for which others believed him to be well qualified.

Mr. Mallory, of Florida, had been chairman of the Committee on Naval
Affairs in the United States Senate, was extensively acquainted with the
officers of the navy, and for a landsman had much knowledge of nautical
affairs; therefore he was selected for Secretary of the Navy.

Mr. Benjamin, of Louisiana, had a very high reputation as a lawyer, and
my acquaintance with him in the Senate had impressed me with the
lucidity of his intellect, his systematic habits and capacity for labor.
He was therefore invited to the post of Attorney-General.

Mr. Reagan, of Texas, I had known for a sturdy, honest Representative in
the United States Congress, and his acquaintance with the territory
included in the Confederate States was both extensive and accurate.
These, together with his industry and ability to labor, indicated him as
peculiarly fit for the office of Postmaster-General.

Mr. Memminger, of South Carolina, had a high reputation for knowledge of
finance. He bore an unimpeachable character for integrity and close
attention to duties, and, on the recommendation of the delegation from
South Carolina, he was appointed Secretary of the Treasury, and proved
himself entirely worthy of the trust.

Mr. Walker, of Alabama, was a distinguished member of the bar of north
Alabama, and was eminent among the politicians of that section. He was
earnestly recommended by gentlemen intimately and favorably known to me,
and was therefore selected for the War Department. His was the only name
presented from Alabama.

The executive departments having been organized, my attention was first
directed to preparation for military defense, for, though I, in common
with others, desired to have a peaceful separation, and sent
commissioners to the United States Government to effect, if possible,
negotiations to that end, I did not hold the common opinion that we
would be allowed to depart in peace, and therefore regarded it as an
imperative duty to make all possible preparation for the contingency of
war.

CHAPTER VII.

Early Acts of the Confederate Congress.--Laws of the United
States continued in Force.--Officers of Customs and Revenue
continued in Office.--Commission to the United
States.--Navigation of the Mississippi.--Restrictions on the
Coasting-Trade removed.--Appointment of Commissioners to
Washington.

The legislation of the Confederate Congress furn