Description:

Jefferson Davis
Fort Monroe, VA, ca. 1865
Jefferson Davis' Hat Swatch, Taken After His Capture, Ex-Parry, Distinguished Union Capt. Attached to HQ During Lee's Surrender
Relic
A piece of Jefferson Davis' hat, .25 x 1.75", mounted to a card, 2.125" x 3.5," with a handwritten note stating "Piece of the lining of the Rebel Jeff Davis hat taken soon after his capture and arrival at Fortress Monroe and presented by Lt. Edward R. Parry." The card features some toning, and the hat is mounted with string tied in through the back of the card. Remnants of prior mounting on verso, with some holes to corners, else fine.

Could this be from the purported bonnet that Davis was wearing disguised as a woman? The fancy stitching makes us think so, but we cannot be sure, although it is quite likely. This lot would be an amazing pairing with lots 342 & 345.

Major Edward Randolph Parry, son of Oliver Parry, a patriot of 1776, joined the army in May 1861 as a first lieutenant in the 11th United States Infantry and served with distinction throughout the Civil War. In 1864, he was promoted to captain in the 11th Infantry and later transferred to the 20th Infantry. Following the reorganization of the army, he was promoted to major for his gallant service.

Major Parry was actively involved in the intense fighting along the Weldon Railroad and in front of Petersburg, Virginia, where he commanded his regiment in several engagements. In 1865, he served as the assistant general of the regular brigade in the Army of the Potomac and was part of General Winthrop's staff until Winthrop's death. At the time of Lee's surrender, Major Parry was attached to army headquarters. Today, Major Parry's portrait hangs in the Bucks County Historical Society in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

On May 10, 1865, Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States, was captured by Union cavalry in Irwinville, Georgia. Disguised in women's clothing in an attempt to evade capture, Davis was fleeing south with a small group of loyalists. His capture marked the effective end of the Confederate government and the conclusion of the American Civil War. Following his arrest, Davis was imprisoned at Fort Monroe, Virginia, where he was held for two years before being released without trial. The capture of Jefferson Davis symbolized the definitive collapse of the Confederacy and the preservation of the United States.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 2.125" x 3.5"
  • Medium: Relic

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June 26, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000