Capture of Jefferson Davis Narrative of Part Taken by Wisconsin Troops 1898

  
The Capture of Jefferson Davis =================================================. A Narrative of the Part Taken by Wisconsin Troops (1st Wisconsin Cavalry) By Henry Harnden Brevet Brigadier General, Late Commander of the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry. Published in Madison, WI - 1898. Condition : Good to Very Good Original cloth binding is solid. The peculiar way the light in my photo cabinet is, seems to really make it look much more worn than it is. It presents much, much better than the photos suggest. Small prior owners blind stamp on top corner of flyleaf. Clean inside, other than sellers light pencil notes in front. Some pages are uncut from the printer - this has never actually been read. It was in good condition, but this copy is a bit better being uncut / unread. ====================================== The Pursuit and Capture of Jefferson Davis became a bit of a boondoggle for the US Army. There was a bounty on Davis, and there were soldiers and civilians who were anxious to try and claim it. There are claims, which I have not been able to verify, that there was conflict between the Michigan and Wisconsin troops about who actually captured Davis over the bounty.

There was in fact, a "friendly fire" incident during the capture. The First Wisconsin and Fourth Michigan exchanged fire - wounding multiple men and killing two Michigan troopers. An official investigation (see below) that eventually shared credit between both regiments and found Lt.

Harden not at fault for the incident. From Wikipedia Entry for Henry Harden. As the Union consolidated control of northern Alabama and Georgia, General Wilson selected Lt. Colonel Harnden to take a detachment of the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry to the east to attempt to cut off the escape of Confederate president Jefferson Davis.

Arriving at Dublin, Georgia, Harnden learned of a wagon train passing through the region which he believed to carry the Confederate president. He split his command and set off on a rapid pursuit of the train, hunting it through southern Georgia over the next several days.

Near Abbeville, Georgia, Harnden met with Colonel Benjamin D. Pritchard, whose 4th Michigan Cavalry Regiment was assigned to guard duty in the vicinity. Harnden informed Pritchard of the wagon train, which he now believed was camped close by.

While this fighting was occurring, other forces of the 4th Michigan Cavalry were entering the Confederate camp and capturing the Confederate general. A subsequent congressional investigation into the matter determined that the two regiments should share equal credit for the capture, and that Harnden was blameless for the loss of life in the skirmish between the two Union regiments.

Harnden mustered out of federal service July 19, 1865. He was granted two honorary brevets, first to colonel then to brigadier general. From Harden's Official Report about the Capture of Jefferson Davis THE APPREHENSION OF JEFFERSON DAVIS.

Headquarters First Wisconsin Cavalry, Near Macon, Ga. Colonel Pritchard then informed me that he was ordered to Abbeville with. His regiment to watch for Jeff. Davis, at the same time tendering me some of.

His men, advice I declined, as my force was sufficiently large, and I found it. Very difficult to obtain forage for the horses and subsistence for the men.

Ng with Colonel Pritchard near Abbeville, I soon overtook my command; and. After marching some ten miles from the last named town, we discovered the.

Camping ground of the train so recently left that the fires were not yet gone. I continued on in the direction of Irwinsville, through the pine woods.

Until about 9 o'clock p. M, when I halted, and as Ave had no grain, ordered the. Horses to be grazed, and the men to be ready for an early start. I felt certain the train was near at hand; but fearing that if we came upon.

Them in the darkness of that night, Jeff. Davis and others might escape under. I waited until 3 o'clock a.

(May 10,) when I again. After marching about one mile-possibly more-our advance guard. Commanded by Sergeant Hussy, was halted by a party of men partly concealed. Supposing, of course, we had run upon the rebel picket, the. Sergeant endeavored to retreat, when a heavy volley was fired upon his party.

Wounding three out of his seven men. Knowing that we were in the immediate.

Vicinity of the rebels, and having had no intimation of the presence of Union. Troops in that vicinity, I understood from Colonel Pritchard that he was going.

Into camp at Abbeville, which was over twenty miles in our rear, I immedi. Ately prepared to drive them back upon the train, and capture the whole com.

Advancing with ten men to ascertain the position and. Strength of the force opposing our further progress, we were again met with.

Another heavy volley from the same unseen source. I then deployed my small. Force and advanced rapidly, forcing back the opposing force, when we captured. A prisoner, who proved to be a member of the 4th Michigan cavalry, Colonel. All the firing immediately ceased, when an explana.

Tion showed that after parting with Colonel Pritchard, at Abbeville, the colonel. Had selected a portion of his best mounted men and pushed rapidly forward on. The river road, thence by the way of House creek to Irwinsville, arriving there.

Before the train; then came out to where the train was encamped, one mile from. The town, and about two miles from our encampment.

Had sent a small force, dismounted, around to the rear of the train, and as his. Force moved upon the train from the Irwinsville side we encountered his dis. Mounted men within a short distance, only a few hundred yards, from the rebel. While the fight was going on between my command and Colonel Pritchard's. A portion of his force captured the train, Jeff.

The casualties in my command were three men severely wounded, several. Slightly wounded, and two horses killed. I regret to learn that the 4th Michi. Gan had two men killed and one officer severely wounded.

The unfortunate collision, resulting in the death of two brave and noble soldiers. And the maiming of several more; but of the degree of culpability which attaches. To my conduct in this matter others must decide. After attending to the wounded as well as possible, transportation having. Been kindly furnished them by Colonel Pritchard in captured ambulances, I. I arrived in the forenoon of May 13, 1865. Com'g 1st Wisconsin Cavalry.

Thank you for supporting independent booksellers! I pride myself on knowing my stock, accurate descriptions, and good packing!!! The Rock Top Book Shop and Bindery Cashtown, Pennsylvania =============================================. Check my other auctions for Civil War related books, documents, and ephemera, plus the occasional other book or curiosity - mostly military related.