The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1889-12-14
Death of Jefferson Davis.
Hon. Jefferson Davis died in New Orleans,
Louisiana, on December 6, after long i'll


Louisiana, on December 6, after long i'll
/ ness.
/ SKETCH OF HIS LIFE.
Jefferson Davis was the son of Samuel Davis, a
planter and soldier of the Revolution in the mount
! ed force of Georgia Jefferson was born on the Sd
/ day of June. lSUS, in Christian, now Todd county,
KY, and at subsequent period his father emigrat-
/ received common academical education, at very
tender age he was placed as student in TranSyl-
vania College, from which in 1874, at the age of
/ l6 years, he transferred the U. s. Military
Academy at West Point. He graduated from this
Institution in ls2S at the 20 years and entered
upon the duties of his stormy and eyentful life
brevet second Lieutenant For the seven succeed
ing years be was in the army service as infantry
and staff officer, ON the Northwestern frontier. In
conside of distinguished services in the Black
Hawk of lSSl-S2, he was promoted on the 4th of
March, 1888, 10 First Lieutenancy of Dragons, and
during the succeeding year, 1884, variousy
gagged in expeditions against the Comanches, Paw
nees and other hostile tribes. keSigning his com
mission in 1852 at the age of p years. he returned
to Mississippi, and spent years in retirement on
cotton plantation.
In 1874 he a Presidential Elector in the col
lege which the vote of Mississippi for Polk and
Dallas and in 1915 having been elected to Congress
he took his seat Representative in that body. He
greatly distinguished himself and at once became
conspicuous party leader, and exercised controll
ing influence in the legislation of the country.
At the INST blast OF the war buge in July 1876, Mr.
Davis promptly resigned his seat in Congress. and
fastened to meet in New Orleans the First Regiment
OF Mississippi Volunteers, enrolled for service in
Mexico on their way to reinforce the army of Gen.
Zachary Taylor then ON the Rio Grande.
y
warfare does not exist than that which records his
courageous conduct and mastery handling of his
regiment, in the memorable battle of Buena Vista,
on the sd OF February, ls47. 1t was attacked by
overwhelming numbers, and for many long hours
without support gallantiy maintained its ground
while Col. Davis, although severely wounded
heruicaly remained in the saddle welding his
glorious regiment with consummate SKILL until the
close OF the battle. In dispatch dated March 9th,
1917. his Commander in Chief eomplmented him
for his GOODNESS and bravery.
While on his return to Mississippi, in New
Orleans in July 1871 after the Mississippi regiment
had been ordered home at the expiration of their
term Of enlistment, Col Davis received from
President Polk commission rs Brigadier General
Of Volunteers This he declined 10 accept, because
he considered it violation OF the reserved consti-
tutiOual rights OF the States for the Federal Execu-
tive to appoint the officers of the militia. vacancy
having occurred in that office he appointed
the next month, August, 49,, by the Governor of
Mississippi, 70 seat in the Senate of the United
states, and in January, ISIS. was elected by the
Legislature 70 ill the vacancy for the remainder of
the term, which expired In March, 1851.
In 1850 he was reelected for the next regular
term 10 the United states Senate During this term
his powers as a great parliamentary leader and
debater were fully developed and he began to fill
IN the public eye, the measure of the man for the
Presidential Chair He was chosen in the Senate
chairman OF the Quantities on Military affairs and
bore 50 LOFTY crest and carried so proud banner
IN the conflicts which ragged upon the slavery ques-
ton and state rights ana the policy of the southern
states as 70 be universally considered primtss inter
p1rts among the tall warriors who ut that period
graced the Democratic array OF Southern leaders.
In 1872 Col Davis was conspicuous as an advocate
for the election Of Gen Pierce the Presidency In
TINS interest ne WAS aEtlNe ana cfletent IN the
states OF Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana He
was appointed bv Gen Pierce 10 the position OF
Secretary Of War and remained in the Cabinet until
the accession Of President Buchanan in 1887
Mr. Davis administration of the war department
was uncquailcd. None had ever been 50 popular
with the army. With an ability and energy which
marked him as great organizer of men he carried
into effect his revision of the army regulations. in
,roducel the light infantry or ride system OF tao
tics. the manufacture Of rcd muSkets and pistols
and The Use pf the Minnie ball.
He added four regiments 10 the army. augmented
It,
the system Of explorations IN the West for geographi
cal purposes. aud with view OF ascertaining the
best route for railroad 70 the Pacific ocean.
Epon his retirement frpm the War Department.
Col Davis had been reelected 90 the 4. : senate
lor me term ending on ne ith Of March ls6. and
irum that time nutii he resigned the seat as mem
Ger uf The body. he conspicuous in the conduct
~ all is leading measures and discussions well
N IN the councils OF HIS party associates and south
friends
on the Dist Of January. ls6i he rise for the last
time Ia his place IN the senate 20 resign his seat
there. and the speech he then made viii demon.
Strste that be plead As never man plead before so
suhllmc!y 50 elOquentiy 80 lovingly for Justice
law, constitutions right, and the preservation Of
peace.
Resigning his seat aud bidding a sorrowfal aud
Davis went back % his home in Mississippi, and
there when he unanimously elected.
ON the slh day Of February. 1851, to the Provi-
sionai Presidency Of The Confederate states
for one year. He had not sought the place, but
he frpaitcd Prompuy to Montgomery. entered
Ia the kspablic, delivered such inaugu-
raj ought - have prevented the adverse criticism
81 his enemies and the enemies Of the south and 10
have fervver siienecd the Kisses Of the serpent
tongue Of SANDER IL plea for peace, and
such plea as any conservative nation would have
Inspected ON the leth Of February. lS62 be ives
uuan igaousy elected permanent President uf the
Confederate states for six years
Mr. Davis funeral took place al New Or
leans GA Wednesday. The services were
attended by great crowds. Bishop Galleher,
Of the Protestant Episcopal Church, preached
an eloquent sermon. The remains were es-
corted 70 the cemetery by IA great procession
Of military aad civic societies. All the bells
Ia the cts we're tolled. saluies we're fred and
buildings generally were dFaped IN mourning.
At the same time business was suspended and
memorial services were held in nearly every
city and town in the Southern States. The
exercises consisted mainly of addresses by
prominent ex Confederates, which were lis.
teued to by large audiences.
u u - Z N