Aidan,
According to what I have on the subject, on August 8, 1861, Davis sent a list to the Senate for confirmation in terms of rank in their army. Starting with his pick for the number one position and ascending in order his picks were, Cooper, A.S. Johnston, R.E. Lee, Joe Johnston and finally PTB Beauregard. Joe Johnston was highly offended by Davis's choice and he sent Davis a very strong protest letter. FC