The Man: Jefferson Finis Davis

“After seven years of almost uninterruptedly continuous public service, either civil or military, Mr, Davis was now in retirement for some months. During this period he has described himself as happy in the peaceful pursuits of a planter, busily engaged in cares for servants, in the improvement of his land, in building, in rearing live stock, and the like occupations. He took, nevertheless, an active interest in the presidential canvass of 1852, and on the election of General Pierce was invited to a seat in his cabinet. This offer was at first declined, but having accepted an invitation to attend the inauguration, which took place on the 4th of March, 1853, he was induced, ‘by public considerations,’ on its renewal, to reconsider the matter and accept the office of Secretary of War.” [1890, The Davis Memorial Volume or Our Dead President, Jefferson Davis, and the World's Tribute To His Memory, p. 79.]