Since writing this tribute to an heroic spirit, I have received a
journal from Baltimore, published by colored persons, which contains
his best eulogy. Such praise is more than any other praise, for it
comes from neighbors and wards who knew him well, and it is the voice
of that oppressed race he had served so faithfully. Better than any
official order of mourning are these artless, feeling words:--
“We are sorely grieved to chronicle the death of so great and
good a man as Hon. Henry Winter Davis, who departed this life
on Saturday, 30th ult., 1865, after a short illness of about
three days. Mr. Davis was an accomplished gentleman, a true
patriot, and a finished statesman. He was true to his country,
and _a tried friend_ to the colored people,--_never_ faltering
in the time of need. In Congress he fought as a hero for our
people, and at home he labored assiduously for the bondman, and
espoused the cause of _Liberty, Justice, and Truth_, up to the
time of his death. The memory of Henry Winter Davis should live
in every colored American’s heart for ages to come, and _all_
loyal citizens should give his very interesting family their
full sympathy; for Henry Winter Davis, at _his own_ peril,
stood invincible for his country, knew no flag but the flag of
_free_ America, even when his nearest friend would impeach him
for his acts, and almost threaten his life. Henry Winter Davis
was _firm_, defying all prejudiced parties to dare advance;
but he was such a statesman and elocutionist, he kept them at
bay, until God, in His own time, has seen it His pleasure to
remove him from our midst; and we humble beings can do nothing
but trust that God, in His all-wise and tender mercy, may raise
erelong another Henry Winter Davis.”