Thus appeared Jefferson Davis, who on the eve of Antietam was facing one
of the gravest crises of his career. Eighteen months previously, on
February 9, 1861, he had been unanimously elected president of the
Confederate States of America. He was then opposed to war. He maintained
that the secession of the Southern states should be regarded as a purely
peaceful move. But events had swiftly drawn him and his government into
the most stupendous civil conflict of modern times. Now, in September,
1862, he was awaiting the decision of fate. The Southern forces had
advanced northward triumphantly. Elated by success, they were at this
moment invading the territory of the enemy under the leadership of Lee,
whose victories had everywhere inspired not only confidence but enthusiasm
and devotion. Should he overthrow the Northern armies, the Confederacy
would be recognized abroad and its independence probably established at
home. Should he be defeated, no one could foretell the result. Antietam
was lost. From this time the fortunes of the Confederacy waned.
[Illustration: LEE LOCKS THE GATES