Postbellum Career
After the Civil War, Davis continued service with the Army, being appointed colonel of the 23rd Infantry Regiment in July 1866. He was the first commander of the Department of Alaska, from March 18, 1868, to June 1, 1870. During this time, he ordered Russian residents of Sitka, Alaska to leave their homes, as he maintained that they were needed for Americans.
He gained fame when he assumed field command of the U.S. forces during the Modoc War, after General Edward Canby and Rev. Eleazer Thomas had been assassinated during peace talks. His presence in the field restored the confidence of the soldiers after their recent setbacks against the Modoc. Davis' campaign resulted in the Battle of Dry Lake and the eventual surrender of notable leaders such as Hooker Jim and Captain Jack.
Davis died in Chicago, Illinois, and is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Read more about this topic: Jefferson C. Davis
Famous quotes containing the word career:
“Each of the professions means a prejudice. The necessity for a career forces every one to take sides. We live in the age of the overworked, and the under-educated; the age in which people are so industrious that they become absolutely stupid.”
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900)