Record #:

8817

Author(s):

Cheek, Nelle R.

Abstract:

Historian Nelle Rives Cheek describes the last Christmas spent in the Confederate White House. Despair filled Richmond on that Christmas day in1864, as cannons fired outside the city and news of General Sherman's capture of Savannah reach President Davis. Described are attempts made by the Davis family at having a normal and happy Christmas. Gifts are given and a meal is prepared with the limited available goods. Following dinner the Davis family walked to church and later attended festivities for orphaned children. The day ended with a “starvation party” accompanied with good spirit and dancing.

Source:

The State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 51 Issue 7, Dec 1983, p16

Subject(s):

Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889; Christmas--Virginia--Richmond--History