As Confederate forces faced increasing pressure from Union troops during the final stages of the American Civil War, the Congress of the Confederate States convened for its last session. This meeting, taking place in Richmond, Virginia, highlighted the dire situation the Confederacy confronted. The advancements of Union General William Tecumseh Sherman contributed to this despair, creating a mounting urgency for Confederate leaders as they struggled to maintain control over their territories. The Congress had been grappling with issues of governance, supply shortages, and military setbacks, leading to significant discontent among its members.

During this final session, Confederate President Jefferson Davis and prominent legislators discussed the ongoing military campaigns and the internal challenges the Confederacy was facing, including inflation, famine, and dissent among states. The conversation revealed a fragmented political situation where many representatives recognized that the war was nearing its conclusion, and the Confederate government had lost much of its legitimacy and support among both soldiers and civilians.

Ultimately, the decision to adjourn was not merely a procedural formality but rather a tacit acknowledgment of the end of the Confederacy itself. The members understood that without a viable military strategy or financial resources, the continuation of their legislative body held little purpose. By adjournment, the Congress ceased to exist as Southern forces made their last stand against the Union.