Thomas F. Harney

[SSlater]

There is another factor that we do not address, for this time period. That is: Jefferson Davis was very ill in the last days of the war, bed ridden, and totally Out of the Picture. Benjamin actually ran the Confederacy. It shows most clearly in his correspondence. He starts his letters with "The President, directed me to tell you, that he wishes that you to....." . (This happens when Davis isn't conscious) This is shown on the letter that E.G. Lee handed to Thompson when he arrived in Montreal. Benjamin then tells Thompson to deposit the "left-over" money in HIS ACCOUNT. When Benjamin left Richmond in April 65, he had special pockets sewn into his coat, so that he could carry all "his" Gold. (This is in addition to the money he had ordered sent to England.) Seriously, I felt ill when I read these accounts, of people I had respected as Confederateleaders. (This is a Yankee talking.). IF, Benjamin had good intentions, to share the wealth, he never had to. only one other person escaped . (I can't remember his name, I think he was an Admiral.
Incidentally, did you ever hear of a book "Niagara( Spelling?- Like the Falls) on the Lake"? It is an account of the distribution of some Confederate Cash, after the war. Davis , is there, and almost all of the Confederate Higherarchy. (Got me again Spelling?) Everybody showed up and everybody got a "Bundle".