The dramatic capture of Confederate President Jefferson Davis by Union forces near Irwinville, Georgia, effectively ending the Confederate resistance and marking a pivotal moment in the American Civil War.
The capture of Confederate President Jefferson Davis marked a defining moment in American history and effectively sealed the fate of the Confederate States of America. After Richmond fell to Union forces in early April 1865, Davis fled south with his cabinet members and a small military escort, hoping to continue the Confederate resistance.
As Union troops closed in, Davis's desperate attempt to escape became one of the most dramatic manhunts of the Civil War. His journey through multiple Southern states eventually came to an end in the early morning hours of May 10, 1865, when Union cavalry finally caught up with him near Irwinville, Georgia. The circumstances surrounding his capture sparked both controversy and curiosity that would persist for generations to come.
The Fall of Richmond and Davis's Flight South
#Confederate President Jefferson Davis evacuated Richmond on April 2, 1865, as Union forces approached the Confederate capital. The hasty departure marked the beginning of a southward journey that would lead to his eventual capture.
Initial Escape Plans From Richmond
#Davis received word of Richmond's imminent fall during a Sunday church service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. He immediately mobilized his cabinet members to execute pre-arranged evacuation protocols. The Confederate government loaded essential documents, the Confederate treasury of $500,000 in gold specie onto a special train bound for Danville, Virginia.
| Evacuation Assets | Amount/Details |
|---|---|
| Gold Specie | $500,000 |
| Military Escort | 1,000 cavalry |
| Transport | 3 special trains |
| Cabinet Members | 6 officials |
The Confederate Government in Exile
#The Confederate leadership established a temporary capital in Danville, Virginia, where Davis continued governmental operations for 8 days. After learning of General Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, Davis relocated further south to Greensboro, North Carolina. The Confederate cabinet held multiple meetings in:
- Danville, Virginia (April 3-10)
- Greensboro, North Carolina (April 11-15)
- Charlotte, North Carolina (April 16-26)
- Yorkville, South Carolina (April 27-28)
- Washington, Georgia (May 2-4)
During this period, Davis maintained his resolve to continue the Confederate resistance despite diminishing resources. His entourage gradually decreased in size as cabinet members dispersed, leaving him with a small contingent of loyal supporters.
The Union's Pursuit of Jefferson Davis
#The Union Army launched an aggressive manhunt for Confederate President Jefferson Davis after Richmond's fall in April 1865. Multiple cavalry units coordinated their efforts to track Davis across the Southern states as he attempted to escape capture.
General Wilson's Special Forces
#Union General James H. Wilson deployed specialized cavalry detachments to pursue Davis through Georgia. The 1st Wisconsin Cavalry Regiment led by Lieutenant Colonel Henry Harnden and the 4th Michigan Cavalry under Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin D. Pritchard conducted parallel search operations. These elite units received detailed intelligence about Davis's movements from local informants and tracked his party's trail through dense forests and remote settlements.
The $100,000 Bounty
#- Union patrols increased surveillance along major roads and river crossings
- Telegraph operators transmitted Davis sightings to coordinate pursuit forces
- Local residents provided information about Confederate movements for financial gain
- Multiple cavalry units converged on suspected escape routes toward the Gulf Coast
| Pursuit Details | Data |
|---|---|
| Bounty Amount | $100,000 |
| Primary Search Area | Georgia territories |
| Military Units Involved | 1st Wisconsin & 4th Michigan Cavalry |
| Duration of Manhunt | April 2 - May 10, 1865 |
The Capture at Irwinville, Georgia
#Union forces captured Confederate President Jefferson Davis at a makeshift camp near Irwinville, Georgia, on May 10, 1865. The 4th Michigan Cavalry under Colonel Benjamin D. Pritchard led the successful operation that ended the extensive manhunt for the Confederate leader.
Dawn Raid on May 10, 1865
#The 4th Michigan Cavalry surrounded Davis's camp at 2 a.m., waiting until dawn to launch their assault. At daybreak, Union troops encountered the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry approaching from the opposite direction, resulting in a brief friendly fire incident that left two Union soldiers wounded. During the chaos, Pritchard's men discovered Davis attempting to leave the camp. The Union cavalry secured the area, capturing Davis along with his wife Varina, their children, his personal staff member Burton Harrison.
Dispelling the Dress Myth
#Contemporary accounts from Union soldiers sparked rumors that Davis wore women's clothing during his capture. Historical records show Davis wore a waterproof raglan coat, riding boots, and a shawl provided by his wife for warmth. The Union press sensationalized these details, creating the false narrative of Davis attempting to escape in women's attire. Multiple eyewitness testimonies, including those from Union officers present at the capture, confirmed Davis wore standard men's clothing typical for travelers of that era.
| Capture Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Irwinville, Georgia |
| Date | May 10, 1865 |
| Time | Dawn |
| Capturing Unit | 4th Michigan Cavalry |
| Commander | Colonel Benjamin D. Pritchard |
| Other Units Present | 1st Wisconsin Cavalry |
Davis's Immediate Aftermath
#After his capture at Irwinville, Georgia, Jefferson Davis faced immediate transfer to federal custody and imprisonment. The Union authorities implemented strict protocols to ensure the secure detention of the Confederate president.
