Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1865-05-17
WIN. HAsTINes, !
D. J. SMITH, Committee
AL WRrHRRALD.
Biographical :ske1on OF Jen. DavI

Biographical Sketch OF 1eR. Davis.
JEFF. Davis was born in Kentucky, June
3, 1903. He WAS the son of James Davis,
noted horse trader, of Hopkinsville,
Kentucky. The father fell under suspicion
as horse thief, and was forced to Az from
Kentucky, and settled, when JEFF. was very
young, near Vicksburg, Miss. He was
able few years after his removal to send
his son JEFF. to Kentucky TO complete his
education at the Transy lvania University.
Lexington, and subsequently,, through The
influence of bis money, secured for him an
appointment TO West Point, which young
JEFF. entered at sixteen, forming part of The
graduating class of 1923. He graduated
near the foot of the class, and was com
misstoned in the First infantry as brevet
second lieutenant, tie 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 lieut..
enant in the First dragons. In 1882 he
offended General Taylor by running awav
with and marrying his daughter, aud the
old General never recognized Davis until
they happened to meet on the battle field
OF Buena Vista, Mexico. In 1895 Davis,
having resigned his commission, settled
near Vicksburg, and entered upon the
arena OF politics, in which he was 30 far
successful as 10 be elected to the lower
house of Congress-.
When the Mexican war broke out Davis
raised and commanded the First regiment
OF Mississippi rifles. The only Significant
feature in his career was the fact that he
declined United States commission aa
Or'gadler general of volunteers, on the
ground that such an appointment by the
FEDERAL Executive was a violation of State
rights. " S'"'o
he re- entered political life 10 ls47. hsv.
ing been appointed by the Governor of
mississippi to fill the vacancy in the United
states Senate caused by the death of Mr.
SPeight. Attic ensuing election, in 1919
G Jew was elected to fill the term expiring 10
loo4' % his return to Mississippi he be.
came the States rights candidate for Cover.
nor, but was defeated by Little Fidgo,"
Foote, bic Lille time enemy, who is now ivinu
IN Ludlow street Jail in this oitv A6nnt
the same time he stumped the State for the
purpose Of advocating the reputation of
the State debt, aud was subsequently, hon.
ored as the originator and prime mover ~
tnat great swindle. In 1863 he was called
oy fletce 10 seat in his Cabinet, as Sec
Eetary OF war. In 1857 he was re.elected
u .. senator from Mississippi, which he
held until his resignation (JanusFv 1917
the secession Of the Stale. DnT;ne ~
Congressional vacation of 1860. 6svio
made q visit to the North, and examineS
into the feeling which prevailed here at
the time. He, became satisfied that a
strong party at the North We're willing IN
entrust the control OF the government again
into the hands Of a Southern President
and being ambitious for that position be-
made several speeches here announcing bis
intention 10 go home to Mississippi and la
Dor for the preservation of the Union. o.
bic return he found that other leaders had
drawn the people into the meshes ofiseces.
slon' and with the selishness which has
always characterised him, he gave in his
adherence to secession, and became the
leader in the rebellion. He was chosen
Provisional President of the rebel confed.