New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-09-17
JEFF Davis Capture.

1: is part of the history Of the rebellion
that its representative leader, Jefferson
Davis, wss captured. disguised in female
wearing apparel, while endeayoring to
make his escape from the country. At the
same time his personal effects were also
captured and for warded to the War Depart
ment by General James H. Wilson, now of
New York city. The box containing them
was taken in personal charge by Secretary
Stanton, who was very fond, for the time
being. of holding up and exhibiting to Wis.
itors the petticoat that Davis wore when
captured. Eventually the box was passed
over to Adjutant General Townsend, he
being. by usage, the custodian OF all the
odds and ends accommodating in the depart
ment. The box was strapped and sealed
by the Adiutant General. and for nine
years has had the quiet OF a sarcOphagus.
A few weeks ago Mr.. Davis had his mem.
ory jostled By business transaction, which
made it important to have certain private
papers slowed away in the catacomb of the
War Department. Through Southern
friend he communicated with the Secretary
of War, and asked if there was any imprO.
priety in requesting the return of such un.
important documents and letters as would
only be of service to him in business rela.
tons. General Belknap thought there
would be none, and the urn OF che Confed.
eracy was brought forth, the seal broken
aud the contents examined. The letters
and private papers were ordered to be Re.
turned. 4 ring. several boxes of cigars
brought by blockade runners, and not
having the loyal evidence of internal
revenue stamps. underwear and linen
shirts, in as good state Of pre-.
servation as any cloth about the mum.
mics at the Smithsonian Institution, were
also included in the category. But the
petticCat, alas! the petticoat. The moths
had destroyed the historic garment and re.
ducea its ample folds 20 a mass of chawed
material. Not all the delicate hands of the
tenderest females in General Spinner's re.
demption division could have handled the
celebrated gown so as to preserve its shape
or even its identity. AT the bottom Of the
box were exhumed dreadful emblems of
Should those, too. be returned
A council OF war was held. at which
General Townsend. General Vincent and
The Secretary Of War were present. 1t
was solemnlv resolved that at the
present critical iuncture in the affairs Of
the South it would be imprudenr for
the War Department to furnish arms to
the exPresident of the deceased Con.
federacy. The rusty revolvers might
have in them elements of new rebellion
and wise craftsmanship dictated that these
silent weapons of death should again be
consigned to the catacombs of the War
Department., where Democratic successor
of the present Secretary alone can wake
them to glory. 1t can be stated that this
affair had nothing whatever 20 dc with the
recent outrages in the Southern States. Mr..
Davis gets his private papers. some Of his
friends have been favored with the dried up
cigars as souvenirs Of the lost cause, and al.
that is dangerous, the revolvers and carbine.
again 1epose peacefully in the War Depart.
ment, for the seal Of General Townsend has
consigned the box TO its old position.
wrapped up with red tape and marked
''handle with care. Washington CORES.
ponde,l. New York Herald.