EDITOR'S NOTE: These articles were written by a variety of contributors to eHistory prior to its affiliation with the Ohio State University. As such they have not been reviewed for accuracy by the University and do not necessarily adhere to the University's scholarly standards.
The Life of Varina Howell Davis: First Lady of the Confederacy
by Kimberly J. Largent
Part I: The Early Years
Varina Anne Banks Howell Davis was born to William Burr Howell and Margaret Louisa Kempe on May 7, 1826 at their home called The Briers, located in Natchez, MI. In order to fully appreciate Varina’s future as first lady of the Confederacy, we must return to the past to the time when her father William was a younger man. Three times commended for extraordinary gallantry in action during the Battle of the Lakes during the War of 1812, William was an adventurous, dashing young man who in 1815, after the war, traveled on a flatboat down the Mississippi River. His destination was the Natchez region. When he arrived to the sparsely populated area, he was met and befriended by Joseph Emory Davis. Joseph, a well-established lawyer, and William soon became inseparable.
In 1823, William met and married Margaret Louisa Kempe at Old Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchez; Joseph served as best man. The newlyweds set up permanent housekeeping in Natchez at The Briers and soon found themselves with their first child, a son whom they named Joseph, after William’s long-time friend. A few years later, Varina was born.
Varina grew up happy and carefree at The Briers she would later claim in her memoirs. She never tired of exploring the dry bayous near the river or playing in the lavish forest surrounding her home. Neighbors and family members often called her a ‘tom boy’ for the daring feats she spontaneously performed. Whether she was rolling down a steep canyon or turning somersaults on rough terrain, fear was an emotion she seldom expressed. At a very young age, she developed an interest in reading—especially newspapers. She was an excellent scholar and studied at Madame Greenland’s School in Philadelphia during her teens. She was so bright that Joseph Davis would later confess “she understood the history of the Whig party better than most of the men who belonged to it…”
Upon her 17th birthday, a very graceful Varina was invited to Hurricane Plantation, the home of Joseph Davis. Her mother, feeling that Varina was now ready to enter Natchez society, permitted the lengthy visit. During her journey, a stop was made at Diamond Place, which was the home of Joseph’s eldest daughter and her husband. While there, a handsome and distinguished-looking caller arrived and was introduced to her. His name was Jefferson Davis; he was Joseph’s younger brother. Jefferson’s visit was not a lengthy one and the only real interaction he had with Varina was to curtly inform her that she was expected at Joseph’s residence the following day. Varina wrote to her mother of that encounter: “Today, Uncle Joe sent by his younger brother (did you know that he had one?) an urgent invitation to me to go at once to The Hurricane. I do not know whether this Mr. Jefferson Davis is young or old. He looks both at times; but I believe he is old for from what I hear is only two years younger than you are. He impresses me as a remarkable kind of man but of uncertain temper and he has a way of taking for granted that everybody agrees with him when he expresses an opinion which offends me, yet he is most agreeable and has a peculiarly sweet voice and a winning manner of asserting himself.” As for Jefferson, he recalled the first meeting between the two as awkward; however, most social interactions were awkward at this point in his life. He’d spent much of the previous eight years in seclusion at his plantation Brierfield, after the untimely death of his wife Sarah Knox Taylor.
Varina indulged herself in gathering as much information on Jefferson as she could without exposing her feelings for him—it was not proper for a woman to acknowledge feelings before the man. And although she recognized the age gap between them, the attraction she felt was stronger. The more he visited, the more she learned about him and the more smitten she became. Conversations revealed that Jefferson was the candidate brought forward by the people as the Democratic choice to defeat the Whig party in Warren County, MS, which perplexed her. Why would someone as well-bred and cultured as he was concern himself with the welfare of the “common people” and their inherent rights under the Constitution? Her belief was that it was the government’s responsibility to take care of the common people rather than their responsibility to shape the government’s policies. The government would be safe as long as the better class ruled it.
