Civil War Capture of Jefferson Davis: The Role of Colonel Pritchard
The American Civil War was marked by numerous strategic maneuvers, but few captures were as dramatic or as widely mocked as that of the Confederate president, Jefferson Davis. Central to this operation was the leadership of the 4th Michigan Cavalry and the determination of Lieutenant Colonel Pritchard.
Military Service and Personal Life
In 1862, Pritchard and Judge Williams enlisted in the Union Army. Pritchard joined Company L of the 4th Michigan Cavalry as a captain. His leadership during the conflict was recognized following the Battle of Chickamauga, which took place from September 30 to October 3, 1863, leading to his promotion to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Amidst the turmoil of war, Pritchard took a short leave on September 1, 1864, to marry Mary Bently Kent in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. The couple spent their honeymoon in Allegan at the home of Judge Williams. Tragedy struck shortly after when Mary was involved in a train wreck that left her requiring a wheelchair; she subsequently turned to painting as an artistic pursuit. After Pritchard was discharged from service, the couple settled at 330 Davis Street in what is now the historic district of Allegan.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Pursuit of Jefferson Davis
The road to military fame for Pritchard began in Abbeyville, Georgia, located 70 miles south of Macon. Intelligence revealed that Jefferson Davis and his fleeing party had crossed the Ocmulgee River ferry and were heading south toward Irwinville, a location 30 miles below Abbeyville and 100 miles south of Macon.
Lieutenant Colonel Pritchard acted swiftly, marching the 4th Michigan Cavalry rapidly down the river road. After a grueling 30-mile ride, he reached Irwinville late at night, successfully positioning his forces ahead of the Davis party.
The Disguise and Capture
The breakthrough occurred when Corporal George Munger of Allegan, Michigan, discovered the Confederate president's encampment. Munger noticed two figures dressed as women moving quickly away from the camp. Suspecting a ruse, he stopped them and ordered them to remove their cloaks. The "women" were revealed to be Jefferson Davis and his wife, both of whom had donned women's cloaks and shawls to evade capture. These garments are now preserved in the National Archives.
Davis later recounted the moment of capture, noting that he had traveled about fifteen yards before a trooper ordered him to surrender. Davis admitted he had intended to trip the trooper, tumble him from his horse, and seize the saddle to escape. However, the plan failed, and the capture became a subject of public ridicule. The event inspired numerous mockery songs and cartoons, and P. T. Barnum even created a giant replica of "Davis in drag."
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Recognition and Rewards
Pritchard was meticulous in ensuring his subordinates received credit for the operation. He spent 48 consecutive hours drafting a report recommending brevet promotions—honorary promotions to a higher rank without the accompanying pay of that rank—for several key personnel:
- Captain Hathaway: Commanded the regiment picketing the river.
- Captain Charles Hudson: Led the 14-man Advance Guard into the camp.
- Lieutenant Silas A. Stauber and Henry S. Boutell: Commanded 50-man detachments (Boutell was severely wounded).
- Lieutenant A. B. Purinton: Managed the dismounted men during the camp circuit.
- Lieutenants Dickinson, Davis, and Bennett: Served as aids and rear guard command.
- Corporals Munger and Crittendon, and Privates James Bullard, Andrew Bee, and Daniel Edward: Present during the actual halting of Davis.
For his success, Colonel Pritchard was brevetted out of service as a brigadier general, which provided him with a larger pension. Additionally, he received a $3,000 share of the bounty offered by President Johnson for the apprehension of Davis.
Summary of the Capture
| Category | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Officer | Lieutenant Colonel Pritchard | 4th Michigan Cavalry |
| Location of Capture | Irwinville, Georgia | 30 miles south of Abbeyville |
| Key Scout | Corporal George Munger | Identified Davis in disguise |
| Davis's Disguise | Women's cloaks and shawls | Now in National Archives |
| Pritchard's Reward | Brevet Brigadier General rank | $3,000 bounty share |
Key Facts
- Lieutenant Colonel Pritchard led the 4th Michigan Cavalry in the capture of Jefferson Davis.
- Jefferson Davis and his wife attempted to escape by wearing women's cloaks and shawls.
- Corporal George Munger was the soldier who discovered the disguise and stopped Davis.
- The capture took place in Irwinville, Georgia, after a rapid 30-mile ride from Abbeyville.
- Pritchard received a $3,000 bounty and a brevet promotion to brigadier general.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was Jefferson Davis captured?
Jefferson Davis was captured in Irwinville, Georgia, by the 4th Michigan Cavalry. He and his wife were discovered by Corporal George Munger while attempting to escape the camp disguised in women's cloaks and shawls.
What was the role of the 4th Michigan Cavalry?
Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Pritchard, the regiment marched rapidly down the river road from Abbeyville to Irwinville, successfully intercepting the party fleeing with the Confederate president.
What happened to the clothes Jefferson Davis wore during his escape?
The cloak and shawl worn by Jefferson Davis during his attempted escape are currently held as property of the National Archives.
What rewards did Colonel Pritchard receive for the capture?
Pritchard was brevetted to the rank of brigadier general, which increased his pension, and he received a $3,000 share of the bounty offered by President Johnson.
Who else was recognized for their role in the capture?
Pritchard recommended several officers and soldiers for brevet promotions, including Captains Hathaway and Hudson, Lieutenants Stauber, Boutell, Purinton, Dickinson, Davis, and Bennett, as well as Corporals Munger and Crittendon and Privates Bullard, Bee, and Edward.