Jefferson Davis (1808-1889) Politician. Davis served as Secretary of War under Franklin Pierce. He announced the secession of Mississippi from the Union following the election of Lincoln. He hoped for command of the Confederate armies, but instead he became a compromise provisional president in January 1861 and was confirmed by popular vote in December. His personal determination did much to keep the Confederacy in the war, and his dignity in defeat helped restore him to popular favor in the post-war South. 5†x 3†postal cover addressed and free franked with “U. S. S.â€, circular postal cancellation at Washington, February 16, (no year). The cover is double matted with a 7†x 10†sepia toned photograph, image of the reverse side of the cover, with red wax seal and a descriptive plaque and framed to 19 ½†x 29â€.