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the stately capitol building into a grand amphitheater, whose huge columns were wreathed with festoons of laurel and of magnolia, making a fit stage for the presentation of the first scene in this greatest drama of modern history.

Notice that the inaugural ceremonies would take place on Monday, the 18th of February, had been sent by telegram, printed and posted everywhere throughout the country, North as well as South. As early as the Friday before the time fixed, the streets evidenced the growth of the crowd who, from adjoining States, far and near, had come to witness the natal day of this new government.

Promptly at 10 o'clock Col. H. P. Watson, of Montgomery, as chief marshal, appeared in front of the Exchange Hotel, accompanied by the following aids, appointed by the Convention to represent the several States: Florida, Hamilton Wright; Georgia, Daniel S. Printup; South Carolina, Henry D. Capers; Louisiana, Robert C. Wood; Mississippi, Joseph P. Billups; Texas, Preston H. Roberts.

The procession was formed on Montgomery street, the right, or escort, being composed of the following military companies, under the command of Captain Semmes, of Columbus, Georgia: Columbus Guards, Lieutenant Ellis commanding; Independent Rifles, Captain Farris; Eufaula Rifles, Captain Alf. Baker; German Fusileers, Captain Scheussler.

Following the military came the special committees from the Convention of Delegates, the State Legislature, and the City Council, in open carriages; the President-elect followed in an open carriage drawn by six beautiful gray horses. To the left of Mr. Davis sat the Vice-President, Mr. Stephens, and in his front Rev. Dr. Basil Manly, of Montgomery. Next came the members of the Provisional Congress, Governors of the several seceded States, and other distinguished citizens in carriages, followed by a division of civic societies, and many hundreds who had left their homes and varied

business occupations to do honor to the occasion. The citi zens of Montgomery never before, and, in all probability, will never in the future, witness a more brilliant pageant; certainly there cannot occur in the history of any American city an event so full of interest.

Arrived at the Capitol, Mr. Davis ascended the steps of the portico with Mr. Cobb, followed alone by Mr. Stephens and the Rev. Dr. Manly. The spacious platform in their front was occupied by the Congressional delegates, and members of the Alabama Convention, and other distinguished persons, while beyond these and on either side there were thousands eagerly securing every available spot to see and hear what was to take place. As the last gun from a section. of artillery finished a salute, the ceremony of the inauguration was begun with an impressive prayer from the venerable Doctor Manly. Never can I forget the scene that at that moment presented itself, and while my mind retains its faculties, I will recall the pleading eloquence of the aged man as he invoked the blessing of God upon the Presidentelect and upon the cause he was chosen to maintain. The great concourse of people seemed to have been similarly impressed, and were awed into silence so complete that, seated on horseback near the outskirts of the assembly, I heard, with great distinctness, nearly every word of this most impressive prayer. At its close, Mr. Cobb formally announced that the President-elect, Mr. Davis, had arrived, and was now ready to take the oath of office. Mr. Davis came forward amid a storm of applause. As soon as it was quieted, in a clear and measured tone of voice he gave a distinct utterance to his inaugural address. This address appears in full in some of the histories of that period. Its insertion here I do not deem necessary. At the close of his address, turning to Mr. Cobb, Mr. Davis declared his readiness to take the oath of office as President of the Confederacy, which was accordingly administered by Mr. Cobb.

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In uttering the words, "So help me God," Mr. Davis, turning his eyes towards the heavens, in a most impressive manner repeated the words, "So help me God," in a tone of voice so loud and distinct that he could have been heard to the extreme outskirts of the immense assembly.

Thus ended the ceremony of this historic occasion, one never to be forgotten by those who were present, and that must mark for all time to come an important era in modern history. At night there was a reception, followed by a brilliant ball at Estell Hall. Here the beauty and chivalry of the South, from Texas to Virginia, was assembled, and amid a wealth of flowers, emblematic decorations, and all that a cultivated taste could suggest or that wealth could furnish, the first hours of the Confederacy were ushered in.

The next morning I was informed by Mr. Keitt, of South Carolina, that Mr. Memminger had been nominated by the President as Secretary of the Treasury, and that he desired to see me as soon as possible. I found Mr. Memminger at his room in the Exchange Hotel. Without much ceremony he made known to me his appointment, and desired that I should serve him in the capacity of Private Secretary. The selection of myself for this responsible position, doubtless grew out of the long-established friendship existing between my father and the distinguished Carolinian, rather than from any experience I had acquired either as an accountant or a secretary. Requesting me to call upon Colonel Clanton, of Montgomery, for information as to the location of the building to be used for executive offices, he directed me to publish a notice in the morning papers stating where his office was to be found, and to remain there between the hours prescribed by him. With that earnest expression which all will remember who have seen Mr. Memminger when he was interested, he remarked: "The world must know at once that we are at work, and that we are in earnest."

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