Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-12-16
NO. 297.
JEFF. DAyIS'S DISGUISE.

county. N. Y.,) Republican, who lately
visited Allegan, called upon Gen. Benja-
min d. Pitchard, now a resident Of that
town, who was, during the war, colonel
of the 4th regiment of Michigan cavalry,
and had the good fortune to capture JEFF.
Davis. In conversation with him the cor
respondent inquired as to the circumstance
Of Davis attemptedjescape, and gives the
story thus 49,.
Gen. Pitchard said: "-After the escape
of Davis from Richmond received relia-
BILE intelligence, and which appeared to me
all the more reliable from the situation and
necessities of his case-that is to say, that
he would endeavor to make his way across
the Mississippi into Texas, where he In
tended to put himself at the head Of his
forces. still quite strong, and aronnd which
he could gather all his remaining strength
in the southwest, and then still carry on
the rebellion in those vast and compara-
lively inaccessible regions, trusting to con-
tinued recruiting of his forces from escap-
ing squads of his defeated armies in all
quarters, and from Mexican sympathizers,
guerrillas, and dissatisfied, reckless des-
perate, and lawless spirits from every d.
rection, and not altogether without hope
of aid from foreigners. To reach there he
had but one way of escape; there he had
to make his way from Virginia to Georgia,
and thence westward along belt of
country that lay between our forces on
the gulf on the south, and our forces that
occupied Virginia, Tennessee, and west
ward, on the north.
So governed myself accordingly, and
set my command in motion, as ii on the
double quick right through that region.
a ofrt fhat ,c axys, tba
Ockmulgee river, in Georgia. He was ac-
companied by some military staff and the
chief of his government. His wife and
the wives and female relatives and CON-
panions of some Of his subordinates were
with him. Thus we followed until we
reached a small village in Georgia, where
we lost all track of them. We surround
ed the village. / made the most particu-
lar and all manner Of inquiries of the in
habitants, but not one of them knew
thing, and were properly astonished at my
asking them the questions, 'as if they
knew! Still had no doubt that they all
knew well. So resorted to what never
or seldom failed me. got an African
alone, and he soon told me where the
game was to be found-about two miles
from the village, in a sort of wild, busy,
woody place. by this time it had grown
quite into the night, the weather being
beautiful and the sky bright. soon had
my command at the spot, where we found
small encampment, consisting of two OF
three tents, with wagons standing about.
The tents, as was aiterward discovered.
were occupied by the women and Davis
and one or two of his masculine favorites.
the remainder of the party lying about
under the wagons. 1t was now about
midnight or after. gave orders to have
the encampment surrounded, giving the
most positive command that no living
thing under any circumstance, should pass
outward through the lines. Thus we
waited for day. ea9
In The early dawn-almost-b before dawn
an old woman was seen making her
way from out Of one of the tents. She
was dressed in waterproof cloak from
her waist down, the cloak coming so low
as to cover her feet. Around her body
was shawl, arranged and tied; on her
head something like hood or bonnet,
that concealed her face; in her hand
pail.
AS the tent door was opened, female
voice from within spoke out in loud tones
Bring me bucket of water-quick! We
want to wash our faces And then, as if
addressing any sentries that might be with
in hearing the voice said, in still louder
tones: Let my old woman servant pass
and bring us a bucket of water-we want
to get up and dress ourselves So the old
lady passed on, the one or two more
soldiers within hearing allowing her to
make her way. but keeping bright eye
upon her. Pretty soon as the old lady was
going through a bushy place, and by that
means disarranging her waterproof,
soldier discovered her boots and some-
thing that looked like the step and stride
of man. so he hailed, advanced before,
and stopped her. Soon two or more
soldiers came up and began to quiz her.
asking ner to give an account of herself;
but she uttered not a word. Then came
to the spot myself and put some questions;
but not word said the old lady in reply.
then advanced, took off her hood, united
her shawl. and exposed her boots-she all
| the time making stout resistance.
When l had succeeded in throwing off
her disguise, there she stood, being that
looked very much like an elderly man.
You are likely old woman said. Who
are you,' | asked. Not word in reply.
You may as well say who you are, said,
! for you are my prisoner, and all your COM
pdHy. Will SOOu KNOW WHO you are Z; LOT
You cannot escape. have a whole reg
iment of cavalry here, and others are
coming. You, and all with you, are pris-
oners, and nothing can deliver you. Now,
who are you?' At length the old lady
found voice. and said in good, angry,
loud, masculine tone, Who do you think
amp l took a careful look at her, and
| observing that one Of her eyes had a pecu-
liar defect, and scanning her face closely
and remembering the photographs that 1
had seen of Davis and that had heard
that one of his eyes had peculiar blaze
| said, i know you now-you are JEFF
ferson Davis
This tho 'old woman pretended not TO
hear, and made no direct reply. but com.
menced railing out, with all manner OF
expletives and explosions, against Yam
KEGS and towards who made war on
helpless women. who are you?' the
'old lady at length asked. replied: Il
am the colonel of the 4th Michigan cayal-
ry, whose prisoner you are Just as
thought. was the reply; making war like
a savage on helpless old woman and
l...l sl.-A- -