Transfer to Fort Monroe
#Following his May 10, 1865 capture, Union forces transported Davis by steamer to Fort Monroe in Virginia. The journey included stops at Savannah, Port Royal Harbor South Carolina and Hampton Roads. A special detachment of Union soldiers escorted Davis throughout the transfer, maintaining constant surveillance. Upon arrival at Fort Monroe on May 19, officials confined him to a ground-level casemate room measuring 20 feet by 15 feet.
Treatment as a Prisoner
#Fort Monroe authorities subjected Davis to rigorous security measures during his confinement. Guards placed him under 24-hour watch with two sentries inside his cell and two outside. His cell contained sparse furnishings:
- One iron bed with basic bedding
- One wooden chair
- One washstand with basic hygiene items
- One bible provided by the prison chaplain
| Prison Conditions | Details |
|---|---|
| Cell Size | 20' x 15' |
| Guard Rotation | 4 guards per shift |
| Daily Exercise | 2 thirty-minute periods |
| Visitor Access | Limited to prison doctor |
For the first months of imprisonment, officials ordered Davis to wear leg irons from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily. Dr. John Craven, the prison physician, documented Davis's declining health during this period, noting significant weight loss and deteriorating eyesight. After five months, authorities relaxed some restrictions, allowing Davis limited correspondence with his wife Varina through censored letters.
Legal Proceedings and Release
#Jefferson Davis's path through the legal system proved complex after his capture, spanning from his initial imprisonment at Fort Monroe to his eventual release on bail. The federal government grappled with how to prosecute the former Confederate president while maintaining constitutional principles.
Two Years of Imprisonment
#Davis faced charges of treason in May 1866, with the federal government seeking the death penalty. The prosecution team, led by Attorney General James Speed, encountered significant constitutional challenges in building their case. Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase expressed concerns about trying Davis in Virginia, arguing it violated the Sixth Amendment's requirement for a fair trial by an impartial jury. During his confinement, Davis received visits from prominent figures including his wife Varina, who advocated persistently for improved conditions. The prison administration gradually eased restrictions, permitting Davis access to books, writing materials and regular exercise periods.
The Complex Path to Freedom
#In May 1867, after two years of imprisonment, Davis secured release on $100,000 bail, with notable figures including Horace Greeley and Cornelius Vanderbilt posting the bond. The federal government transferred his case between multiple courts, demonstrating reluctance to proceed with prosecution. The legal proceedings stalled repeatedly due to constitutional questions about trying Confederate leaders for treason. On December 25, 1868, President Andrew Johnson issued a presidential proclamation of amnesty, which included Davis among other former Confederates. The government formally dropped all charges in 1869, marking the end of Davis's legal tribulations.
| Legal Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| May 1866 | Formal treason charges filed |
| May 1867 | Release on $100,000 bail |
| December 25, 1868 | Presidential amnesty issued |
| 1869 | All charges dropped |
Key Takeaways
#- Confederate President Jefferson Davis was captured on May 10, 1865, near Irwinville, Georgia, by the 4th Michigan Cavalry under Colonel Benjamin D. Pritchard
- Davis initially fled Richmond on April 2, 1865, with $500,000 in gold and established temporary Confederate capitals across multiple Southern states
- The Union placed a $100,000 bounty on Davis's capture, deploying specialized cavalry units including the 1st Wisconsin and 4th Michigan Cavalry to track him
- Contrary to popular myths, Davis was not wearing women's clothing during his capture but rather a waterproof raglan coat and riding boots
- After his capture, Davis was imprisoned at Fort Monroe, Virginia, for two years under strict surveillance before being released on $100,000 bail in 1867
- All charges against Davis were ultimately dropped in 1869 following President Andrew Johnson's amnesty proclamation in December 1868
Conclusion
#Jefferson Davis's capture on May 10 1865 marked a defining moment in American history that officially ended the Confederate leadership's attempt to maintain their cause. His dramatic month-long flight through the South culminated in an early morning arrest near Irwinville Georgia. Though controversy surrounded the circumstances of his capture the historical record has largely cleared up misconceptions about his attire and escape attempts.
Davis's subsequent imprisonment at Fort Monroe and complex legal battles showcased the nation's struggle with prosecuting Confederate leaders. His eventual release and the dropping of all charges in 1869 reflected the country's gradual shift toward reconciliation as it worked to heal the deep wounds of the Civil War.