APRIL 8-11TH, 1865: Lt. W,H.Parker, commander of the midshipmen who were escorting the Confederate archives and treasury, arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina, from Danville and deposited the important cargo in the Confederate Mint located in that city.
While waiting for more orders, Parker learned that a Union cavalry detachment was nearby and since the city was without military protection, he, on his own initiative, prepared to move the archives and treasury southward. He added the personnel of the local Confederate Navy Yard to his escort, bringing his number up to 150 and drew quantities of provisions from the naval warehouse.
Parker offered the protection of his command to Mrs. Jefferson Davis, who had only recently arrived in Charlotte, and strongly urged that she accompany him southward. Mrs. Davis accepted his offer, and on the 11th, the Navy-escorted entourage bearing the archives, treasury, and the first lady of the Confederacy set out from Charlotte.
--Old B-Runner
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