us to
happiness.

"Devotedly,

"Your Wife."

"Kindest regards to Robert, and thanks for faithful conduct. Love
to Johnson and John Wood. Maggie sends you her best love."

The President and his party reached Abbeville on May first, only to find
that his wife had left for Washington, Georgia.

At Abbeville, in the home of Armistead Burt, Davis called his last
Cabinet meeting and council of war.

There were present five brigade commanders, General Braxton Bragg, his
Chief-of-Staff, Breckinridge, Benjamin and Reagan of his Cabinet. The
indomitable spirit made the last appeal for courage and the continuance
of the fight until better terms could be made that might save the South
from utter ruin and the shame of possible negro rule.

He faced them with firm resolution, his piercing eye undimmed by
calamity.

"The South, gentlemen," he declared, "is in a panic for the moment. We
have resources to continue the war. Let those who remain with arms in
their hands set the example and others will rally. Let the brave men yet
with me renew their determination to fight. Around you reenforcements
will gather."

The replies of his discouraged commanders were given in voices that sank
to whispers. Each man was called on for his individual opinion.

Slowly and painfully each gave his answer in the negative. The war was
hopeless, but they would not disband their men until they had guarded
the President to a place of safety.

"No!" Davis answered passionately. "I will listen to no proposition for
my safety. I appeal to you for the cause of my country. Stand by it,
men--stand by it!"

His appeal was received in silence. His councilors could not agree with
him. The proud old man drew his slender body to its full height, lifted
his hands and cried pathetically:

"The friends of the South consent to her degradation!"

He attempted to pass from the meeting, his emaciated face white with
anger. His step tottered and his body swayed and would have sunk to the
floor had not General Breckinridge caught him in his arms and led him
from the room.

Benjamin parted from the President when they crossed the Savannah River
and he had dropped the Seal of the Confederate Government in the depths
of its still, beautiful waters.

"Where are you going?" Reagan asked.

"To the farthest place from the United States," was the quick reply, "if
it takes me to China."

He made his way successfully to England and won fame