326 Southern Historical Society Papers.
Polk will always be an interesting figure in American history, not so much for what he did as for the contrasts in his career. The volumes in hand, if not impartial, are at least decorous in form, harsh judgments being generally tempered by some words of kindness. The illustrations comprise several portraits of Polk as bishop and general, and numerous charts or tracings of the battles and campaigns in which he was engaged.
THE EXECUTION OF DR. DAVID MINTON WRIGHT
By the Federal Authorities, at Norfolk, Virginia, October 23, 1862.
[Among the tragic events of the late war between the States, none enlists deeper sympathy and will be permanently more harrowing, than the ignominious fate of Dr. David Minton Wright, of Norfolk, Virginia. His was a character cast in the noblest mould, and ani- mated by the most generous impulses.
A friend bears touching testimony to his qualities of mind and heart.
Whilst hostilities were impending, " although devoted to the So.uth, he deprecated .the war, expressed his love for the Union, and hoped the wisdom and patriotism of the nation would assert themselves be- fore an issue was irretrievably made between its sections. In a word, he spoke as a patriot, and not as a politician, giving expression to the most liberal and fraternal sentiments, and exhibiting that his posi- tion was altogether conservative." *
As civil law had been established by the Federal authorities in Norfolk, it was expected that justice by civil trial would have been conceded Dr. Wright. The services of Hon. Reverdy Johnson for his defence were secured, and an appeal was made to President Lincoln for the grace, but it was denied. " A trial by court-martial was immediately held; no extenuating circumstances were admitted, and the simple fact that an officer of the army had been slain by a rebel sympathizer outweighed all other considerations, and this good
- "A Doctor's Experiences in Three Continents," by Edward Warren-
Bey, M. D., C. M., LL. D., page 191.
