To most Americans the name of Jefferson Davis is linked with the defeat of the South in the Civil War. But history shows him to have been a man who served his country with honor and success as a soldier, congressman, Secretary of War and senator. He struggled to reconcile the interests of the South with those of the rest of the country. Only when all else failed did he attempt to forge a new nation from the eleven headstrong Southern states.

Davis was raised in Mississippi and educated at West Point. He fought under Zachary Taylor against the Indians, personally capturing the great Black Hawk. He fell in love with Taylor's daughter and resigned his commission to marry her; but his happiness was short-lived. His young wife died and it was a long time before he married again and resumed his career of service.

He went to Washington as a representative, but in the Mexican War he rejoined the army, performing heroically at Buena Vista. After the war he was sent to the Senate, where he defended the position of the South with eloquent logic. But though he thought states had a legal right to secede from the Union, he tried to prevent the impending breach. When that breach did occur, he had to side with his homeland. And the seceding states found no man more qualified to lead them.

As President of the Confederacy, he had the incredible task of establishing a government, raising a great army and keeping the Southern states intact for four nightmarish years. It is a tribute to his abilities that his country waged so gallant a fight.

This is the story of a man following the dictates of his conscience, even when it meant risking life and fortune. His devotion to duty and unflinching courage made his failure as honorable and moving as any triumph might have been.

From the dust jacket