Some War History Never Published 135
ment by G. and B., whereas in the original the date of Smith's signature was before it, though you inform me that the letter as printed was taken from the copy turned over by General J. E. Johnston, you do not say whether the additional omission was made by him or the printer.
Very truly yours,
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
This letter being submitted to Colonel Scott, he made the fol- lowing endorsement :
"The date Oct. I, 1861, does not appear in General Johnston's copy or Smith's man. ; that date is that of the meeting. The date January 31, 1862, appears in the Johnston copy as date of sig- natures of Smith and Beauregard.
"In 2nd edition I'll have that Oct. I, 1861, so displayed as to prevent misunderstanding. It should have been in fine 'italic caption.' '
BEAUVOIR, Harrison Co., Miss., 29 July, 1882. General Marcus /. Wright:
My Dear Sir, Various circumstances have delayed the pre- paration and copying of the accompanying paper, reviewing the secret plot, as I must consider its make-up a record for them- selves, by officers to whom I hoped to co-operate for our coun- try in the unequal contest forced upon it. You need not be told how entirely the mass of our people sunk all private con- siderations in their zeal for our cause.
That those to whom the lives and liberties of their countrymen were speedily entrusted should have been exceptions to the gen- eral spirit of the Confederates must equally be the cause of sur- prise and regret.
I trust if the poison is circulated by publication among the records, that you will be able to have the antidote out with it. If the other is not published, please add another to your many kind attentions by returning my own.
Very truly your friend,
JEFFERSO N D AY i s.
