The Photograph itself measures approx. 2 1/8" by 3 3/8" and is mounted on its original, square cornered, red rule border card mount (overall size of card mount is 2 1/2" by 3 7/8" – very slightly trimmed at the bottom edge). The CDV carries the backmark the photographer / publisher T. C. Haynes of St. Johnsbury, Vermont.

    This humorous, though historically inaccurate Cartoon was typical of many published depictions of the capture of Jefferson Davis as he fled the Confederate Capitol to escape advancing Union Forces. The Image pictures Jeff Davis dressed in woman’s clothing holding a large knife in his right hand and looking back over his shoulder as he runs away. An actual portrait photograph of Davis’ face is used in the editorial cartoon image and the editorial cartoon is the subject of this albumen CDV Photo. There is printed text on the mount below the image that reads “I thought your Government was more magnanimous than to hunt down women and children”. This quote was at one point attributed to Jefferson Davis upon his capture although he surely never actually said it.

    The story of Jefferson Davis attempting to escape wearing women's clothing made great press in the North but was actually a fabrication or at least a huge exaggeration. In late April, 1865 Jeff Davis and some of his closest advisors were forced to flee Richmond and became somewhat of a "government in exile" By May 7th, when Davis was reunited with his wife, Varina, and their children in Wilcox County, only a few members of the original group remained together with the "President". This group was keenly aware that Union forces were close behind. The pursuit of Davis resulted largely from the U.S. War Department's false assumption that he was complicit in the assassination of Lincoln. A $100,000 reward was promised for anyone who could bring in the president and his aides. Reaching the farming community of Irwinville, in Irwin County, on the evening of May 9, the remaining hopefuls, still assuming that they were a step ahead of their pursuers, set up camp near a creek bed. Early the next morning the camp was awakened by a pop of gunfire and within minutes was surrounded by members of the First Wisconsin and Fourth Michigan cavalries. Not one shot was fired by the Confederates. Through some confusion Davis made a quick dash toward the creek. He had thrown his wife's overcoat on his shoulders. This led to the persistent rumor that he attempted to flee in women's clothes.

    This rare and fascinating, Albumen CDV Photograph of a Civil War Political Cartoon is in very good condition. The Image exhibits sharp focus, strong contrast and rich, warm tonality. The Photo itself is clean and crisp while the card mount is slightly trimmed along the bottom edge and clipped at the corners to facilitate insertion into a period CDV Photo Album.

    A very rare and quite fascinating, CDV Photograph of a variation of a Political Cartoon related to the capture of Confederate States President Jefferson Davis and a fantastic addition to any collection!!