Jefferson, oblivious to any attraction Varina felt for him, hadn’t paid any mind to her until the evening she entertained everyone at Hurricane with her reading. When she’d mastered the foreign phrases of the text, it was then something in him was moved. As though his eyes had been opened, seeing her for the first time, he instantly took notice of her beauty and her intelligence. When that evening came to a close, Jefferson, now in a lover’s stupor, commented to his brother of her beauty and fine mind. The ensuing days were filled with shared walks or horseback rides when the two would explore the green groves of moss-draped magnolias, oaks and cottonwoods. Each day he spent in her company, the younger he felt. After eight years of grief, Jefferson was wondering if it was time to let another woman into his heart. And just as the relationship began to blossom, Varina received a disappointing message from her parent calling for her to return home. Even the members of the Hurricane household were disappointed—everyone could clearly see the love that was growing between Jefferson and Varina. On their last day together, there was no talk of public affairs or talk of politics as there had been each time they came together. This time, only the beauty of the sun glimmering through the lace curtains of the music room was discussed…
Marriage and Politics
As her parents had requested, Varina Howell returned to The Briers. There, she shared her fondness for Jefferson Davis with her parents who couldn’t have been any more delighted. They’d met Joseph’s younger brother Jefferson several years prior when he was a West Point cadet. Although they’d only met him briefly, he’d made a lasting impression upon them. Varina was no sooner unpacked the day she returned when Jefferson came calling just as the two had secretly planned. During his visit he asked Varina’s father for her hand in marriage. The Howell’s joyfully gave their blessing. Varina, only 18 years old, would become the wife of Jefferson Davis; the man for whom the country was already predicting great things.
As the days went by and Varina and her mother busied themselves with planning the wedding, Varina still had difficulty coming to terms with Jefferson’s politics. She was even more troubled when news of her engagement spread through Natchez and people began attacking her future-husband’s political views. Although the inner turmoil raged, outwardly, she staunchly defended his views. When the announcement came that Jefferson would run against the Whigs for a seat in Congress, Varina’s mood and health deteriorated quickly. A heaviness seemed to blanket her spirit, she grew thin and became more anxious each day. It was only when she realized that the extent of Jefferson’s success rested upon her did her determination and commitment renew. Gradually, she put aside her pride and her Whig views to express an interest in his Democratic beliefs. Although she was successful outwardly, the toll on her body was too great for her and just before the marriage was to take place, Varina became deathly ill. Jefferson immediately put his political engagements on hold to be with her. With him at her side, she slowly regained her strength and her health. On February 26, 1845, Varina Howell and Jefferson Davis married in a small ceremony held at The Briers and open only to close relatives and a handful of friends. Natchez society was puzzled why such elegant affair of distinction was not open to the public while the rest of Mississippi was muttering, “Jefferson Davis married W.B. Howell’s daughter…What are the Whigs going to say about that?”
Through Varina’s personal writings, we can easily interpret that early in their relationship, she and Jefferson shared not only a mutual respect and admiration for each other, but it is clear each was the keeper of the other’s heart. The latter becomes evident during their bridal tour (honeymoon) when Jefferson took Varina to his sister’s home Locust Grove in Louisiana—the very home where his first wife had died. Varina expressed no jealousy or resentment when she’d learned the details his first wife’s death, but instead offered compassion and understanding to Jefferson. She wrote in her memoirs, “We carried flowers to her grave in the family burying-ground down by the garden before we left.” Even in Varina’s memoirs of her husband, she paid beautiful tribute to the young woman who lay claim to Jefferson’s heart before she did.
When the honeymoon was over, the couple settled at Brierfield where Varina wondered and wrote, “Was ever any woman as happy?” She easily adapted to her new life and quickly grew fond of the home, “It was a cool house, comfortably furnished, and we passed many happy days there, enlivened by daily rides in which we indulged in many races when the road was smooth…” It’s evident that Varina wanted their lives to remain simple and uncomplicated; she kept the house and Jefferson kept the plantation. The plantation slaves grew to respect Varina and spoke of their admiration for her. She visited their sick, lent her compassion when there was a death, celebrated in their marriages and helped during births. She and her husband were not only admired by the slaves, but also by the rich and the poor, as well. Their lives were progressing well, but Varina began to feel the tugs of outside influences that she had no control over: politics.
