Hey everyone, thanks for downloading episode 26 of our Civil War podcast.

I'm Rich.

And I'm Tracy.

Hello y'all, welcome to the podcast.

Jefferson Davis' inauguration as the provisional president of the Confederate States of America

was set for Monday, February 18, 1861 in Montgomery, Alabama.

In his inaugural address, Davis declared that the New Southern Republic, quote, illustrates

the American idea that governments rest upon the consent of the governed, and that it

is the right of the people to alter or abolish governments whenever they become destructive

of the ends for which they were established.

Davis continued along in that same vein, alluding to the resolution and devotion of America's

founding fathers when he proclaimed, quote, doubly justified by the absence of wrong on

our part, and by wanton aggression on the parts of others, there can be no cause to doubt

that the courage and patriotism of the people of the Confederate States will be found equal

to any measures of defense which honor and security may require, end quote.

And in Jefferson Davis, the people of the Confederate States in February 1861 were convinced

they had the man who would safely lead their new nation through the perilous days ahead.

William Louds, Yancey, and famously introducing Davis with the statement, the man and the

hour have met, went on in that introduction to point out that Jefferson Davis was not

only a statesman and a patriot, but also a soldier.

So a statesman, a patriot, a soldier.

Southerners knew that in Jefferson Davis, they had a president of proven ability and great

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