JEFFERSON DAVIS DRESSED IN 'GENTLEMAN'S ROBE' AT TIME OF CAPTURE, SAYS UNION VET
Spencer, Ohio (JFK+50) On May 10, 1922, the 57th anniversary of the capture of Confederate President Jefferson Davis*, 79 year old Thomas Mile Hunter "recounted reminiscences" of that event sitting on his front porch here in Spencer, Ohio.
Mr. Hunter, a veteran of 73 Civil War battles, claims to be "one of two survivors of the 4th Michigan (Calvary) present at the capture."
Although there have been reports that President Davis was attired in women's clothing at the time of his capture, Mr. Hunter asserts otherwise.
He says...
"(Jefferson Davis) wore a gentleman's morning robe over his regular clothes. On his head was an old striped bonnet. He was a man sure enough."
*Jefferson Finis Davis (1808-1889) was born in Fairview, Kentucky. He graduated from the United States Military Academy & served in the Black Hawk War.
JFD represented Mississippi in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1845-1846 & U.S. Senate, 1847-1851 & 1857-1861, & was Secretary of War, 1853-1857.
JFK+50 NOTE
Jefferson Davis departed Richmond shortly after Lee's surrender going first to Greensboro, NC & then to Washington, GA where the Confederate government was officially dissolved.
Davis, along with his wife Varina, was captured by Union forces at Irwinville, Georgia on May 10, 1865.
SOURCE
"Jefferson Davis In Man's Attire, When Caught, Captor Asserts," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., May 10, 1922, www.chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/
