16thVA
First Sergeant
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2008
- Location
- Philadelphia
I came across this story while researching the Broun family of Charleston, WV. Apparently a Broun was the last paymaster on Jefferson Davis' retreat from Richmond. It's worth reading, the story of the hold-up of the train returning the gold to Richmond is amazing. Has any of this ever been done in a movie?
The Last Confederate Payroll, Southern Historical Society Papers
Our own boys had become demoralized
about this gold. They said if they didn't take it, the quarter-
master or the Yankees would. That was one time it was not
pleasant or safe to be a quartermaster. Discipline was gone.
But Gen. Breckenridge, in his mature manhood, was equal to
the occasion. In an old Kentucky hunting jacket, he appeared
before the men, now almost a mob. He told them they were
Southern gentlemen and Confederate soldiers. They must not
become highway robbers. They knew how to die bravely; they
must live honorably.
He promised then! an orderly distribution of enough of the
gold to help each one on his way, whether to his home or to
the trans-Mississippi department, where good fighting might yet
be done. The men were readily controlled and became quiet
and content.
Gen. Bragg, a few of his staff and I, then went to the "gold
train" (which we usually tried to conceal). Under Gen. Bragg's
directions each of us took about a quart of gold coin and tied it
up in his handkerchief, as if it were of no great value, so as
not to arouse the suspicion of the boys we would pass. With
this treasure uncounted we proceeded back to the town of
Washington (some miles), where I opened a pay office, Gen.
Bragg still present and superintending the payment. Each sol-
dier, as he presented himelf at the window, received a $20 gold
piece and receipted to me therefor. When the soldiers ceased
coming, there remained on the table two twenties and one ten.
Gen. Bragg, turning to me said : "Captain, you estimate closely.
Receipt to yourself for what is left and close the account." I
pocketed the $50 and signed the payroll therefor. Immediately
after this payment we all disbanded, each man going his way.
This was the last act of the Confederate Government so far as I
know. The following night President Davis was captured by
the Federal soldiers.
There's a lot more to the story at the link.
The Last Confederate Payroll, Southern Historical Society Papers
Our own boys had become demoralized
about this gold. They said if they didn't take it, the quarter-
master or the Yankees would. That was one time it was not
pleasant or safe to be a quartermaster. Discipline was gone.
But Gen. Breckenridge, in his mature manhood, was equal to
the occasion. In an old Kentucky hunting jacket, he appeared
before the men, now almost a mob. He told them they were
Southern gentlemen and Confederate soldiers. They must not
become highway robbers. They knew how to die bravely; they
must live honorably.
He promised then! an orderly distribution of enough of the
gold to help each one on his way, whether to his home or to
the trans-Mississippi department, where good fighting might yet
be done. The men were readily controlled and became quiet
and content.
Gen. Bragg, a few of his staff and I, then went to the "gold
train" (which we usually tried to conceal). Under Gen. Bragg's
directions each of us took about a quart of gold coin and tied it
up in his handkerchief, as if it were of no great value, so as
not to arouse the suspicion of the boys we would pass. With
this treasure uncounted we proceeded back to the town of
Washington (some miles), where I opened a pay office, Gen.
Bragg still present and superintending the payment. Each sol-
dier, as he presented himelf at the window, received a $20 gold
piece and receipted to me therefor. When the soldiers ceased
coming, there remained on the table two twenties and one ten.
Gen. Bragg, turning to me said : "Captain, you estimate closely.
Receipt to yourself for what is left and close the account." I
pocketed the $50 and signed the payroll therefor. Immediately
after this payment we all disbanded, each man going his way.
This was the last act of the Confederate Government so far as I
know. The following night President Davis was captured by
the Federal soldiers.
There's a lot more to the story at the link.