Thanks for your comments. I noticed in the article where it stated that Davis wanted peace with the North but would accept war if forced to. This really reflects the comments that he made in his inaugural speech in Feb. 1861 when he stated “We have entered upon the career of independence, and it must be inflexibly pursued. ….If a just perception of mutual interest shall permit us peaceably to pursue our separate political career, my most earnest desire will have been fulfilled. But, if this be denied to us, and the integrity of our territory and jurisdiction be assailed, it will but remain for us, with firm resolve, to appeal to arms and invoke the blessings of Providence on a just cause.”
In his speech, he remarks that the southern states wanted independence and it was his hope that separation would be achieved peacefully. However, if this was not allowed then a call to arms would result. He did not really want war unless there was no other alternative.