February 21, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
JEFFERSON DAVIS, President of the Provisional Government, was born in Christian County, Kentucky, in 1805. He commenced his education at the Transylvania University, Kentucky, but was subsequently appointed a Cadet at the West Point Military Academy, where he graduated in 1828. Since that time he has filled a number of grades, military and civil. First, a Lieutenant of Infantry; next, a Lieutenant of Dragoons; then a Colonel at the head of the Mississippi Regiment in the Mexican War, and lastly a Brigadier General; his military experience has been long and varied. In 1844 he was a Presidential Elector, and in the following year was chosen Representative in Congress. In 1847 he was appointed Senator to fill a vacancy, and was elected for the ensuing term. On the election of President PIERCE, Mr. DAVIS was called to occupy the post of Secretary of War, which he filled with distinguished ability throughout that Administration.
In 1857 he again took his seat in the United States Senate for a term of six years. Resigning promptly upon the secession of his State, he has been called by the unanimous voice of the Southern Congress to the arduous duties of the Presidency of the Confederate States. The inaugural address, in which he foreshadows the vigorous policy of the new Government, has been hailed with satisfaction throughout the length and breadth of the South. Let the people accord to his administration a hearty, united and generous support.