Davis, Jefferson (1808-1889) President's message
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08486 Author/Creator: Davis, Jefferson (1808-1889) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Pamphlet Date: 18 November 1861 Pagination: 8 p. ; 24.5 x 15.5 cm. Order a Copy
Address to the Confederate Congress regarding the progress of the war, Southern production, international relations and the Trent Affair. Celebrates Southern success on the battlefield, proclaims Southern independence permanent and unstoppable, states production or war materiel is increasing. Attacks the North for violating international laws in various ways, most importantly by arresting two Confederate ambassadors aboard a British ship.
These arrests would set off the Trent Affair, named after the boat that captured the diplomats. The British were just as upset as the Confederates over the boarding of their ship, and almost commenced hostilities against the United States over this affront to their sovereignty. But an American apology allowed war to be avoided, and in the end the event may have improved the relationship between Great Britain and the United States.
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