The Richmond Daily Dispatch
June 1, 1861
The arrival of these two distinguished gentlemen in Richmond, one
the Chief Magistrate of the Confederacy, and the other the hero of the
first battle in behalf of Southern Rights, is not only opportune as
regards the momentous crisis through which we are passing, but important
in its moral effect upon our people. Their presence will give a tone to
public affairs and to public men, and impart vigor, impetus and
activity, in both the Civil and Military Departments of our Government.
Our troops will be inspired with fresh confidence, though it has never
been wanting in the leaders we have already in the field; and we shall
probably at once begin to experience the results of that vigorous policy
which has in a few short months consolidated the Southern States in one
of the strongest Governments of the world. We shall have a fight, and
we shall conquer. The providence which has thus far blessed every
movement that has been made in behalf of Southern Rights, will not
desert us in the trying hour of our destiny, and with such instruments
in the field as President Davis, Toombs, Wigfall, Beauregard, Lee,
Johnston, Bonham, Huger, Wise, and the host of brave men gathered around
them, we cannot but triumph over all opposition.
There are now upon the soil of Virginia some of the best blood and
talent of our country; men who have adorned the fireside, forum and the
field; men who have staked "their lives, their fortunes, and their
sacred honor;" men who will never turn their backs upon the enemy until
he has been driven from the State. South Carolina has sent her Manning,
Preston, and Huger; Louisiana her Beauregard; Georgia her Toombs, and
Texas her Wigfall. Other States have likewise contributed their
brightest and best names to the galaxy, hundreds of whom are in the
ranks as private soldiers; while every family in old Virginia that ever
had a position has sent its representative men to do their share in the
coming conflict. With such leaders and such followers, we are
invincible, and though, in the language of the brave Tatnall, "blood is
thicker than water," the soil will soak with the contents of the hearts
of the men of the Old Dominion, before they yield one jot to the
treacherous foe who are now within our borders.
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