Who were Other Possible Confederate Presidents Besides Jefferson Davis?

The Confederate States of America, born at the Montgomery Convention on February 4, 1861, was a complex entity that faced numerous challenges, including defining its leadership. While Jefferson Davis eventually became both the Provisional and Official President, other names were considered, and some were even offered the position of Confederate President.

Alexander Stephens: A Possible Candidate

Alexander Stephens, the Confederate Vice President buried among the Confederate soldiers in South Atlanta, could have potentially become the Confederate President. Stephens is noteworthy for his efforts to negotiate a truce or peace treaty, in stark contrast to his later position as Vice President. His desire for negotiation over war was evident, but it conflicted with President Abraham Lincoln’s preference for armed conflict. Historical accounts suggest that Congress considered cutting off funds for the war if Lincoln did not attempt to negotiate peace. Instead, Lincoln chose to lie to Congress to secure the necessary funds for the Union.

Other Notable Figures: Alexander Stephens and Robert B. Rhett

Alexander Stephens was initially offered the position but declined, which is no surprise given his value of friendship and his belief that Lincolthis friendwasn't in a position to give him an excuse for war. Similarly, Robert B. Rhett was considered too extremist for the Confederate cause, needing a more moderate figure to attain European recognition. This moderation was crucial, as international support was a key consideration for the Confederacy during the Civil War.

At the Montgomery Convention, the delegates from the seceded Southern states agreed to appoint Jefferson Davis as the Provisional President. Interestingly, this decision was contrary to Davis's previous stance. As a senator who had fiercely opposed secession, Davis had argued against the decision of the Mississippi Legislature to secede. His resignation from the U.S. Senate followed, a move that underscored his allegiance to his state, Mississippi, despite the general shift in the nation. This opposition to secession from someone who had once spoken out against it highlights the complex and shifting loyalties of the era.

Jefferson Davis: A Temperamental Unionist?

Jefferson Davis, elected as the Official President in November 1861, served a six-year term. His election was remarkable not only because of the contentious nature of the Confederate presidency but also due to the stance he took. Although he had been a vehement advocate for peace, he succumbed to the demands of his state. The historical record shows that allegiance to one's state was not primarily seen as "radical" or "subversive" in the 19th century, both in the North and South. This concept was deeply ingrained in the culture and politics of the time, particularly in the military and in many political spheres.

The idea that allegiance to the state was paramount was so widespread that it influenced even the most formal of institutions. An example of this is the farewell speech extended by West Point to its Southern cadets, which demonstrated the respect and influence this sentiment had during the Antebellum period.

In conclusion, despite Jefferson Davis’s eventual tenure as President, his rival candidates, such as Alexander Stephens and Robert B. Rhett, played critical roles in the confederate leadership. The complexity of the Confederate presidency underscores the deep divisions and shifting loyalties experienced by the American South during the Civil War.

Note: For a more nuanced understanding, historians and scholars who specialize in the American Civil War are encouraged to explore the original documents and speeches of these figures. Reading Jefferson Davis’s US Senate speeches and his farewell address can provide important insights into the political climate of the time.