Jefferson Davis

Artist Jesse Whitehurst (American, 1820 - 1875)

Dateca. 1857

MediumSalt print

DimensionsImage: 6 x 4 7/8 inches (15.24 x 12.38 cm)

Credit LineGift of Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Object number2005.27.210

InscribedFrom the John R. Johnston album. Fragment of original album page inscribed "Hon. Jeff Davis."

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DescriptionImage of man wearing a suit and tie; he has a neutral expression and his hair covers the tops of his ears.Gallery Label

Gallery Label

Jefferson Davis was elected to the House of Representatives in 1845 and to the Senate in 1847. He also served as the Secretary of War from 1853-1857. Davis was a founder of the States' Rights Party and an early proponent of Southern secession. In 1861, he became the first and only president of the Confederacy. After the South's defeat, he was indicted by the U.S. government for treason, imprisoned and subsequently released.

Published References

"Jefferson Davis's Life: Career of the Leader of the Confederacy," New York Times (December 6, 1889): 2; "Hon. Jefferson Davis," Harper's Weekly 2:54 (January 9, 1858): 1.

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