The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-15
THE CAPTURE OF JEFFDA
An Incident of the Taking of jeff Davis
by Indiana Troops.
Reunion Of the Survivors of the Fourth In
diana Cavalry-A History of the Regi-
ment's Accomplishments.

The Seventy-seventh Regiment, or Fourth In
diana Cavalry, has record of which the surviv'
ing members have every reason to feel proud.
There is diversity of opinion as to the time the
regiment was organized, but so strongly is the
14th of August 1862. accepted by
a majority that it is probable the regi-
| mental historian will select that date.
Yesterdays reunion of the members occurred
therefore on the twenty third anniversary. 1t
was held in Superior Court room No. g
| with about sixty persons present. Some little
feeling manifested on account of the small
attendance but the excuse was given that as the
regiment unlike others, was formed by COM
panies of each congressional district excepting
one it was difficult to get the survivors from all
parts of the State The secretary showed abun,
dant proof that ne had done his duty in adver-
tsing the reunion. But the few did not allow
the paucity of numbers to interfere with the
enjoyment of the occasion
After the Fourth left indianapolis its first
active service was along the Ohio river, down
around Henderson It's battalons were sepa-
rated, and it was not until the spring of 1868
that the full regiment came together. 1t was
of the Cumberland at Murfreesboro, Tenn, under
General Stanley From this point the boys took
part in many raids against guerrillas and bush
whackers At Chickamauga the regiment
gallantly sustained its reputation for bravery
In We stern Tennessee and Kentucky it went
after Wheeler and Forrest, giving those two
rebel leaders considerable difficulty. After this
battalion or two went once into east Tennessee
and aided materially at Knoxville. From there
the regiment returned to Louisville KY, and
tSsy joined hs rads after Aa %aGh
and Georgia. Here the organization remained
until it was called to Nashville in 1865, to be
mustered out. I'VE were everywhere" said
Lieutenant Vatel. For six weeks at a time
did not have my clothes off. 1t seems as if we
were always on the move"
An important event in the regimental
history, was the capture of jeff Davis.
The Fourth was at Macon. Ga, when that
occurred, and two of its companies had been de-
tailed to look after the fleeing chief of the Con
federacy. They were hot on his tracks, and it is
only the accident of time and place that gave the
Second Michigan and First Wisconsin the honor
of capturing the arch traitor. However, this
disappointment modified by the fact
of Lieutenant Isgrigg, of Maior-ge Wilson's
staff being provost marshal of Macon at the
time. He was Fourth Cavalry officer of com
pany [, and enjoyed the distinction of bringing
Davis into the city under arrest He described
his participation in this affair as follows: Il
went out to the line of my jurisdiction to receive
Davis. Two miles and half from
Sm into the pc cy in and a1
old farm wagon. It was vehicle with great
deal to condemn it in the way of unsightliness.
It had weakness all over it, but sufficient
strength to hold Jefferson Davis myself and his
secretary. The rebel chief sat between US, and
over his head from pole fixed to the seat hung
the hoop skirt, calico wrapper and an old straw
hood which formed his disguise when captured"
$50 jeff. was disguised"
Yes. 1t is no use to question the fact The
articles of his costume hung from that pole.
Davis bore himself with the fortitude of brave
man in trouble. He was courteous to me and to
the guard, talked freely on every question
but that relating TO the result of the
When we stopped at the International Hotel
and were about to get out of the wagon, Captain
Thompson, of the Fourth Indiana Cavalry, drew
Ills revolver to fire at Davis. | saw his move
ment and struck the weapon with my arm. The
bullet tore my coat ~, and shirt At
cried out: For Gods sake lieutenant, save my
life" 1 got the prisoner out of the wagon and
into the hotel with a good deal of alacrity after
that met Davis at the Louisville Hotel, in 1872,
when he recognized me, and approaching said
II must thank you again, Lieutenant Isgrigg,
chat about the war then. Before
this had received letter Of thanks from him.
He was my prisoner eight days, together with his
=
These three we took iuto Macon in an old family
carriage. jeff was not sulky as prisoner. but
one could see that the breaking up Of the Con-
federacy bore grievous.y on his thoughts"
During the reunion yesterday, Colonel Shuler
and Judge VIM. irwin addressed their comrades
briefly. Following these speeches the meeting
became informal until recess at NOON, during
which the members exchanged greetings, and in
anecdote and story lived over again their severe
campaigning and fighting. Governor Gray was
the first Colonel of this regiment and then
came in turn Colonels Shuler Platter
Duwees Leslie and Lamson. Colonel Shuler
bears the mark to-day in his leg of guerilla bull
let's. He is compelled to walk with crutches
Colonel Platter died from wounds received near
MadlSonvllle, Ky, DuweeS was mustered out of
service, Leslie was killed at Newmarket, Tenn,
| and Lamson took the regiment through its
| gallant service in Georgia and Alabama
Among the interesting relics exhibited yester
| day was general order from Brgadier general
| Granger, calling attention to Colonel (then
| Captain) Shulers brave action in routing three
| times his force at Lebanon junction. Ky. Cap
| and killed nine. The order was read at the head
| of each regiment evening parade. The
next reunion will be hold in INDIANAPOLIS,
the time to be selected by committee of seven
and all arrangements therefor were committed
to a committee of FIVE. A strong effort will be
made to have the reunion next year one of signal
| Importance. Governor Gray came up in the
all of the members by the hand.
Officers were elected follows: Col. L. S. Shu-
Ter, Indianapolis, president; Orderly Sergeant
Joseph E. Boswell, of Indianapolis, secretary:
Sergeant John S. Moore, of Plainfeld, treasurer;
Lieutenant knox, of Ladoga, was chosen as reg
mental historian After few minor items Of
routine business, the reunion adjourned.