Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-01-05
Davis and Breckenridge.
CHASE CRY. Va, December %, 1889.
tn 1e rdif0y of fhp Dispdfch:

To the Edn0T OF me D1spdtcp.
As everything with reference to that
grand hero and peerless man, Jefferson
Davis. is now eagerly read send this con-
tribution. which will show how General
John G. Breckenridge and Secretary Judah
=. Benjamin escaped from the country
although they accompanied Mr.. DAVIS In
his retreat. and the latter was captured by
Federal troops.
In the summer of 1875 General Breckin-
ridge and myself on one quiet Sunday al
ternoon happened to be sitting alone on
the portico of the Ballard Hotel IN Rich
mond asked him. il not unpleasant, IL
would be gratifying TO me to hear from his
own lips an account Of his escape after the
downfall of the Confederacy and how 1T
occurred that he became separated from
Mr.. Davis and Mr.. Benjamin. With grace
full waive of the hand acknowledging my
recognition of him he replied, " will
cheerfully do So"
HIS NARRATIVE
I made O memorandum Of his remarks
which | have ever since preserved. lie
said | followed Mr.. Davis long dis
lance on the retreat He was as heroic and
resolute amid reverses as he was grand and
unapproachable as a leader when fortune
smiled upon him. But after accompany
ing him several days | became satisfied
from the geography of the country that
Mr.. Davis had selected the most dan
gerous route. and TO continue under his
guidance capture would be certain, and
inevitable. He was inflexible In his de-
termination to follow the line OF retreat
he had mapped out for himself. / decided
to pursue different course, and we old
each other friendly adieu. Taking with
me some trusty men ! struck of for the
Florida coast. Soon afterwards Alr. Davis,
"a predicted, was captured. 1t was not
long after our separation before L met
some soldiers of the Federal army. They
did not recognize me, supposlng my party
was doubtless Confederate cavalry pr1vates
returning home. and nothing special oc-
Cured to cause me TO apprehend my arrest
or safety. passed squad OF them III a
gallon. but no demonstration was made
against me and my few followers, and they
seemed 10 regard us as unworthy OF any
particular notice. These were the last L
saw" ,
General Breckenridge then said:
"Having been familiar in early life with
hunting and travelling in tho night in
Kentucky recalled the experience OF my
youth and adapted myself to change Of
circumstance travelling tRcognito and
with few fal,nful and fearless followers,
In q comparatively short time. during
which nothing specially interesting or
reached the coast in safety.
PURCHASED BOAT.
1--WE then procured small boat and
supply of provisions. which were easily OBJ
tanned, as / was supplied with some gold,
which was a temptation the boat-owner
could not resist. had small pocket COM
pass which | always carried with me, and
with j. TAYLOR Wood and two Others in an
open boat we started for the coast of Cuba.
After two days and three nights of the most
delightful and propitous weather we
landed within one mile of the point
we started out for, our only guide being
my pocket compass. Captain Wood acct
dentally fell overheard during the voyage,
but was soon hauled in and appeared not
the least alarmed or Disconnected. He
was one of the bravest of men. After
reaching Cuba | found friends and accom-
modations; remained there bret time
and then went to Paris and eventually to
Canada. The balance you are no doubt
familiar with"
BENJAMIN.
"But what become of Mr.. Benjamin."
asked.
HE remained with me only day after
leaving Mr.. Davis Horseback riding was
a great struggle with him. Dir. Benjamin
was remarkable man. could adapt him.
self to any society or circumstances ex-
cept roughing it in the saddle. He could
speak French, German. and other Ian
guages fuently. / learned after leaving
us he travelled through the country as a
Jew merchant endeavoring to reach
Charleston. 5. c., from which port he sail
cd"
General Breckenridge was exceedingly
pleasant and courteous during the CONVEX
sation, but increasing age, disappointed
hopes, and his varied experiences in Life
had plainly changed his appearance from
the well-proportioned and erect physical
manhood, and handsome and striking
physiognomy which excited my admira-
ton when | was q college-student in
Washington city in lS57-'5S. where often
sew him preside with such splendid
ability and courtly bearing as Vice-Presl-
dent over the United States Senate. Davis
and Breckinridge were typical southerners
and men of as lofty and sublime charac-
ters, valor as heroic, and possessed an un-
finching and unalterable devotion to
principle as any two names which illus
trate and adorn the annals OF American
history. THOMAS d. JERFRFss
P.S. Upon the conclusion of General
Breckinridge's conversation q gentleman
passed by US going INTO the hotel. General
Breckinridge asked me if that was nos
Major William Allen. told him it was.
He then called him back, introduced
himself, and thanked him for some
act of hospitality extended by Ma
jor Allen 10 hum down on James
river many years before. A brief CONVEX
sation followed and glass of Kentucky
bourbon was proposed, when l remember
distinctly General Breckenridge said: Il
thank you; can not accept, as / am so
constituted that If were to partake ofone
glass would not stop wanting more for
t,vo uuaaira n II