 Benjamin rose rapidly both at the bar and in politics . He became a wealthy slaveowner and served in both houses of the Louisiana legislature prior to his election to the Senate in 1852 There , he was an eloquent supporter of slavery , and resigned as senator after Louisiana left the Union in early 1861 . He returned to New Orleans , but soon left when Confederate President Jefferson Davis appointed him Attorney General . Benjamin had little to do in that position , but Davis was impressed by his competence and appointed him Secretary of War . Benjamin firmly supported Davis , and the President reciprocated the loyalty by promoting him to Secretary of State in March 1862 while Benjamin was being criticized for the rebel defeat at the Battle of Roanoke Island . 
