Jefferson Davis – President of the Confederate States of America
By J. F. Borno
Jefferson Davis, a name inextricably linked with the tumultuous era of the American Civil War, stands as the first and only President of the Confederate States of America. While his name resonates through history, a comprehensive understanding of the man and the leader often remains elusive. This article seeks to illuminate the life and career of Jefferson Davis, exploring his journey from a promising military officer and politician to the figurehead of a nation born from secession and ultimately consumed by conflict.
Early Life and Military Education
Jefferson Finis Davis entered the world on June 3, 1808, born into a family with a strong military tradition. His father and uncles had served with distinction in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, instilling in him a sense of patriotic duty and military ethos from a young age. Further cementing this connection, three of his older brothers participated in the War of 1812. Jefferson, the youngest of ten children, received a formal education that culminated in his acceptance into the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Upon graduating from West Point, Davis was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 1st Infantry Regiment, embarking on a career in the U.S. Army. His early military service provided him with valuable experience in leadership, strategy, and the practicalities of warfare. This foundation would later prove crucial as he navigated the complexities of leading the Confederacy.
Political Ascent and the Mexican-American War
Leaving military service, Jefferson Davis transitioned into the realm of politics, displaying an astute understanding of governance and public sentiment. At the age of 36, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing the state of Mississippi. His tenure in the House demonstrated his commitment to his constituents and his growing influence within the political landscape.
However, the call of duty beckoned once more with the outbreak of the Mexican-American War. Displaying a strong sense of patriotism, Jefferson Davis resigned his seat in the House of Representatives to form and lead the Mississippi Rifles Volunteer Regiment. He distinguished himself in battle, particularly at the Battle of Buena Vista, where his bravery and tactical acumen were evident. Despite his military success, Davis declined a promotion to brigadier general, citing constitutional concerns regarding the promotion of militia officers to Federal military positions. This decision highlights his strict adherence to principles, even when it meant forgoing personal advancement.
Following his service in the Mexican-American War, Jefferson Davis returned to politics, securing a position as a Mississippi Senator. His experience and expertise led to his appointment as the chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs, further solidifying his reputation as a leading voice on military matters. As a senator, he became increasingly involved in the growing debates surrounding states’ rights, slavery, and the potential for secession, setting the stage for his future role in the Confederacy.
The Gathering Storm and Secession
As tensions between the North and South escalated, Jefferson Davis found himself at the center of the storm. While he initially advocated for the preservation of the Union, he firmly believed in the right of individual states to secede if they deemed it necessary. This stance reflected the deeply ingrained belief in states’ rights that was prevalent in the South.
When Mississippi adopted an ordinance of secession in January 1861, Davis made the momentous decision to resign from the United States Senate. In a poignant farewell address, he expressed his sorrow at the dissolution of the Union but reaffirmed his loyalty to his state and its decision. His resignation marked a turning point in his career, propelling him toward the leadership of the nascent Confederacy.
President of the Confederacy
Within days of his resignation, Jefferson Davis was appointed a Major General of Mississippian troops. His military background and political experience made him a natural choice for leadership. Before February concluded, he was named the provisional president of the Confederate States of America. In this role, he faced the daunting task of forming a new government, establishing a military, and securing recognition from foreign powers.
Despite the growing animosity, Davis initially sought a peaceful resolution to the crisis. He appointed a Peace Commission to negotiate with the United States government, offering to pay off the South’s share of the national debt and to compensate for Federal properties located within Confederate territory. However, these peace efforts proved futile, as neither side was willing to compromise on the fundamental issues that divided them.
The inevitable descent into war began in April 1861 when Davis authorized the attack on Fort Sumter, a Federal garrison in Charleston Harbor. This act marked the official commencement of the American Civil War, a conflict that would reshape the nation and define Davis’s legacy.
The Confederate War Effort
With the outbreak of war, Jefferson Davis relocated his family to Richmond, Virginia, which became the new capital of the Confederacy. He was subsequently elected to a six-year term as President, tasked with leading the Confederacy through the most challenging period in its history. He appointed Robert E. Lee as the General of the Army of Northern Virginia, forging a partnership that would define the Confederate military strategy for much of the war.
The early years of the Civil War saw a string of Confederate victories, fueled by skilled military leadership and the determination of Southern soldiers. However, Davis recognized the inherent economic disadvantages faced by the Confederacy. The North possessed a larger industrial base, a greater population, and a more robust infrastructure, all of which gave it a significant advantage in a prolonged conflict.
As the war progressed, the tide began to turn against the Confederacy. After a series of setbacks, including the pivotal defeat at Gettysburg, Davis faced increasing criticism and dissent within his government. Despite the mounting pressure, he remained steadfast in his commitment to the Confederate cause, refusing to accept General Lee’s resignation offer and continuing to rally his people.
Capture, Imprisonment, and Later Life
As Union forces advanced, the Confederate government was forced to evacuate Richmond. On April 3, 1865, Jefferson Davis and his cabinet fled to Danville, Virginia, and then further south to North Carolina, seeking to evade capture. However, the end was near. On April 9, 1865, General Ulysses S. Grant accepted the surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House, effectively signaling the end of the Confederacy.
In May 1865, the Confederate government officially dissolved. Shortly thereafter, Jefferson Davis was captured in Irwinville, Georgia, and imprisoned in Virginia for two years. He was indicted for treason, but the indictments were ultimately dismissed, and the case never went to trial.
After his release on bail, which was secured by prominent citizens from both the North and South, Davis traveled abroad. Upon his return, he served as president of a life insurance company and was even elected to the Senate again, although he was barred from serving due to the 14th Amendment. He dedicated his later years to writing and traveling, seeking to defend his actions and articulate his vision of the Confederacy.
Jefferson Davis died in 1889 at the age of 81, twenty-four years after the conclusion of the American Civil War. His funeral was a grand affair in the South, attended by thousands who still revered him as a symbol of their lost cause.
Legacy
Jefferson Davis remains a controversial and complex figure in American history. Revered by some as a patriot and a defender of states’ rights, he is condemned by others as a traitor and a symbol of slavery and secession. His legacy continues to be debated and reinterpreted, reflecting the enduring divisions and unresolved questions that continue to shape the American identity.