Soon letters began arriving at Brierfield from all over the state calling for Jefferson to enter a political life. He was the only Democrat the Whigs feared and Varina soon found herself heading to Vicksburg with her husband where he was scheduled to deliver a speech. Prior to his turn at the podium, since both were a bit nervous as Varina had never witness him giving a public speech, nor had he given a public speech with Varina in the audience, Jefferson politely asked his wife not to make eye contact with him while he was speaking. She dutiful honored his request. His speech in hand, he began to address the crowd. In a short amount of time, his nervousness subsided and he cast his notes aside to deliver an unrehearsed oration that was clear, concise, informative, and well-delivered. “From that day forth,” she wrote in her memoirs, “no speech was ever written for delivery…He spoke fast, and thoughts crowded each other closely, a certain magnetism of manner and the exceeding beauty and charm of his voice moved the multitude, and there were apparently no inattentive or indifferent listeners. He had one power that I have never seen excelled; while speaking, he took the individuality of the crowd, and seeing doubt or a lack of coincidence with him in their faces, he answered the mental dissonance with arguments address to the case in their minds.” Varina couldn’t help thinking that maybe this new life wouldn’t be so bad after all and Jefferson, well he was simply pleased to see his wife in such cheerful spirits.
Washington DC graciously welcomed the two when Jefferson Davis reported to Congress. They first found lodging in a fashionable hotel where they socialized with the Washington elite, then settled in a remote boarding house on Pennsylvania Avenue. Mary Boykin Chestnut, a Civil War diarist, wrote that it was during this time Varina began developing an intellectualism, wit and repartee that distinguished her through life. But this grand time was interrupted when Jefferson was elected Colonel of the First Mississippi Regiment and sent to defend Texas in the War with Mexico. Varina termed that period of their lives “the dreadfull call,” although “he eagerly and gladly accepted the appointment.” The two departed Washington and made the somber return trip to Brierfield. There, Varina helped her husband pack for a trip that she didn’t know if it would last days, months or years. Jefferson left their home to join his regiment in New Orleans and Varina wrote it felt “like death to see him go.”
Varina returned to her parents home where she spent several weeks consoling them over the departure of her brother Joseph who enlisted in the First Mississippi to serve under Jefferson. Next, she headed off to Hurricane where she stayed with Jefferson’s brother Joseph. In light of her worry over the War with Mexico, her health deteriorated once again. It was during this time she became of mind to hide her health problems from her husband. She didn’t want to convey any information to him that would stand in the way of his accomplishments. But her health deteriorated so quickly she was forced to leave Hurricane and return to her parent’s care at The Briers. Concerned for her life, her family sent word to Jefferson of her condition. He immediately requested and was granted a 60-day leave.
Jefferson’s return hastened Varina’s recovery and she spent hours listening intently to his tales of the War with Mexico. She could easily see his determination and couldn’t help but respect his sense of duty. With renewed appreciation, confidence, and heroic measure, she saw her husband off to war a second time. But back in the saddle, Jefferson’s luck had run out when he’d rejoined his troops and suffered a wound to his foot. When Varina learned of his injury, the thought of possibly losing her husband was more than she could bear. She tried to hold on to the realization that her husband did not solely belong to her during this time; he belonged to his regiment, to the people. Yet the realization displeased her in a way she could not explain. When the War with Mexico ended, and Jefferson and his First Mississippi regiment returned, hundreds of people showed up to greet them. It was then Joseph Davis, noting her disposition, pulled her aside and whispered, “You and I come first even if we must now come last—let them have him now—our time will come.”
