to which you have listened has been so full in its recital as to require no addition.

Again, the speaker saw all, and was a large part of that which he described, giving a life and vigor to his narration, which could not be attained by one who only, at second-hand, knew of the events.

Your honored guest and orator, General Fitzhugh Lee, rode with Stuart in his perilous campaigns, shared his toils and dangers, took part in his victories, and became the worthy successor of that immortal chieftain. When the Army of Northern Virginia made its last march to Appomattox Court-house, a numerous foe hovering on his flanks and rear, “little Fitz” was there with the remnant of his cavalry to do and