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He was a compromise candidate chosen to appease both the moderate and radical factions in the Confederate Congress. Davis, however, did not want the job. He had hoped for a military command. His first act was to send a peace commission to Washington, D.C., to prevent an armed conflict, but Lincoln refused to see his emissaries, and, the next month, the U. S. President sent armed ships to Charleston, South Carolina, to resupply the beleaguered Union garrison at Fort Sumter. Considering it Southern property, Southern politicians clamored for action, and Davis reluctantly ordered the bombardment of the fort, which marked the beginning of the American Civil War, April 12, 1861.
A new president of a new country with virtually insurmountable problems now had to create a new nation in the middle of a war. With only one-fourth the white population of the Northern states, a fraction of the North’s manufacturing capabilities, inferior transportation systems to include its railroads, no navy, no gunpowder mills, no shipyards, and an enormous shortage of arms, the South was in poor condition to withstand invasion. However at 1st Bull Run on July 21, 1861, the Confederates crushed Union forces. Had Davis ordered his troops immediately into Washington, D.C., the South could have likely sued for peace, ended the war and remained independent. However, Davis’ defensive posture throughout the early stages of the war, and disbursement of troops over the vast South rather than concentrating forces in key areas to win large battles
is today considered his major flaw by many military experts. In the meantime, with makeshift materials, Davis created factories that produced cannons, gunpowder, stands of arms and quartermaster stores. He restored naval yards for the construction of gunboats and had the South’s inadequate railroads and equipment patched up repeatedly. Davis sent agents to Europe to buy arms and ammunition to also include representatives to secure recognition from England and France. Even with deteriorating political tensions, poor military conditions and spiraling inflation, he carried on his war for independence. The amount of mental and physical pressure on him must have been massively intense.
As they say, “The rest is history”. On December 2, 1863, five months after Gettysburg, Goddess Freedom was mounted atop the Capitol Dome, and at the end of 1865, Brumidi finished the Apotheosis of Washington, his fresco on the ceiling of the Rotunda. By then, Davis was in a military prison. He was freed after two years, tried a few business ventures with little success, and finished his days revered in the South for his dignity and vilified in the North for his refusal to disavow his cause.
scope to The War Pistols of Hamilton, The Bull Moose
Colt of Theodore Roosevelt and the President U. S. Grant Remington Revolvers, all previously sold by Rock Island Auction. There are now two Civil War revolvers known to have been the property of President Davis, his presentation Colt and this, his presentation Adams. The Colt, now housed in one of
Presentation Adams Revolver No. 40573, presented
by the maker, Robert Adams, to General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, now housed at the American Civil War Museum. Note the Stonewall Jackson presentation Adams and this Jefferson Davis presentation Adams revolver are only five numbers apart.
The U.S. Capitol, as we know it today, would never have existed without Jefferson Davis. Davis never returned to Washington, and never saw the completed Capitol Building. His career, and the Confederacy, officially ended when he handed this revolver to John Hines. Had Corporal Hines lived, he would have no doubt been heralded as one of the Union’s great heroes, being recognized as having received Davis’ surrender gun and officially ending the Civil War.
Confederate States of America President Jefferson Davis is one of the most famous individuals in American History, being loved or hated by millions for over a century. This revolver is one
of the most historic and important American artifacts ever offered at public sale and is perhaps the most important Confederate artifact known to be privately held. It was his personal revolver of choice under the most dire conditions and is similar in historical
The Saline Observer from July 19th, 1923
197
the most important
museums in the
country, will never
leave that venue.
This, his surrendered
Adams revolver, is the
only chance for any
collector to own such history. It would be an iconic and quintessential addition to any major arms or Civil War collection, public or private.
CONDITION: Fine with generous patches of aged original silver plating in the protected areas, smooth silver-gray and light brown patina on most of the visible surfaces, patches of original niter blue on some of the small parts, crisp engraving and markings, light pitting, and general mild overall wear. The
grip is very fine and has crisp checkering with a few small scrapes, minor handling wear, and smooth finish. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: Jefferson Davis, John Hines,
Edwin Hines, LaVerne Hines Sr.,
Linda Lee Hines Inman, Michael E. Simens, Private Collection Property of a Gentleman. Estimate: 450,000 - 750,000