POSTSCRIPT.
Since writing this tribute to an heroic spirit, I have received a journal from Baltimore, published by colored persons, which contains his best eulogy. Such praise is more than any other praise, for it comes from neighbors and wards who knew him well, and it is the voice of that oppressed race he had served so faithfully. Better than any official order of mourning are these artless, feeling words:—
“We are sorely grieved to chronicle the death of so great and good a man as Hon. Henry Winter Davis, who departed this life on Saturday, 30th ult., 1865, after a short illness of about three days. Mr. Davis was an accomplished gentleman, a true patriot, and a finished statesman. He was true to his country, and a tried friend to the colored people,—never faltering in the time of need. In Congress he fought as a hero for our people, and at home he labored assiduously for the bondman, and espoused the cause of Liberty, Justice, and Truth, up to the time of his death. The memory of Henry Winter Davis should live in every colored American’s heart for ages to come, and all loyal citizens should give his very interesting family their full sympathy; for Henry Winter Davis, at his own peril, stood invincible for his country, knew no flag but the flag of free America, even when his nearest friend would impeach him for his acts, and almost threaten his life. Henry Winter Davis was firm, defying all prejudiced parties to dare advance; but he was such a statesman and elocutionist, he kept them at bay, until God, in His own time, has seen it His pleasure to remove him from our midst; and we humble beings can do nothing but trust that God, in His all-wise and tender mercy, may raise erelong another Henry Winter Davis.”
DISFRANCHISEMENT INCONSISTENT WITH REPUBLICAN GOVERNMENT.
Remarks in the Senate, on the Credentials of a Senator from Florida, January 19, 1866.
January 19th, Mr. Doolittle, of Wisconsin, presented the credentials of Hon. William Marvin as Senator of Florida. Mr. Sumner, seizing the occasion to declare what he thought an essential element of republican government to be observed in Reconstruction, said:—