Richmond Examiner

The paper published staunch and increasingly vitriolic opposition to the leadership and policies of Confederate President Jefferson Davis.

[2] At the time of Virginia's secession in April, Richmond editors had commenced the publication of four separate, independent daily newspapers.

In sharp contrast to this supportive attitude towards those who had been lateraled or dismissed, the Examiner criticized men who had remained on Davis's team.

[3] On the military side, the Examiner championed the tactical skills of General Joseph E. Johnston, an officer disliked by President Davis.

After Davis relieved Johnston from command over the Army of Tennessee in July 1864, the Examiner began to speak with despondency of the future prospects facing the Confederate States of America.