Sherman asks Lincoln how to handle Jefferson Davis. In march of 1865, General Sherman met with President Lincoln aboard the steamer, River Queen. The General had enough political leverage to accomplish many missions, but his loyalty and respect for the President and his opinions were invaluable to Sherman. It always pleased “Cump” when Lincoln included him in an interview.
General Sherman was anxious and fidgety, as only he could be, he queried Lincoln regarding his plans for the Confederate Army and Political Leaders, after their capture. The President replied that he was especially concerned for members of the Army.They needed to be returned to their farms and businesses as quickly as possible, in order to resume as normal a life as could be expected.
Sherman then popped the million dollar question. What do you want done with Jefferson Davis?
The President was thinking long and hard regarding his response to this query. As to Jeff Davis, he was not at liberty to speak his mind, but suggested that, he ought to clear out, leave the country, but it would not do for him to say so.
Lincoln then related a story that might give his answer a little more meat;
” A man once had taken the total-abstinence pledge. When visiting a friend, he was invited to take a drink, but declined, on the score of his pledge; when his friend suggested lemonade, which he accepted. In preparing the lemonade, the friend pointed to the brandy-bottle, and said the lemonade would be more palatable if he were to pour in a little brandy; when his guest said, if he could do so unbeknown to him, he would not object.”
Bummer
Wonder what Davis was thinking at this time? He knew the cause was lost but I’ve never read anything that indicated he thought of committing suicide like a defeated commander of old. When did he start to think about making his getaway? Did he sound out anyone on the other side about this? I know it’s an old wives’ tale that he was captured wearing a dress but how was he planning to slip out?
Louis,
When Lee informed Davis that Richmond was lost, he fled on April 3,1865, instructed his family to travel south and separately they departed the Confederate Capitol. I have never read or even heard tell of Davis ever contemplating suicide. Stanton had offered a $100K reward for the southern leader and this put a lot of pressure on Davis to flee quickly. Davis still believed that the Southern cause was not totally lost. One story has it, that the plan was to travel from Florida to Texas by boat, to regroup and reorganize the government, with a possible stop in Cuba. However, concern for his wife’s safety, led Davis and his entourage to meet her and the children at Irwinville, Georgia. A Federal detachment surrounded their encampment, as Davis attempted to flee he grabbed a water proof overshirt and his wife threw a shawl over his shoulders. Hence, the embellished tale of Davis disguised as a woman.
Bummer
Sorry, I wasn’t clear on that. I wasn’t asking if he thought of killing himself; I don’t think he did either. What I was asking was since suicide was not an option for him what exactly did he consider his options to be? Hard to believe he thought the South was not beaten once Lee surrendered.
Louis,
Bummer thinks that Davis was so egotistical, his pride would not allow him to even consider surrendering. He was grasping at straws thinking he could rebuild in Texas. He had to have known he would never escape, possibly hang and become a martyr to the lost cause. Live a long life in the memory of his disillusioned supporters, that are still evident to this day. He had proven his ineptness as a military leader, as Lee acknowledged after the war’s end. Maybe Davis’ mental health bordered on dementia. Good question, we’ll never really know. If you find out, let the “old guy” know. Thanks
Bummer