Varina watched Jefferson slowly make his way toward her. He was on crutches, thin, and paled. As the hero’s welcome escalated, and roses were thrown toward him and the other men of the regiment, and flags and banners billowed in the breeze, Varina vowed that she had willingly and patriotically given Jefferson to his country and now they would return to Brierfield and he would be hers and hers alone. The Whig and the Democrat would return to their simply life…
The Presidential Years
Dressed in a black broadcloth suit with a stiff white shirt and black satin waistcoat, Jefferson Davis addressed the United States Senate for the last time in January 1861: “I rise, Mr. President, for the purpose of announcing to the Senate that I have satisfactory evidence that the State of Mississippi, by a solemn ordinance of her people in convention assembled, has declared her separation from the United State. Under these circumstances, of course, my functions terminate here…” Varina, situated in the audience, could hear the unshed tears in her husband’s voice as he continued. “I am sure I feel no hostility toward you, Senators from the North. I am sure there is not one of you, whatever sharp discussion there may have been between us, to whom I cannot now say, in the presences of my God, I wish you well. I go hence unencumbered by the remembrance of any injury received, and having discharged the duty of making the only reparation in my power for any injury offered…it only remains for me to bid you a final adieu.” Some say he wept after delivering this speech—regardless, he received an ovation and thunderous applause when he was done.
The Davis family that now included six-year-old Margaret, four-year-old Jefferson, and two-year-old Joseph (another child Samuel Emory was born in 1852, but died of illness at age two) made the return trip to The Briers. They were no sooner settled in that the call came for Jefferson to report to Montgomery, Alabama and accept the nomination for President of the Provisional Government of the Confederates States of America. At only 35 years of age, Varina Howell Davis was to become the First Lady of the Conf
EDITOR'S NOTE: These articles were written by a variety of contributors to eHistory prior to its affiliation with the Ohio State University. As such they have not been reviewed for accuracy by the University and do not necessarily adhere to the University's scholarly standards.
The Life of Varina Howell Davis: First Lady of the Confederacy
by Kimberly J. Largent
Part I: The Early Years
Varina Anne Banks Howell Davis was born to William Burr Howell and Margaret Louisa Kempe on May 7, 1826 at their home called The Briers, located in Natchez, MI. In order to fully appreciate Varina’s future as first lady of the Confederacy, we must return to the past to the time when her father William was a younger man. Three times commended for extraordinary gallantry in action during the Battle of the Lakes during the War of 1812, William was an adventurous, dashing young man who in 1815, after the war, traveled on a flatboat down the Mississippi River. His destination was the Natchez region. When he arrived to the sparsely populated area, he was met and befriended by Joseph Emory Davis. Joseph, a well-established lawyer, and William soon became inseparable.
In 1823, William met and married Margaret Louisa Kempe at Old Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchez; Joseph served as best man. The newlyweds set up permanent housekeeping in Natchez at The Briers and soon found themselves with their first child, a son whom they named Joseph, after William’s long-time friend. A few years later, Varina was born.
Varina grew up happy and carefree at The Briers she would later claim in her memoirs. She never tired of exploring the dry bayous near the river or playing in the lavish forest surrounding her home. Neighbors and family members often called her a ‘tom boy’ for the daring feats she spontaneously performed. Whether she was rolling down a steep canyon or turning somersaults on rough terrain, fear was an emotion she seldom expressed. At a very young age, she developed an interest in reading—especially newspapers. She was an excellent scholar and studied at Madame Greenland’s School in Philadelphia during her teens. She was so bright that Joseph Davis would later confess “she understood the history of the Whig party better than most of the men who belonged to it…”
Upon her 17th birthday, a very graceful Varina was invited to Hurricane Plantation, the home of Joseph Davis. Her mother, feeling that Varina was now ready to enter Natchez society, permitted the lengthy visit. During her journey, a stop was made at Diamond Place, which was the home of Joseph’s eldest daughter and her husband. While there, a handsome and distinguished-looking caller arrived and was introduced to her. His name was Jefferson Davis; he was Joseph’s younger brother. Jefferson’s visit was not a lengthy one and the only real interaction he had with Varina was to curtly inform her that she was expected at Joseph’s residence the following day. Varina wrote to her mother of that encounter: “Today, Uncle Joe sent by his younger brother (did you know that he had one?) an urgent invitation to me to go at once to The Hurricane. I do not know whether this Mr. Jefferson Davis is young or old. He looks both at times; but I believe he is old for from what I hear is only two years younger than you are. He impresses me as a remarkable kind of man but of uncertain temper and he has a way of taking for granted that everybody agrees with him when he expresses an opinion which offends me, yet he is most agreeable and has a peculiarly sweet voice and a winning manner of asserting himself.” As for Jefferson, he recalled the first meeting between the two as awkward; however, most social interactions were awkward at this point in his life. He’d spent much of the previous eight years in seclusion at his plantation Brierfield, after the untimely death of his wife Sarah Knox Taylor.
