How Did Jefferson Davis Die? The Mysterious Death of the Confederate President

Jefferson Davis was the first and only president of the Confederate States of America, a breakaway nation that fought against the United States in the American Civil War (1861-1865). He was a prominent Southern politician, a former U.S. senator and secretary of war, and a slave owner who defended the institution of slavery. He led the Confederacy during its four years of existence, facing many challenges and controversies. After the war, he was captured, imprisoned, and indicted for treason, but never tried. He spent his last years in Mississippi and Louisiana, writing his memoirs and defending his actions. He died in New Orleans on December 6, 1889, at the age of 81. But what was the cause of his death? And why is it still a matter of debate among historians and medical experts?

The Official Cause of Death: Acute Bronchitis

According to his death certificate, Jefferson Davis died of acute bronchitis, a respiratory infection that causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. Acute bronchitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or irritants such as smoke or dust. It can produce symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest pain, fever, and shortness of breath. Acute bronchitis usually lasts for a few days or weeks, but can become chronic or lead to complications such as pneumonia or heart failure.

Davis had a history of respiratory problems, dating back to his childhood. He suffered from asthma, hay fever, and recurrent bouts of bronchitis and pneumonia. He also had a habit of smoking cigars, which may have aggravated his condition. In the winter of 1889, he contracted a cold that developed into acute bronchitis. He was treated by his personal physician, Dr. Joseph Jones, who prescribed him various remedies such as quinine, whiskey, morphine, and mustard plasters. However, his condition worsened and he became bedridden. On December 6, he woke up feeling weak and asked for some water. As his wife Varina held him in her arms, he gasped his last words: “Pray excuse me”, and died.

The Alternative Causes of Death: Malaria or Cancer

While acute bronchitis is the official cause of death recorded on Davis’s death certificate, some historians and medical experts have suggested other possible causes that may have contributed to his demise. One of them is malaria, a parasitic disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, and anemia. Malaria was endemic in the Southern states where Davis lived and traveled. He contracted malaria several times in his life, most notably in 1835 when he married his first wife Sarah Knox Taylor, daughter of future President Zachary Taylor. Sarah died from malaria three months after their wedding.

Some researchers have argued that Davis may have suffered from chronic malaria, which can persist for years after the initial infection and cause recurrent episodes of fever and other symptoms. Chronic malaria can also damage vital organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and brain. It can also increase the risk of developing other diseases such as tuberculosis or cancer.

Another possible cause of death that has been proposed is cancer. Davis had a family history of cancer: his father Samuel died from throat cancer in 1824; his brother Joseph died from stomach cancer in 1870; his sister Anna died from breast cancer in 1871; and his son Jefferson Jr. died from yellow fever in 1878 (some sources say he had leukemia). Davis himself had several signs that could indicate cancer: he had a persistent cough; he lost weight and appetite; he had chronic pain in his chest and abdomen; he had difficulty swallowing; he had blood in his urine; and he had a tumor-like growth on his face.

Some medical experts have suggested that Davis may have had lung cancer or stomach cancer or both. Lung cancer can cause acute bronchitis as a complication; stomach cancer can cause bleeding ulcers that can lead to anemia and weakness. Both cancers can spread to other organs and cause multiple organ failure.

The Conclusion: A Combination of Factors

The exact cause of Jefferson Davis’s death may never be known for sure. It is likely that he died from a combination of factors that affected his health over time. Acute bronchitis may have been the immediate cause of death, but it may have been triggered or worsened by chronic malaria or cancer or both. His age, lifestyle, stress level, and genetic predisposition may have also played a role. His death marked the end of an era in American history and sparked a debate over his legacy that continues to this day.

Doms Desk

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