James Alexander Seddon was an American politician, who served two terms in the United States Congress as a member of the Democrat Party. He was appointed Confederate States Secretary of War by Jefferson Davis during the American Civil War.
Background
James Alexander was born on July 13, 1815, in Falmouth, Virginia, United States. He was descended from Thomas Seddon who emigrated from England to Virginia early in the eighteenth century, settled on a large tract of land in Stafford County, near Fredericksburg, and built "Snowden," which was burned during the Civil War by Federal troops. James was the son of Susan Pearson Alexander and Thomas Seddon, a banker.
Education
James Seddon graduated from the law school of the University of Virginia in 1835.
After studies, Seddon began to practice in Richmond, where he was successful and popular. He served in the federal House of Representatives from 1845 to 1847 and again from 1849 to 1851. Peremptorily declining another nomination, he retired to "Sabot Hill," his estate in Goochland County to enjoy the quiet life of a country gentleman and to manage his large property. "Sabot Hill" became a center of hospitality in the happy decade preceding the Civil War.
In the peace convention of 1861, he was a member of the committee on resolutions and, together with the majority of his delegation, he voted against the compromise proposal of the convention.
In November 1862, when George Wythe Randolph resigned his position as secretary of war, Jefferson Davis prevailed upon Seddon to assume the important and difficult post. This appointment marked a return to the civilian control so criticized in the case of Judah P. Benjamin.
Yet Seddon had a large influence over the president, especially until the summer of 1863, and he continued to hold his confidence. Early in 1863, he urged that Joseph E. Johnston take direct command of the western army, and he strove, tactfully but persistently, to make Johnston assume the offensive before Vicksburg. The month before Gettysburg, he wrote Lee a letter heartily concurring in his desire for offensive action. None of the Confederate secretaries of war were more considerate of Lee or worked in closer harmony with him. One of Seddon's blunders was his suggestion that Longstreet was detached for the attack on Suffolk. As a result of his consenting to the removal of Johnston before the fall of Atlanta, Seddon incurred much unpopularity.
Early in 1865, when the Confederate situation had become desperate, the Virginia delegation to Congress requested the reorganization of the cabinet. As a consequence, he resigned. Jefferson Davis denounced Congress for what he deemed an unconstitutional interference with his cabinet and wrote a cordial letter to Seddon. He was imprisoned by the Northern government but was soon released.
Retiring to "Sabot Hill," James engaged in agricultural pursuits as far as his health would permit. For many years before his death, he was invalid and suffered from neuralgic pains.
Seddon was the leader on the floor of the secessionists' members and sought assurance from the convention and the delegates of the Republican states that there should, in no event, be war.
Personality
Though lacking in humor, Seddon was courtly, widely read, and a clever conversationalist. A politician and man of the world, he worked with devotion and intellectual capacity, needed tact and administrative ability.
Physical Characteristics:
Physically, Seddon was described as "gaunt and emaciated, with a sallow and cadaverous look, resembling an exhumed corpse after a month's internment."
Interests
Politicians
John C. Calhoun
Connections
In 1845 Seddon was married to Sarah Bruce, the daughter of James Bruce of Halifax, a member of a distinguished Virginia family. She was vivacious and charming, with musical propensities.