Varina indulged herself in gathering as much information on Jefferson as she could without exposing her feelings for him—it was not proper for a woman to acknowledge feelings before the man. And although she recognized the age gap between them, the attraction she felt was stronger. The more he visited, the more she learned about him and the more smitten she became. Conversations revealed that Jefferson was the candidate brought forward by the people as the Democratic choice to defeat the Whig party in Warren County, MS, which perplexed her. Why would someone as well-bred and cultured as he was concern himself with the welfare of the “common people” and their inherent rights under the Constitution? Her belief was that it was the government’s responsibility to take care of the common people rather than their responsibility to shape the government’s policies. The government would be safe as long as the better class ruled it.
Jefferson, oblivious to any attraction Varina felt for him, hadn’t paid any mind to her until the evening she entertained everyone at Hurricane with her reading. When she’d mastered the foreign phrases of the text, it was then something in him was moved. As though his eyes had been opened, seeing her for the first time, he instantly took notice of her beauty and her intelligence. When that evening came to a close, Jefferson, now in a lover’s stupor, commented to his brother of her beauty and fine mind. The ensuing days were filled with shared walks or horseback rides when the two would explore the green groves of moss-draped magnolias, oaks and cottonwoods. Each day he spent in her company, the younger he felt. After eight years of grief, Jefferson was wondering if it was time to let another woman into his heart. And just as the relationship began to blossom, Varina received a disappointing message from her parent calling for her to return home. Even the members of the Hurricane household were disappointed—everyone could clearly see the love that was growing between Jefferson and Varina. On their last day together, there was no talk of public affairs or talk of politics as there had been each time they came together. This time, only the beauty of the sun glimmering through the lace curtains of the music room was discussed…
Marriage and Politics
As her parents had requested, Varina Howell returned to The Briers. There, she shared her fondness for Jefferson Davis with her parents who couldn’t have been any more delighted. They’d met Joseph’s younger brother Jefferson several years prior when he was a West Point cadet. Although they’d only met him briefly, he’d made a lasting impression upon them. Varina was no sooner unpacked the day she returned when Jefferson came calling just as the two had secretly planned. During his visit he asked Varina’s father for her hand in marriage. The Howell’s joyfully gave their blessing. Varina, only 18 years old, would become the wife of Jefferson Davis; the man for whom the country was already predicting great things.
As the days went by and Varina and her mother busied themselves with planning the wedding, Varina still had difficulty coming to terms with Jefferson’s politics. She was even more troubled when news of her engagement spread through Natchez and people began attacking her future-husband’s political views. Although the inner turmoil raged, outwardly, she staunchly defended his views. When the announcement came that Jefferson would run against the Whigs for a seat in Congress, Varina’s mood and health deteriorated quickly. A heaviness seemed to blanket her spirit, she grew thin and became more anxious each day. It was only when she realized that the extent of Jefferson’s success rested upon her did her determination and commitment renew. Gradually, she put aside her pride and her Whig views to express an interest in his Democratic beliefs. Although she was successful outwardly, the toll on her body was too great for her and just before the marriage was to take place, Varina became deathly ill. Jefferson immediately put his political engagements on hold to be with her. With him at her side, she slowly regained her strength and her health. On February 26, 1845, Varina Howell and Jefferson Davis married in a small ceremony held at The Briers and open only to close relatives and a handful of friends. Natchez society was puzzled why such elegant affair of distinction was not open to the public while the rest of Mississippi was muttering, “Jefferson Davis married W.B. Howell’s daughter…What are the Whigs going to say about that?”
Through Varina’s personal writings, we can easily interpret that early in their relationship, she and Jefferson shared not only a mutual respect and admiration for each other, but it is clear each was the keeper of the other’s heart. The latter becomes evident during their bridal tour (honeymoon) when Jefferson took Varina to his sister’s home Locust Grove in Louisiana—the very h
