The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1896-11-05
king starting out to visit hlssubjects than

happened. Is very different from, that OF
the usual histories Of those events. 1t
has been stated that Davis took train
from Richmond. Col. Smith Gays he
went by carriage. From this point can
not do better than give the colonel's own
| words:
He was accompanied by large reti-
nue--soldiers, generals, members OF the
cabinet, Confederate congressman and
several OF his old servants. A large part
OF the Confederate archives, quantity
of gold coin, the great seal, and numer
Gus other valuable objects were taken in
ambulances. At that time 1t was firmly
intended to set up the whole machinery
of the government in some sale place,
probably in Louisiana or Texas. Not
until his capture did Mr.. Davis give up
that idea. AS this remarkable cavalcade
went down the street it found its way
blocked at several points by other vehi-
cles conveying citizens from the town.
Scarcely word was spoken by anyone.
Davis made no effort to conceal himself,
but sat by the window Of the carriage
and was recognized by many, but was
not spoken to directly. One man called
out somewhat rudely: There goes JEFF
Davis. II the Yanks get hold of him
they will make short work OF him, and
he knows it," Mr.. Davis heard this re.
mark, and for moment his features
lighted up with smile, and then they
resumed their usual gravity.
Before the outskirts of the town were
reached the air became filled with dense
volumes Of smoke. and the cracking of
burning buildings was distinctly heard.
The great tobacco warehouses along the
wharf we're burning, As soon as the
contents OF Lees dispatch we're Eade
known, the torch bad been applied and
many OF Mr.. DAVIS attendants were
chuckling to themselves that Grant
would, on entering Richmond. reap only
such a victory as Napoleon did on enter.
ing Moscow
| Thus the Confederate government evac-
uated Richmond. The conflicting men,
cries that Were pressing upon the mem
bers OF that government as they had
FASTENED on into the night can be better
imagined than described. Miles and
miles were passed and yet no one spoke
OF resting. 1t was more like the fight
OF Louis XVI from the French capital
than any other event in history. When
morning broke they we're between fifty
and sixty miles from the late capital.
A halt was now called, and after re-
freshing themselves and the horses var
ious plans were discussed The depar-
ture had been so precipitate that little
thought had been given to anything ex-
cept to get to place of safety as soon as
possible. A majority had supposed. up
to that time, that Mr.. Davis desire was
to get out OF the country as soon as pos
sible, but he had confided his plans to a
few. They were to re-establish the gov
eminent in an inland town in Louisiana
or Texas. He now expressed a strong
desire to press on with all haste to the
state last named. He was oyerruled,
however, and it was decided to go to
South Carolina. the first state that had
seceeded. 1t was thought very likely
| Gen. Lee and his whole army might be
captured. but in that contingency it was
argued that Generals Joe Johnson, Dick
| Taylor and Kirby Smith were still in the
| field. 1t was believed that their combin-
ed forces amounted to at least $4,000
men, and with this as a nucleus Davis
| affected to believe that the Confederacy
could be again rallied and victory snatch
ed from defeat.
| Maps were studied and the route care
full laid out. But there was little hope
in the party. The bravest and most de-
termined person OF all was probably Mrs.
Davis, who still was full OF hope, doubt
| less because she knew less of the real
situation than any one else. Mr.. Davis
talked but little and when he did say any
thing 1t was to express confidence in the
future Of the Confederacy and belief in
bright future for it.
On April 8 the news was received OF
the repulse of Lees army and the sur
render of Petersburg. Other bad news
followed and the retreat became little
better than disorderly rout. The fol
lowers that the Confederate president had
believed would stand with him till death
began to melt away one after another.
Some left silently ard snllenly, with no
word Of good bye, others offered various
excuses. Still he was not discouraged.
The same calmness that displayed itself
when he turned his back on the capital still
remained, and displayed itself 10 mien
and gesture.
AT Abbeyville, S. c., he decided to
make final attempt 10 restore things.
A council was called. Five brigadier-
generals were present. Their entire
| fighting force was not more than 500 men.
To these Davis appealed to make one
more effort to save the Confederacy. He
especially appealed to General Bragg and
Breckenridge, who were Of the council.
He eloquently addressed them for half
bour, reviewing the reverses that had
beiallen the army, but insisting that
there still was hope, il all would be
brave. He insisted that the panic would
| soon suhgidp and that then they would