The Portland daily press., 1865-05-15
OFFICIAL NEWS DISPATCH.
Capture Of JEFF. Davis, Ills
Family and Staff
DAVIS ATTEMPTS TO ESCAPE IN HIS
WIFE's CLOTHES.
Indignation of the Late Con-
federate President.
FEARS OF MRS. DAVIS.
TO THE DAILY PRESS.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, May 13-lO.3OP. M.
10 MAJ. Gen. Dir:-The following despatch,
Just received from Gen. Wilson, announces
the surprise and capture of Jefferson Davis
ano stan by Col. Pritchard, of the Michigan
cavalry, on the morning of the 10th inst. at
rwinsville, in Irwin County, Ga. ~.
loigneol K. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
Lieut.. Gen. Grant and the Honorable Secre-
tdfy Of Var, Washington II have the honor
TO report that at daylight on the 10th inst,
Col. Pritchard, commanding 4th Michigan
cavalry, captured JEFF. Davis and family, with
Regen, Postmaster General; COL HARRISON
Private Secretary; Col. johnson, A. D. c.;
Col. Morris, Col. Lubback, Lieut.. Hathaway,
and others.
Col. Pritchard surprised their camp at
Irwinsville, Irwin County, Georgia, 70 miles
southeast of this place. They will be here
tomorrow night, and will be forwarded under
q strong guard without delay. I will send
further particulars at once.
(Signed,) ]. II. WILSON,
Brevet Maj. Gen.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, May IA. M.
To Maj. Gen. DiG The following details
of the capture of Jefferson Davis, while at
tempting to make his escape in his wiie's
clothes, have just been received from Maj. Gen.
Wilson.
(Signed) e. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
MACON, GA, II A. NJ, May ~.
10 Hon. ~. NJ. Stanton, Secretary of War:
The following dispatch, announcing the cap
ture of Jefferson Davis, has been handed me
by Col. Minty, commanding the I'd division:
HEADQUARTERS 4TH MICHIGAN CAVALRY,
y Cumbe rlandyilie. Ca NAV
To Capt. Z. w. Scott, a. G. Diuision:-Slr:
have the honor to report that at daylight,
yesterday, at Irwinsville, surprised and cap
tured Jefferson Davis and his family, together
with his wife, sisters and brother, his Post
Master General Reagan, his private secretary
Col. Harrison, Col. Johnson, A. d. C. on Da-
Wis staff, Col. Norris Lubbock, Lieut.. Hatha-
way, and several other Names and train of
five wagons and three ambulances, making
most perfect success, had not a most painful
mistake occurred, by which the 4th Michigan
and the LIST Wisconsin did that which cost us
two killed and Lieut.. Boutle wounded through
the arm In the 4th Michigan, and four men
wounded in the LIST Wisconsin. This occurred
just at daylight, after we had captured the
camp by the advance of the LIST Wisconsin.
They were mistaken for the enemy. return
ed to this point last night, and shall move right
on the Macon road without waiting orders
from you as directed, feeling that the whole
object of the expedition is accomplished. 1t
will take me ct least three days to reach Ma
con, as we are seventy-fve miles out, and our
stock much reduced hope to reach Haw-
kinsville tonight. have the honor, &c.
(Signed) d. B. PRITCHARD,
Lieut.. Col. 4th Michigan Cavalry.
The LIST Wisconsin belongs to Lagrange's
brigade of McCook's division, and had been
sent due east by Gen. Croxton via Dublin
Col. Minley had distributed his command all
along the south bank of the Ocmulgee and
Altamaha. This accounts for the collision be-
tween parts Of the LIST and I'd divisions, and
shows the zeal of the command in the pursuit
have directed increased vigilance on the part
of the command, in the hope of catching the
other assassins. Our dispositions are good,
and SO far none of the rebel chiefs have been
able to get through. Breckinridge's son was
captured night before last, eleven miles south
from here. will send further particulars as
soon as received. ~A
(Signedl J. a. WILSON.