The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1874-09-24
Correspondence n. Y. Herald.l

Correspondence n. Y. Herald.l
WASHINGTON, Sept. lit is a part
of the history of the rebellion that its
represent leader, jefferson Davis,
was captured, disguised in female wear
ing apparel. while endeavoring to make
his escape from the country. At the
same time his personal effects were also
captured and forwarded to the War
Department by Gen. James Fl. 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 and exhibiting to visitors
the petticoat that Davis wore when cap
tured. Eventually the box was passed
over to the charge Of Adjutant General
Townsend, he being, by usage, the Gus
todian Of all the odds asd ends accu-
mulating in the department. The box
was strapped and sealed by the Adju-
tant General, and for nine years had
the quiet Of a sarcophagus.
Ex-PREsIDENT DAVIS AFTER DOCUMENTS.
A few weeks ago Mr.. Davis had his
memory jostled by business transac-
ton, which made it important to have
certain private papers slowed away in
the catacomb Of the War Department.
Through Southern friend he commu-
nicated with the Secretary Of War, and
asked if there was any improperly in
requesting the return Of such unimpor-
tant documents and letters as would
only be of service to him in business re-
lations. General Belknap thought
there would be none, and
THE URN OF THE coxFEDERAcY
was brought forth, the seal broken, and
the contents examined. The letters
and private papers were ordered to be
returned. A 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
preservation as any cloth about the
mummies of the Smithsonian Institute,
were also included in the category. But
the petticoat,
ALAS! THE PErrICoAT!
The moths had destroyed this histor-
ic garment and reduced its ample folds
to mass Of chawed material. Not all
the delicate hands of the tenderest fe-
males in General Spinner's redemption
division could have handled the cele-
brated gown SO as to preserve its shape
or even its identity. At the bottom of
the box were exhun,ed dreadful en-
blems Of war, pair Of revolvers and a
carbine. Should these, too. be re-
turned!
A COUNCIL OF WAR.
was held, at which General Townsend.
General Vincent and the Secretary OF
War we're present. 1t was solemnly re.
solved that at the present critical juno.
ture in the affairs Of the South il
would be imprudent for the War De.
partment to furnish arms to the ex.
President of the deceased Confedcracy
The rusty revolvers might have in them
elements Of q new rebellion and wist
craftsmanship dictated that these silent
weapons of death should again be con
signed to the catacombs of tn,
War Department. where a demo
cratic successor the present Secretary
alone can wake them to glory. 1t car
be stated that this affair had nothing
whatever to do with the receht outrage!
in the Southern States. Mr.. Davis
gets his private papers, some of hi
| friends have been favored With the drict
up cigars as souvenirs Of the lost cause
and all that is dangerous, the revolver
and carbine, again repsse peacefully il
the War Department, for the seal 0
General Townsend has consigned tn
box to its old position, wrapped abou
with red tape and marked, "handl
with care"