Includes bibliographical references (pages 305-344) and index.
Contents:
The fate of the rebel leaders -- Andrew Johnson assumes the presidency -- The strange "flight" of Jefferson Davis -- The capture of Jefferson Davis -- The rebel's fate debated -- The nation's best lawyers take sides -- Two judges for one trial -- The Henry Wirz trial for crimes at Andersonville -- Pushing the Davis case to trial in 1865 -- The first trial date in 1866 -- Henry Stanbery becomes Attorney General -- A second trial date -- Jefferson Davis is released on bond -- A prosecution in disarray -- The treason charge is dismissed -- Conclusion: The Jefferson Davids trial in American memory.
Summary:
In the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, federal officials captured, imprisoned, and indicted Jefferson Davis for treason. He faced execution if found guilty for his role in levying war against the United States. Although the federal government pursued the charges for over four years, the case never went to trial. Most historical analyses of the case focus on interpreting the political reasons why that happened by analyzing the reasons in the broadest national contours. According to Robert Icenhauer-Ramirez, these global assessments, while important, do not attempt to discern how the lives and experiences of those individuals responsible for either prosecuting or defending Davis, or those with a direct interest in the outcome, influenced the handling of the case. He argues that while national politics had a role in the direction of the case, it was the actions and decisions of lesser-known men and women that ultimately were responsible for the failure to convict Davis. 'Treason on Trial: The United States v. Jefferson Davis' focuses on precisely why that happened.
Series:
Conflicting worlds: new dimensions in the American Civil War
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.