At the other end of the table sat Major Moore, the assistant quartermaster, and by his side on the left, General Joseph E. Johnston, full of wounds in the flesh and grievances of soul. On his right was John B. Floyd of Fort Donelson fame whom Davis had relieved of his command. And next William L. Yancey, the matchless orator of secession, whose hatred of Davis was greater than this old hatred of Abolition.
The feast was such as only Tom Griffin knew how to prepare.
Johnston as usual was grave and taciturn, still suffering from his unhealed wound. Yancey and Foote, the reconciled friends who had shaken hands in a common cause, were the life of the party.
Daniel, the editor of the organ of the Soreheads and Irreconcilables, was even more taciturn than his beloved Chief. General Bonham sang a love song. Yancey and Foote vied with each other in the brilliancy of their wit.
When the banquet had lasted for two hours, Yancey turned to Old Tom Griffin and said:
"Fresh glasses now and bumpers of champagne!"
When the glasses were filled the Alabama orator lifted his glass.
"This toast is to be drunk standing, gentlemen!"
Every man save Johnston sprang to his feet. Yancey looked straight into the eye of the General and shouted:
"Gentlemen! We drink to the health of the only man who can save the Southern Confederacy—General Joseph E. Johnston!"