Jefferson Davis BicentennialThis year is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Jefferson Davis, who was born in Fairview, Ky., on June 3, 1808, and at the age of 2 moved with his parents to Rosemont Plantation near Woodville, Miss. In 1835, Davis moved to Warren County where he spent the most productive years of his life. This is the eighth of a series of 11 articles about Davis as a local citizen.It was not unusual in the years after the war for a notice in the Vicksburg newspapers to read that “The Honorable Jefferson Davis is in the city.” He usually stayed with a relative, Mrs. Julia Porterfield, before going to Brierfield. His last visit was a very special occasion.

Melodies from the Volunteer Southrons’ band floated through the frosty night air as the musicians and about 150 friends gathered in front of the Porterfield mansion on Oak Street on Jan. 15, 1889. In a few moments, an older gentleman appeared on the porch. Once the cheering died down, George S. Irving of the Warren County Board of Supervisors introduced him as “the man above all others of whom Mississippians have most reason to be proud.”

Inscribed “With the affectionate regard of Jefferson Davis, 24th March 1875,” this photo, taken by Washburn in New Orleans, is from the McCardle Collection in the Old Court House Museum.Jefferson Davis really needed no introduction in Vicksburg, for he was on home turf. The Vicksburg Evening Post had announced on Jan. 10 that the former Confederate president was at Brierfield and that he might visit Vicksburg before returning to the Gulf Coast.

Davis arrived in the city four days later, and the following day a Post reporter told of meeting him on Washington Street: “The weight of more than 80 years had not bowed his erect form and as he stood in conversation with his many friends, clad in a well-fitting suite of Confederate gray, few younger men of 60 could be found anywhere. His steps, however, are slow though firmly taken and offered the only apparent evidence of his great age.”

Though Davis was internationally famous, the Post noted that his appearance in downtown Vicksburg, a normal sight for the past half century or more, “excited none of the impertinent curiosity that sometimes follows the movements of prominent men ….” Instead, he was greeted with affection and respect.

When Davis appeared on the portico at the Porterfield mansion, he made a brief address to his admirers “with all the eloquence of his early manhood,” praising Mississippians for their fortitude and other fine qualities and declaring his love for them.

“Here, as I stand before you, my love for you is as firm as the hills behind you,” Davis told the crowd. “It is probably for the last time that I see you.”

At the conclusion of his talk, the band played “Dixie” and “You’ll Remember Me.” Before the crowd dispersed and Davis retired for the night, Capt. C.J. Searles called for three cheers “for the man we love.”

Among those who had gone to pay their respects were not only Confederate veterans but a number of veterans of the Mexican War, who had followed Davis at Buena Vista. There were also several Northern gentlemen in the party, and the Post said they were “especially delighted with Mr. Davis’ remarks and bearing.”

It was Jefferson Davis’ last visit to Vicksburg.

NEXT: Farewell to Brierfield

*

Gordon Cotton is an author and historian who lives in Vicksburg.