<Go back to the People Index results>


JEFF. D HUNG ON A "SOUR APPLE TREE," OR TREASON MADE ODIOUS.
   
Complete Explanation:
New York "Tribune" editor Horace Greeley, with a copy of his newspaper in his pocket, holds Jefferson Davis's cell door open, releasing him from prison. In gratitude Davis embraces him, hanging from his neck as though from a "sour apple tree." (For the lore of the sour apple, see "John Brown Exhibiting His Hangman," no. 1865-16.)

In 1867 Davis was released from prison and admitted to bail, giving bond in the sum of {dollar}100,000. Greeley who had previously campaigned in his newspaper for Davis's release, was among those who signed his bail bond.


Website design © 2010 HarpWeek, LLC
All Content © 1998-2010 HarpWeek, LLC
Please submit questions to webmaster@harpweek.com