Alan J. Pitts
"He suffered for us"....
Tue May 8 17:04:32 2001


I cannot answer the question directly, but it brings to mind something I saw during a tour of the state capitol building in Montgomery. This was ten years ago, and the building was being reopened to the public at the completion of a restoration project. The intent of the restoration was to restore the capitol's interior to its original appearance, and photographs taken during the mid- to late- 1800's were on display for comparison.

One of the photographs was of the old state Supreme Court chamber. It was taken while the body of Jefferson Davis lay in state there shortly after his death in 1889. A large banner had been hung above the coffin which read, "He Suffered For Us", or words to that effect.

Frankly, the messianic message conveyed by the banner took me by surprise. President Davis certainly would've discouraged if not forbid any such display during his lifetime. However, I imagine the message on this banner faithfully represents the sentiments of many Southerners during that era.