Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Character

Jefferson Davis

The Confederate president whose public speeches predicting Sherman's destruction reach Sherman himself and shape the campaign that follows.

supporting

Also known as Jefferson Davis, Mr. Davis, Davis, Mr. Jefferson Davis

First appearance: I

As a supporting figure in Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant, Jefferson Davis is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Implied as the leader of the Confederacy during the rebellion mentioned in the chapter.

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Davis looms over the Confederate war effort from Richmond, his speeches and predictions traveling faster than his armies can. When he declares that Sherman's retreat would outdo Napoleon's from Moscow, the words reach Sherman and become intelligence Grant's side can use. His confidence in Confederate arms and his hold on the capital's symbolism keep the war grinding on long after the outcome is sealed.

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Character Web

25 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Grant's Inner Circle
Political Leadership
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Grant’s severe sick headache—a physical manifestation of immense psychological strain—reaches its peak just as…

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In the story

Jefferson Davis appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I
Implied as the leader of the Confederacy during the rebellion mentioned in the chapter.
II
Mentioned as the candidate Georgetown would have voted for over Lincoln during the rebellion.
Resignation—Private Life—Life at Galena—The Coming Crisis
Not mentioned in excerpts.
Commissioned Brigadier-General — Command at Ironton, Mo. — Jefferson City — Cape Girardeau — General Prentiss — Seizure of Paducah — Headquarters at Cairo
Colonel Jefferson C. Davis (Union officer) delivers orders to Grant at Jefferson City.
XXV
Confederate President; wrote an unofficial letter to Johnston expressing anxiety about the disasters.
Assuming the Command at Chattanooga—Opening a Line of Supplies—Battle of Wauhatchie—On the Picket Line
Visited Bragg shortly before Grant's arrival and perceived the Union army's dire condition.
Battle of Chattanooga
Visited Bragg before the battle; Grant suggests Davis's military interference may have contributed to Confederate defeat.
The Campaign in Georgia—Sherman’s March to the Sea—War Anecdotes—The March on Savannah—Investment of Savannah—Capture of Savannah
Visits Palmetto and Macon, makes speeches denouncing Governor Brown and General Johnston, and appeals to Georgians.
Sherman's March North
Noted as not favoring Johnston; involved in Confederate command decisions.

Chapter companion notes

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