Editing Jefferson Davis (section)

===West Point and early military career===
His older brother Joseph got Davis appointed to the [[United States Military Academy]] at West Point in 1824, where he became friends with classmates [[Albert Sidney Johnston]] and [[Leonidas Polk]].{{sfnm|Cooper|2000|1p=39|Davis|1991|2pp=25, 28{{endash}}29}} Davis frequently challenged the academy's discipline.{{sfnm|Cooper|2000|1p=33|Davis|1991|2pp=28–29}} In his first year, he was court-martialed for drinking at a nearby tavern. He was found guilty but was pardoned.{{sfn|Woodworth|1990|p=4}} The following year, he was placed under house arrest for his role in the [[Eggnog riot]] during Christmas 1826 but was not dismissed.{{sfn|Crackel|2002|p=88}} He graduated 23rd in a class of 33.{{sfn|Davis|1991|p=57}}

Second Lieutenant Davis was assigned to the [[1st Infantry Regiment (United States)|1st Infantry Regiment]]. He was accompanied by his personal servant James Pemberton, an enslaved [[African American]] whom he inherited from his father.{{sfn|Cooper|2000|p=49}} In early 1829, he was stationed at Forts [[Fort Crawford|Crawford]] and [[Fort Winnebago|Winnebago]] in [[Michigan Territory]] under the command of Colonel [[Zachary Taylor]],{{sfn|Scanlan|1940|p=175}} who later became [[president of the United States]].

Throughout his life, Davis regularly suffered from ill health.{{sfn|Cooper|2000|pp=3, 217, 309}} During the northern winters, he had [[pneumonia]], colds, and [[bronchitis]].{{sfn|Woodworth|1990|p=6}} He went to Mississippi on furlough in March 1832, missing the outbreak of the [[Black Hawk War]], and returned to duty just before the [[Battle of Bad Axe]], which ended the war.{{sfn|Cooper|2000|pp=54–55}} When [[Black Hawk (Sauk leader)|Black Hawk]] was captured, Davis escorted him for detention in St. Louis.{{sfn|Scanlan|1940|pp=178–179}} Black Hawk stated that Davis treated him with kindness.{{sfn|Black Hawk|1882|p=112}}

After Davis's return to Fort Crawford in January 1833, he and Taylor's daughter, Sarah, became romantically involved. Davis asked Taylor if he could marry Sarah, but Taylor refused.{{sfn|Davis|1991|pp=51–52}} In spring, Taylor had him assigned to the [[1st Cavalry Regiment (United States)#Formation|United States Regiment of Dragoons]] under Colonel [[Henry Dodge]]. He was promoted to first lieutenant and deployed at [[Fort Gibson]] in [[Arkansas Territory]].{{sfn|Cooper|2000|pp=55–56}} In February 1835, Davis was [[court-martial]]ed for insubordination.{{sfn|Davis|1991|pp=68–69}} He was acquitted. He requested a furlough, and immediately after it ended, he tendered his resignation, which was effective on June 30.{{sfn|Eaton|1977|p=19}}