But the South was
thrilled with the joy of a great deliverance.
Jefferson Davis in his address to the army expressed the universal
feeling of his people:
"Richmond, July 5, 1862.
"_To the Army of Eastern Virginia_:
"_Soldiers_:
"I congratulate you upon the series of brilliant victories which,
under the favor of Divine Providence, you have lately won; and as
President of the Confederate States, hereby tender to you the
thanks of the country, whose just cause you have so skillfuly and
heroically saved.
"Ten days ago an invading army, vastly superior to yours in numbers
and the material of war, closely beleaguered your Capital and
vauntingly proclaimed our speedy conquest. You marched to attack
the enemy in his entrenchments. With well-directed movements and
death-defying valor you charged upon him in his strong positions,
drove him from field to field over a distance of more than
thirty-five miles, and, despite his reenforcements, compelled him
to seek safety under the cover of his gunboats, where he now lies
cowering before the army so lately despised and threatened with
utter subjugation.
"The fortitude with which you have borne trial and privation, the
gallantry with which you have entered into each successive battle,
must have been witnessed to be fully appreciated.
Pages:
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428