e
whole South as the fittest man for the position. I certainly so
regarded him, and did not change my mind on the way to
Montgomery....

"Georgia was a great State--great in numbers, comparatively
great in wealth, and great in the intellectual gifts and
experiences of many of her sons. Conspicuous among them were
Stephens, Toombs, and Cobb. In view of these facts, it was
thought by all of us expedient--nay, more, positively right and
just--that Georgia should have a corresponding weight in the
counsels and conduct of the new Government.

"Mr. Stephens was also a man of conceded ability, of high
character, conservative, devoted to the rights of the States,
and known to be a power in his own State; hence all eyes turned
to him to fill the second place.

"Howell Cobb became President of the Convention, and General
Toombs Secretary of State. These two gifted Georgians were
called to these respective positions because of their
experience, ability, and ardent patriotism....

"Mr. Rhett was a very bold and frank man. So was Colonel Keitt;
and they, as always, avowed their opinions and acted upon them
with energy. Nevertheless, the vote of the delegation was cast
for Mr. Davis...."

(Signed) "James Chesnut."

From the Hon. W. Porcher Miles, of Virginia, formerly of South Carolina,
and a member of the Provisional Congress of 1861:

"Oak Ridge, _January 27, 1880_.

"....To the best of my recollection there was entire unanimity
in the South Carolina delegation at Montgomery on the subject of
the choice of a President. I think it very likely that Keitt,
from his warm personal friendship for Mr. Toombs, may at first
have preferred him. I have no recollections of Chesnut's
predilections. I think there was no question that Mr. Davis was
the choice of our delegation and of the whole people of South
Carolina.... I do not think Mr. Rhett ever attempted to
influence the course of his colleagues, either in this or in
matters generally before the Congress. Nor do I think his
personal influence in the delegation was as great as that of
some other members of it. If I were to select any one as having
a special influence with us, I would consider Mr. Robert
Barnwell as the one. His singularly pure and elevated character,
entire freedom from all personal ambition or desire for pla