...
"Georgia was a great State--great in numbers, comparatively
great in wealth, and great in the intellectual gifts and
experiences of many of her sons. Conspicuous among them were
Stephens, Toombs, and Cobb. In view of these facts, it was
thought by all of us expedient--nay, more, positively right and
just--that Georgia should have a corresponding weight in the
counsels and conduct of the new Government.
"Mr. Stephens was also a man of conceded ability, of high
character, conservative, devoted to the rights of the States,
and known to be a power in his own State; hence all eyes turned
to him to fill the second place.
"Howell Cobb became President of the Convention, and General
Toombs Secretary of State. These two gifted Georgians were
called to these respective positions because of their
experience, ability, and ardent patriotism....
"Mr. Rhett was a very bold and frank man. So was Colonel Keitt;
and they, as always, avowed their opinions and acted upon them
with energy. Nevertheless, the vote of the delegation was cast
for Mr. Davis...."
(Signed) "James Chesnut."
From the Hon. W. Porcher Miles, of Virginia, formerly of South Carolina,
and a member of the Provisional Congress of 1861:
"Oak Ridge, _January 27, 1880_.
"....To the best of my recollection there was entire unanimity
in the South Carolina delegation at Montgomery on the subject of
the choice of a President.
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