Fremont Journal

THE CAPTURE OF JEFF. DAVIS.

Several reports have been given of the capture of Jeff. Davis in his female costume, but the following from the Washington Chronicle, obtained from Colonel Pritchard himself, is probably the most authentic. The Chronicle, after describing the earlier portion of the pursuit, says:

Colonel Pritchard, in order to conceal the object and character of himself and men, ordered them to pass themselves as Confederates after dark. He, accordingly, on entering Irwinsville, inquired for our train. He was asked what train, and replied that it was a small train of a few wagons and men from Richmond, and that he and his men had been left at the ferry to fight back the Yankees.

Colonel Pritchard was then informed that the train had encamped about a mile northeast of Irwinsville.

The Colonel then impressed a darky as a guide, and proceeded to within a half mile of Jeff. Davis' camp. Here he halted, and dismounted twenty-five men, whom he sent, under Lieutenant Purinton, to gain possession of the roads in rear of the camps, and charged them to hold the position and create no alarm until he charged the camp. At the first dawn of day Col. Pritchard charged the camp, and succeeded in getting to within four rods of the camp before they were discovered.

In about five minutes after they gained possession, sharp firing was commenced by Lieut. Purinton about one hundred yards in the rear of the tents. Colonel Pritchard immediately ordered a strong guard to be posted beyond the swamps in the vicinity of the camp, he thinking his men had been attacked by the guard which was reported accompanying Davis.

After a sharp skirmish of about ten minutes, Col. Pritchard discovered that he was firing into our own men--the 1st Wisconsin cavalry--and withdrew his men, when he ascertained that two of his men were killed and one lieutenant severely wounded, and that the 1st Wisconsin had three men severely and several slightly wounded. During the Colonel's absence, Mrs. Davis appeared at the door of her tent, dressed in her night clothes, and stated that no one was in there but defenceless women and children, and desired that she might accompany her old mother to the creek to get water to wash in. Permission was given her, and in a few minutes she came out with a person bearing on her arm a water pail, and proceeded toward the creek.

She had gone but ten rods, however, when Corporal Munger noticed that the "old mother" was a very tall lady. He also noticed, when she held up her dress, that the articles on her feet were not slippers, but a pair of cavalry boots, into which the pantaloons were stuffed.

He then halted the pair, at the same time raising his carbine and cocking it, and placing the muzzle about four feet from the suspicious individual's face. Mrs. Davis here threw her arm around her partner's neck, and placed her hand over the face, at the same time praying the corporal not to shoot him and urging "Mr. Davis" to keep quiet, he having muttered something about wanting to die "right here," and being "ready to meet his doom." By this time some four or five had ridden up and had their carbines cocked and pointed at Davis. The pair were then taken back to Adjutant Dickerson.

Col. Pritchard then returned to the camp and ascertained that they had captured Jeff. Davis, his wife and four children; Miss Howell, Jeff. D. Davis (Mrs. Davis' sister and brother,) John H. Regan, Post-master General, Colonel Johnson. (son of Sidney Johnson, who was killed at the battle of Shiloh): and Colonel Lubback, both aides-de-camp on Jeff. Davis' staff; Burton N. Harris, private Secretary; Maj. Maurand and Captain Moore; also a number of privates and servants in all, about twenty-one.

The Colonel approached Jeff. Davis and said, "What may I call you?" Davis replied, "Anything or anybody you please;" when the Colonel said,"Well, I will call you Jeff. Davis." After Davis pondered a few seconds, he remarked. "Well, that is my name."

He here then folded his arms on his breast, in a defiant manner, saying "I suppose you think this is brave, to attack a defenceless train of women and children. I think it is vandalism, cowardice, theft."

Davis denied being concerned in the project of assassinating the President, and said that better terms could have been had of Mr. Lincoln for the South than from any one else. He did not believe Mr. Lincoln had anything against him, but he believed President Johnson had.

Mrs. Davis during the conversation, said:-

"Gentlemen you may not see Mr. Davis' principles as he does. He is a very reverend man."

We may here remark that, subsequently, Col. onel Pritchard had the cloak and shawl removed from the person of Davis, and his wife wore them until reaching Fortress Monroe, when she was relieved of them.