Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1865-05-26
The Rebel Leader Jeff. Davis,

JEFF. Davis was born in Kentucky, June
3, le0S. He was the son of James Davis, a
noted horse trader, of Hopkinsyllle, Ken
tucky. The father fell under suspicion as
horse thief, and was forced to fy from
Kentucky, and settled. when JEFF. was very
young near Nicksburg, Miss. He was able
a few years after his removal to send his
son JEFF. to Kentucky to complete his educa-
tion at the Pennsylvania University, Lexing-
ton, and subsequently, through the influence
of his money, secured for him an appoint
ment to West Point, which young JEFF
entered at sixteen, forming part Of the
graduating class of 1928. He graduated
near the foot of the class, and was commits
stoned in the First infantry as breyet second
Lieutenant, the lowest rank that could be
given him. He was sent TO Florida, and
served very creditably with Zach. TAYLOR,
IN the Black Hawk war, for which he got
commission as first Lieutenant in the First
dragons In 1882 he offended General
Taylor by running away with and marrying
his daughter, and the old General never
recognized Davis until they happened to
meet on the battle field of Buena Vista,
Mexico. In 1885 Davis, having resigned
his commission, settled near Vicksburg, and
entered upon the arena of politics, in which
he was so tar successful as 10 elected to the
lower house of Congress.
When the Mexican war broke out Davis
saIed and commanded the First Regiment of
Mississippi rifles. The only significant
feature in his career was the fact that he
declined United States commission as brig
adler general of volunteers on the ground
that such an appointment by the Federal
Executive was violation Of State rights.
He re-entered political life in ls47, hay-
ing been appointed by the Governor Of Miss.
to I'LL the vacancy in the United States SEN
ate caused by the death of Mr. Speight. At
the ensuing election, in lS4s, he was elected
to fill the term expiring in 1851 On his
return to Mississippi he became the State
rights candidate for Governor, but was de-
feated by Little FIdget" Foote, his lifetime
enemy, who is now lying in Ludlow street
Jail, New York. About the same time he
stumped the State for the purpose of adyo-
eating the Reputation of the State debt, and
was subsequently, honored as the originator
and prime mover Of that great swindle. In
1858 he was called BY Pierce TO a seat in his
Cabinet, as Secretary Of War.
Senator from Mississippi, which be held
until his resignation, (January, ls6l,l on
the secession of his State. During the
Congressional vacation of 1860. DAVIS made
a visit to the North, and examined into the
feeling which prevailed here at the time.
He became satisfied that a strong party At
the North were willing TO entrust the con-
troll OF the government again into the hands
Of Southern President, and being ambi-
tious for that position be made several
speeches here announcing his intention 10
60 home to Mississippi and labor for the
preservation OF the Union. q On hi. return
he found that other leaders bad drawn the
people into the meshes Of secession. and with
the selfishness which has ALWAYS cbarae,er-
lied him. he gave in his adherenee 20 secess Z
sion and became the leader in the rebellion
He was chosen Provisional President of the
rebel confederation Of States, Februarv 4.
1901 was inaugurated February %, 1861,
and re elected in 1862 for the term of six
years, for only half of which time he will be
permitted 70 act. His administration of the
affairs of the rebellious States has been mark
ed by no great brilliancy or judgement.
He has been the Marplot of almost every
one OF the rebel campaigns, and has done
more by his obstinacy, envy. jealousy, and
malice to destroy the unity and effectiveness
OF his government and its armies than any
other of its leaders. Ifthe Coniederacy had
leader less obstinate in the
pursuit of bad plans, les euyious of the
fame of his subordinates, and less quarrel
some generally, it might hsvo existed few
months longer: l19.sl5a1
There will be no difficulty Whatever in con-
yeying Davis and his party to Washington.
No armed bands Of the enemy remain IN