believe it to be an opportune time for pressing our claim, in order that the truth of history may be preserved. If this matter is properly placed before our broad-minded and generous President, Hon. Theodore Roosevelt, I believe he will be pleased to wind up his already glorious administration by ordering the restoration of the name of Jefferson Davis on the tablet from which it was shamefully cut off without authority by Mr. Caleb Smith, Secretary of the Interior, in 1861. It is a great honor and privilege to have in the office of Secretary of War one who not only knew Jefferson Davis personally, but one whom we honor and respect as a Confederate veteran. With you there is no question of the right and justice of this request, and we appeal to you with confidence in your willingness to act and ability to succeed.
This magnificent structure is only one of the evidences of the great skill and efficiency of Mr. Davis while he was Secretary of War, and we should give honor to whom honor is due. It is a matter of record that the name of Mr. Davis was ordered cut off the tablet by Hon. Caleb B. Smith, who, in his passion and prejudice forgot that to the name of Jefferson Davis this country owes justice and recognition for services rendered on the field of battle, in the council chamber, and as one of the ablest men in the Cabinet of President Franklin Pierce. This act of petty spite stands to-day as a reproach to the American people, and should be obliterated by the restoration of the name where it rightfully belongs. When this is done—and let us hope that it will be done during the Davis centennial year—then, indeed, may we boast of the great American people and the re-united country.
And now, in conclusion, Mr. Secretary, I will indulge in a short personal allusion as an introduction to you, as well as to our President-elect. I am the wife of General Wm. J. Behan, a Confederate veteran who served for four years in the Army of Northern Virginia, and who has since his surrender at Appomattox been a loyal citizen of the United States. Under separate cover, I will send you certain data that may be useful to you in working up this matter, and I am ready at all times to aid you in your efforts. If necessary. I will go on to Washington to urge prompt and favorable action.
