Before the War of the Rebellion he had served several terms as a member of the Legislature.

He represented his county, Coahoma, in the Secession Convention of 1861.

He was bitterly opposed to Secession and fought it bravely; but when he found himself in a hopeless minority he gracefully acquiesced in the decision of the majority and signed the ordinance of Secession.

He also joined the Confederate Army and took an active part in raising troops for the same.
He was made brigadier-general, and had command of the Confederate forces in Mississippi for a good while.

But, since the President of the Confederacy did not seem to be particularly partial to him, he was not allowed to see very much field service.
When the war was over he took an active part in the work of rehabilitation and Reconstruction.