Jefferson Davis and the Adoption of Black Children: Contradictions of Racial Attitudes
Historical records often present a mix of intriguing and controversial events, especially during times marked by intense societal conflicts. The case of Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States during the American Civil War, and his involvement with adopting black children is one such episode. This article delves into the circumstances surrounding these adoptions, providing context and light on the complex and often contradictory nature of racial attitudes during the era.
It was indeed true that Jefferson Davis adopted a black child, named Jim Limber, in 1864. Jim Limber was the son of a free black woman, and he lived with the Davis family in the Confederate capital, Richmond, Virginia. This adoption was highly unusual for the time and given the context of slavery and racial attitudes prevalent in the South.
The circumstances of Jim Limber's adoption were documented in various records. According to records, Jefferson Davis and his wife, Varina, treated Jim Limber as a true member of their family. Varina Davis is reported to have said, '"A little free negro boy whom we had rescued from one of his own color who had beaten him terribly lived from that time with us. Mr. Davis notwithstanding his absorbing cares went to the Mayor's office and had his free papers registered to insure Jim against getting into the power of the oppressor again." This statement highlights the Davis family's commitment to protect Jim Limber from potential mistreatment.
Another child, named Doxey Landerson, was also raised by Jefferson Davis. Doxey was adopted when he was a few months old and was taken in by the Davis family around 1835 or 1836. A Davis family member required Doxey's mother as a nursemaid and babysitter, leading to the acquisition of the boy himself. Doxey was treated almost like part of the family but, under the legal construct of slavery at the time, he was still considered a slave.
Historical accounts indicate that Doxey was given Billy Davis's old clothes when he grew up and was referred to as something like a house-boy. Varina Davis stated, "I send this boy to you General Saxton and beg you to take good care of him. His mother was a free colored woman in Richmond. She died when he was an infant leaving him to the care of a friend who was cruel and neglectful of him. One day Mrs. Davis and her children went to the house and found the woman beating the little fellow who was then only two years old [sic]. So she took him home with her intending to find a good place for him. But he was so bright and playful her own children were unwilling to give him up. Then she decided to keep him until he was old enough to learn a trade." This note from Varina shed light on the care and protection provided to Doxey.
Both these cases present interesting contrasts to the overall attitude of the time. While Jefferson Davis held an attitude of racism common among many of his contemporaries, these adoptions highlight his capacity for sympathy and paternalism. The complexity of these actions raises questions about the nature of these relationships and the evolution of these individuals' interactions with the Davis family. Would Jim Limber and Doxey have experienced different outcomes if they had grown up with the Davises? Might they have retained some level of privilege, or would they have lost it? How would their status change if they had asserted themselves against white men? Would Davis protect them, or would he uphold the strict societal and legal norms?
The stories of Jim Limber and Doxey Landerson present a fascinating mystery and showcase the capacity of even those individuals with controversial stances to display moments of kindness and empathy towards individuals of color. These instances provide valuable insights into the complexities and contradictions of racial attitudes during the tumultuous period of the American Civil War.