DAVIS TAKEN! His Wife, Sister and Brother Secured: The Rebel Postmaster-General Reagan Also Captured; RELENTLESS AND SUCCESSFUL PURSUIT (5/15/1865)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 5/15/1865

[Homer_J_Simpson]

OFFICIAL.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, May 13.

Maj.-Gen. Dix:

The following dispatch, just received from Gen. WILSON, announces the surprise and capture of JEFFERSON DAVIS and his staff, by Col. PRITCHARD and the Michigan Cavalry, on the morning of the 10th inst., at Irwinsville, in Irwin County, Georgia. EDWIN M. STANTON.

Secretary of War.

MACON, GA., May 12, 1865 -- 11 A.M.

Lieut.-Gen. U.S. Grant and Hon. Secretary of War, Washington, D.C.:

I have the honor to report that at daylight of the 10th inst., Col. PRITCHARD, commanding Fourth Michigan Cavalry, captured JEFF. DAVIS and family, with REAGAN, Postmaster-General; Col. HARRISON, Private Secretary; Col. JOHNSON, A.D.C.; Col. MORRIS, Col. LUBBIC, Lieut. HATHAWAY, and others. Col. PRITCHARD surprised their camp at Irwinsville, in Irwin County, Ga., seventy-five miles southeast of this place. They will be here to-morrow night, and will be forwarded under strong guard without delay. I will send further particulars at once.

J.H. WILSON, Brevet-Major-General.

DETAILS OF THE CAPTURE.

OFFICIAL.

FROM SECRETARY STANTON TO GENERAL DIX.

WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, May 14, 1765.

Maj.-Gen. John A. Dix:

The following details of the capture of JEFFERSON DAVIS, while attempting to make this escape in his wife's clothes, have been received from Maj.-Gen. WILSON. EDWIN M. STANTON.

MACON, GA., May 12, 1865 -- 11 A.M.

Hon. E.M. Stanton, Secretary of War:

The following dispatch, announcing the capture of JEFF. DAVIS, has just been handed me by Col. MINTY, commanding Second Division:

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH MICHIGAN CAVALRY, CUMBERLANDVILLE, Ga., May 11.

To Capt. T.W. Scott, A.G., Second Division:

SIR: I have the honor to report that at daylight yesterday, at Irwinsville, I surprised and captured JEFF. DAVIS and family, together with his wife, sisters and brother, his Postmaster-General, REAGAN; his private Secretary, Col. HARRISON; Col. JOHNSON, Aid-de-Camp on DAVIS' staff; Col. MORRIS LUBBICK,

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TOPICS: History
KEYWORDS: civilwar

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 25, 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

https://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:homerjsimpson/index?tab=articles

To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4316924/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

Davis Taken! His Wife, Sister and Brother Secured – 2
Arrest of R.M.T. Hunter: The Ex-Senator and Peace Commissioner Placed on Board a Gunboat in the James River – 2
Capture of a Guerrilla Supposed to be Quantrell – 3
Personating Gen. Hancock – 3
$30,451, 950: Saturday’s Subscription to the National Loan – 3
Trial of the Assassins: The Court and the Place in which it is Held – 3-9
From Washington – 9
Editorial: The Arrest of Jeff. Davis – 9-10
Editorial: Trial of the Assassins – 10
British Notions of the United States – 10
Rebel Efforts Abroad – 10

[Repeal The 17th]

When Confederate President Jefferson Davis
and a few remaining staff members crossed
the Savannah River into Georgia on May 3, 1865,
they were headed for the Western theater of war
where Davis planned to unite rebel forces and continue fighting
for the “lost cause.” On May 9, 1865, they camped in this pine forest,
not knowing that pursuit was so close behind.

At dawn, they were surrounded by two independent groups
of Union cavalry who were unaware of each other’s presence.
Gunfire ensued until the federal forces realized
they had been shooting at one another.
Two Union cavalrymen died during the skirmish.
Davis was taken prisoner and held in Virginia
for two years until released.

Today, a monument marks the spot where he was arrested.
Visitors can tour the 13 acre historic site that includes a museum,
short trail, a gift shop, picnic tables and a group shelter.
-
https://gastateparks.org/JeffersonDavisMemorial