Where Did the Ex-Confederate Leaders Go After the Confederacy’s Defeat in 1865?

The defeat of the Confederacy in 1865 marked a significant turning point in American history. Following this monumental event, the post-war fate of ex-Confederate leaders varied widely. This article explores the circumstances and consequences faced by some of the most notable figures, including Jefferson Davis, John C. Breckinridge, and Judah P. Benjamin.

Jefferson Davis

Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States, is a prime example of the diverse post-war paths taken by ex-Confederates. After the defeat, Davis faced significant challenges and scrutiny. He was initially incarcerated and held under federal custody for about a year. Despite efforts by Radical Republicans to try him for treason, the charges were eventually dropped due to fears that a court might exonerate Davis and thereby validate secession, which was already controversial in the aftermath of the war.

In the following months, Davis survived a month of flight from Union pursuers and eventually was captured outside Savannah, Georgia, in early May 1865. He was held in custody at Fort Monroe in Virginia for over two years. During this period, the motivation behind his trial and imprisonment was primarily to establish a legal precedent regarding the legality of secession—a contentious issue at the time.

The Labyrinth of Post-War Life

The [Pres. Andrew] Johnson administration grappled with the question of what to do with Davis and other Confederates. Rather than facing trial, Davis was released on bond after two years. Despite initial support from Northern sympathizers and even Pope Pius IX, both at home and abroad, Davis moved between Canada, Cuba, and Europe before finally settling in Mississippi. It was here that he began to write his The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government, an extensive two-volume history that significantly contributed to his status as a prominent figure in Southern culture and the Lost Cause movement.

Davis's work poses an intriguing question: "When the cause was lost, what cause was it?" In his writings, he highlights the broader principles he believed the South stood for beyond just secession, emphasizing the importance of constitutional government, the supremacy of law, and the natural rights of man.

John C. Breckinridge and Jo Shelby

Other Confederate figures faced varied fates. John C. Breckinridge, a prominent general and secretary of war, attempted a dramatic escape to Cuba to avoid potential prosecution for treason. However, like Davis, he sought amnesty and eventually returned to the United States. Similarly, Confederate General Jo Shelby and some of his troops left for Mexico to form a colony, sponsored by Emperor Maximilian of Mexico. However, the colony crumbled with Maximilian's deposition and execution, and they all eventually returned to the U.S.

Judah P. Benjamin

A notable outlier was Judah P. Benjamin, who left the country for good. Benjamin, a cabinet minister in several roles, moved to England and transitioned into a legal career there. Unlike many of his peers, he never returned to the United States.

In conclusion, the post-war lives of ex-Confederate leaders, particularly Jefferson Davis, John C. Breckinridge, and Judah P. Benjamin, offer a rich tapestry of decision-making, legal maneuvering, and personal choice. These figures played essential roles in shaping the narrative and legacy of the Confederate cause, both during and after the war.