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.
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