eaning and just interpretation
of that instrument, and ever remembering that all offices are
but trusts held for the people, and that powers delegated are to
be strictly construed, I will hope by due diligence in the
performance of my duties, though I may disappoint your
expectations, yet to retain, when retiring, something of the
good-will and confidence which welcome my entrance into office.

"It is joyous in the midst of perilous times to look around upon
a people united in heart, where one purpose of high resolve
animates and actuates the whole; where the sacrifices to be made
are not weighed in the balance against honor and right and
liberty and equality. Obstacles may retard, but they can not
long prevent, the progress of a movement sanctified by its
justice and sustained by a virtuous people. Reverently let us
invoke the God of our Fathers to guide and protect us in our
efforts to perpetuate the principles which by his blessing they
were able to vindicate, establish, and transmit to their
posterity. With the continuance of his favor ever gratefully
acknowledged, we may hopefully look forward to success, to
peace, and to prosperity."

Note, _relative to the Election of President of the Confederate States
under the Provisional Constitution, and some Other Subjects referred to
in the Foregoing Chapters._

Statements having been made, seeming to imply that I was a candidate
"for the Presidency of the Confederate States; that my election was the
result of a misunderstanding, or of accidental complications"; and also
that I held "extreme views," and entertained at that period an
inadequate conception of the magnitude of the war probably to be waged,
information on the subject has been contributed by several distinguished
members of the Provisional Congress, who still survive. From a number of
their letters which have been published, the annexed extracts are given,
parts being omitted which refer to matters not of historical interest.

From a communication of the Hon. Alexander M. Clayton, of Mississippi,
to the Memphis "Appeal" of June 21, 1870:

"... I was at the time a member of the Provisional Congress from
Mississippi. Believing that Mr. Davis was the choice of the
South for the position of President, before repairing to
Montgomery I addressed him a letter to ascertain if he would
accept it. He replied that it was