572 Chronicles of the Cape Fear River

“Rather be yours the generous ambition to shine only in the pure ex-

cellence of virtue and refinement. * * * Go forth, then, into the
world and meet its trials and dangers, its duties and pleasures, with a

firm integrity of heart and mind, looking ever onward and upward, and
walking erect before the gaze of men, fearless, because without reproach.
When the glad sunshine is upon you, rejoice and be happy. When the
dark hours come, light them with a gentle patience and a Christian faith.
“* * * This above all: “To thine own self be true, and it must fol-
low as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.’”

THE GEORGE DAVIS MONUMENT.

By Mrs. WILLIAM M. PARSLEY.

Several years after the death of the Hon. George Davis, the
Cape Fear Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy con-
ceived the idea of erecting a monument to the memory of this
beloved statesman of the Cape Fear. It was not, however, until
January, 1904, that the financial condition of the chapter
enabled the members to make even a beginning in the cherished
undertaking. At that time a small balance of $50 in the
treasury was placed in bank to the credit of the George Davis
Memorial Fund, and a committee of five ladies was appointed
to take charge of the matter. The members of this committee
were Mrs. William M. Parsley, chairman; Mrs. Martin S. Wil-
lard, president of the chapter, Mrs. James Carmichael, Mrs.

Gabriel Holmes, and Miss Mary Calder. Later, the number of
members was increased to ten, and Mrs. Jane D. DeRosset was

elected chairman, with Mrs. John C. James, secretary.

The first action of the committee was to notify all chapters
of the Daughters of the Confederacy and camps of Confeder-
ate Veterans throughout the State of the plan, inviting their
codperation and support; but these organizations were busy
with their own local work, most of them with inadequate means,
and, though expressing the heartiest approval, they were able
to contribute but little.

The first voluntary contribution—a ten-dollar gold piece—
was made by Mrs. Henry Rehder, who, though not a Daughter
of the Confederacy, admired and revered Mr. Davis. Another
lady made a contribution of $50—the proceeds from work by
her own hands. The Wilmington Light Infantry gave a dra-
matic entertainment for the benefit of the fund and realized
$90. The ever loyal and faithful George Davis Children’s

Peace Restored 573

Chapter sent several gifts of $10 each. But the fund grew
slowly, and the committee, feeling its inability to cope with
the matter, had almost decided to return the amounts subscribed
and abandon the hope of erecting the monument. At this criti-
cal time, however, one of our leading business men, whose per-
sonal admiration for Mr. Davis gave him enthusiasm for the
cause, subscribed $1,000 and persuaded a friend to contribute
a like amount. Later, he raised the remainder of the $5,500
—— and the committee was at once enabled to carry out its
plans.

The design of the memorial is a portrait statue in bronze on a
base of North Carolina granite, executed by Francis H. Packer,
of New York City—a chaste, beautiful monument, with a won-
derfully accurate likeness of Mr. Davis, standing with his face
towards the Cape Fear River and reaching forward in a charac-
teristic gesture of the right hand, while the left rests lightly
upon the flag to which he was true to the end of his life.

On October 14, 1909, the cornerstone was laid with imposing
ceremonies, Col. A. M. Waddell making the address; and on
April 20, 1911, the monument was unveiled by four of Mr.
Davis’ grandsons—Robert Cowan Davis, Heiskell Gouverneur,
George Rountree, and Donald MacRae, jr.

The address of Judge Henry G. Connor in presenting the
monument to the city was heartily enjoyed by every one in at-
tendance and was an able and brilliant review of the life of Mr.
Davis, scintillating with touches of local history and memories
that are ever dear to every patriotic Wilmingtonian. Following
Judge Connor, the acceptance on behalf of Wilmington was by
Mayor MacRae, who spoke in his characteristically happy, but
brief manner, as follows:

. Ladies and Gentlemen and United Daughters of the Confederacy: It
my duty for the mayor and aldermen, and for all that is best in Wil-
mington, to receive this monument. It commemorates the virtues of
a of our own fellow-citizens who, through a long life as a great
eee never bowed the knee to Baal, never lowered the standard of
oo never stood for anything which his conscience did not approve,
ees. Eclat ge any motive of selfish gain or advancement to move him
medi Ss integrity. Though he has crossed over the river, he still sur-
‘eRe the best and broadest sense; for the life that he lived is an
= on to all. The beauty of righteousness is still crimson in his
eeks and on his lips and Death’s pale flag is not advanced there.

eee be any ambitious young men who feel disheartened and dis-
‘at sed when they see mean men promoted and base actions applauded,

them take heart again and go forward with renewed courage. Be-