Memoir 1, Page 19, William L. Yancey

"Yancy told them that Cotton was king, and that all nations must bow down to him."

William Lowndes Yancey (1814-1863) was a prominent leader in the Southern secessionist movement and defender of slavery. As one who was particularly convinced of the influential power of cotton, he served as a diplomat to Europe, attempting to secure recognition and support for the Confederacy. Following limited success and his return to the South in 1862, he served in the Confederate Senate until his death in July of 1863.