# Jefferson Davis — Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant character guide

> Jefferson Davis in Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant by Ulysses S. Grant.

**Role:** supporting

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

**First appearance:** 0003-i

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/i)

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

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/ii)

Mentioned as the candidate Georgetown would have voted for over Lincoln during the rebellion.

### [Resignation—Private Life—Life at Galena—The Coming Crisis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xvi)

Not mentioned in excerpts.

### [Commissioned Brigadier-General — Command at Ironton, Mo. — Jefferson City — Cape Girardeau — General Prentiss — Seizure of Paducah — Headquarters at Cairo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xix)

Colonel Jefferson C. Davis (Union officer) delivers orders to Grant at Jefferson City.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xli)

Visited Bragg shortly before Grant's arrival and perceived the Union army's dire condition.

### [Battle of Chattanooga](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/xliv)

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/lix)

Visits Palmetto and Macon, makes speeches denouncing Governor Brown and General Johnston, and appeals to Georgians.

### [Sherman's March North](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/chapters/lxii)

Noted as not favoring Johnston; involved in Confederate command decisions.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/characters/jefferson_davis
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/personal_memoirs_of_ulysses_s_grant_se/characters