Like the Confederate Congress, its membership was undistinguished, in contrast with Lincoln's Cabinet, which included highly talented men.

[2] Confederate President Jefferson Davis made many of his initial selections to the Cabinet on the basis of political considerations; his choices "Were dictated by the need to assure the various states that their interests were being represented in the government.

"[8] Secretary of the Navy Stephen Mallory lamented that "From [Davis's] uncontrollable tendency to digression," cabinet meetings "consumed four or five hours without determining anything.

"[9] Many of the cabinet members became frustrated, especially the secretaries of war; after concluding "that they could not get along with Davis's constant interference and micromanagement," many resigned.

[11] The final meeting of the Confederate cabinet took place in Fort Mill, South Carolina, amid the collapse of the Confederacy.