i 4 fj \ Bi ‘| i \ Hil BP) } 1 it HI Vin ay ii ee ETRE ee pede es + sat pees pac rene a nn 566 Chronicles of the Cape Fear River later, the eminent Samuel R. Jocelyn, famed as an equity law- yer, Judge J. G. Wright, William Hill, and William K. Hal- sey; then Joseph Alston Hill, William B. Meares, and Owen Holmes, followed by William A. Wright and Joshua G. Wright. Just before the war, in addition to the two Wrights, were Lucian Holmes, Thomas Miller, Adam Empie, Mauger London, Eli Hall, John L. Holmes, Oliver P. Meares, Moody B. Smith, Griffith J. McRee, DuBrutz Cutlar, Alfred M. Waddell, and Fred Poisson, and on a somewhat different level from any of these were George Davis, Robert Strange, and Samuel J. Person. After the war the eloquent voice of Joshua G. Wright was heard no more, but his mantle fell on Charles M. Stedman. Other accessions were the brothers William S. Devane and Duncan J. Devane, Judge Robert French, Duncan K. MacRae, Eugene S. Martin, and Marsden Bellamy. While Mr. Wil- liam A. Wright was accorded a particular eminence, Mr. Davis, Colonel Strange, and Judge Person were without supe- riors in the profession anywhere in the Union. No other city of only twenty thousand inhabitants could boast of a bar of equal strength, eloquence and learning. And there was never heard any suggestion of scandal among them. ‘The shining lights of that period have passed away, their places being taken by their sons and kinsmen and others of excellent learning, fine attainments, and high character. , Members of the bar now licensed to practice in New Hanover County are: C. C. Bellamy, E. H. Bellamy, J. D. Bellamy, J. D. Bellamy, jr., Marsden Bellamy, W. J. Bellamy, W. M. Bellamy, L. A. Blue, B. H. Bridgers, E. K. Bryan, K. O. Burgwin, E. T. Burton, Robert Branch, W. B. Campbell, ©. C. Cashwell, J. O. Carr, A. C. Chalmers, T. W. Davis, Rufus DeVane Dickson, George B. Elliott, B. G. Empie, 8S. M. Empie, W. P. Gafford, Louis Goodman, R. G. Grady, L. Clayton Grant, Lee Greer, J. F. Head, O. D. Hogue, G. H. Howell, W. F. Jones, Graham Kenan, Woodus Kellum, J. ©. King, J. W. Little, C. C. Loughlin, E. S. Martin, Iredell Meares, Thomas D. Meares, jr., H. McClammy, J. G. McCormick, W. B. McKoy, J. A. McNorton, George L. Peschau, L. J. Poisson, A. G. Ricaud, H. E. Rogers, George Rountree, Robert Ruark, P. D. Satchwell, J. H. Seull, K. C. Sidbury, J. A. Smith, W. L. Smith, W. P. Stacey, R. W. Strange, W. A. Townes, W. P. M. Turner, C. D. Weeks, A. S. Williams. Peace Restored 567 HONORABLE GEORGE DAVIS, CONFEDERATE STATES ATTORNEY GENERAT. On January 4, 1864, Hon. George Davis, then in the Con- federate States Senate, was appointed by President Davis At- torney General of the Confederacy. His fine attainments gave him high eminence in the Cabinet, and his counsel was most helpful in determining the many delicate questions that pressed upon the President for decision, involving not merely the con- stitutional powers of the government, but also matters of great import in international law. The complications of the war period and the fact that the Confederacy was not recognized as a sovereign nation, made his function as the. legal adviser of the government exceptional, and he discharged his high duties with great acceptability and distinction. The high esteem in which Mr. George Davis was held by his devoted chief is attested in the following letter, addressed by the Confederate President to his faithful Attorney General after the evacuation of Richmond: CHARLOTTE, N. C., 25th April, 1865. Hon. Gro. Davis, C. 8. Attorney General. My Dear Sir:—I have no hesitation in expressing to you my opinion that there is no obligation of honor which requires you, under existing circumstances, to retain your present office. It is gratifying to me to be assured that you are willing, at any personal sacrifice, to share my fortunes when they are least promising, and that you only desire to know whether you can aid me in this perilous hour to overcome sur- rounding difficulties. It is due to such generous friendship that I should candidly say to you that it is not probable for some time to come your services will be needful. It is with sincere regret that I look forward to being separated from you. Your advice has been to me both useful and cheering. The Christian spirit which has ever pervaded your suggestions, not less than the patriotism which has marked your conduct, will be remem- bered by me when in future trials I may have need for both. Should you decide (my condition having become rather that of a Soldier than a civil magistrate) to retire from my Cabinet, my sincere wishes for your welfare and happiness will follow you; and I trust a merciful Providence may have better days in store for the Confederacy, and that we may hereafter meet, when, our country’s independence being secured, it will be sweet to remember how we have suffered to- gether in the time of her sorest trial. Very respectfully and truly your friend, JEFFERSON Davis.