Jefferson Davis

Second military career

1846 saw the beginning of the Mexican-American War. Davis must have looked favorably upon the war, seeing that the United States stood to acquire a considerable amount of land south of the Missouri Compromise line. He resigned his House seat in June, and raised a volunteer regiment, the Mississippi Rifles, becoming its colonel. On July 21 they sailed from New Orleans for the Texas coast.

Related Topics:
1846 - Mexican-American War - Missouri Compromise - July 21 - New Orleans - Texas

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In September of the same year, he participated in the successful siege of Monterrey, Mexico. He fought bravely at the Buena Vista, Mexico on February 22 1847, and was shot in the foot. In recognition of his bravery and initiative, commanding general Zachary Taylor is reputed to have said, "My daughter, sir, was a better judge of men than I was."

Related Topics:
Siege - Monterrey, Mexico - Buena Vista, Mexico - February 22 - 1847

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President James K. Polk offered him a federal commission as a Brigadier General and command of a brigade of militia. He declined the appointment, arguing that the United States Constitution gives the power of appointing militia officers to the states, and not to the federal government.

Related Topics:
James K. Polk - Brigadier General - Militia - United States Constitution - State - Federal government

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Because of his war service, the governor of Mississippi appointed Davis to fill out the Senate term of the late Jesse Speight. In addition, the Smithsonian Institution appointed him a regent in the end of December 1847.

Related Topics:
Senate - Jesse Speight - Smithsonian Institution

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