Judah Philip Benjamin

Benjamin, Judah Philip (1811–84), West Indian-born U.S. politician and lawyer, called the “brains of the Confederacy.” As U.S. senator from Louisiana (1853–61), he was an able advocate of the Southern cause. After secession, his friend Jefferson Davis appointed him attorney general, secretary of war, and finally secretary of state (1862–65) in the Confederate government. On the collapse of the Confederacy Benjamin fled to England, where he became a successful barrister.

See also: Civil War, U.S.