Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 39.djvu/42

 30 Southern Historical Society Papers.

the dangerous and delicate trust was faithfully executed. Presi- dent Davis, foreseeing that the large escort would invite attack from the enemy, directed the troops to break up into small squads and make their way through the country to the depart- ment commanded by Gen. Kirby Smith. At first the men re- fused to leave the President. One Texan, who enjoyed a re- markable resemblance to Mr. Davis, urged him to exchange personality in order to facilitate his escape, proposing to take the risk of the Confederate Presidency and turn over to Mr. Davis his ranger's uniform. But the President refused, declar- ing that he would assume no disguise during his retreat to the West. Capt. Broun was informally promoted major by the president and continued in charge of the specie until it was finally disposed of under orders, undergoing Jiot a few perils in this duty. After separating from Mr. Davis, he accompanied Maj. Hill to Athens, surrendered at Augusta, and finally re- turned to his home in Virginia. Resuming the practice of law at Charleston, he has become distinguished in his profession.