I feel as if I was struck by a lightning bolt.  As Varina and I worked in the
Rose Garden this morning, a messenger arrived.  Here are the contents of the
letter which he presented to me:

	"Sir:
	We are directed to inform you that you are this day unanimously elected
        President of the Provisional Government of the Confederate States of America,
        and to request you to come to Montgomery immediately. "

I cannot believe it.  "President Davis!"  My fellow Southerners have formed a
government and found me worthy to run it.  I must leave to Montgomery,
Alabama tomorrow.  Montgomery is the temporary capital of our newly founded
country.  With God on my side, I will succeed.  Here I go.