Samuel Davis Bookmark

Front: Coleman’s Scouts, C.S.A. October 6, 1842 – November 27, 1863, hanged as a spy, Posthumously awarded the Confederate Medal of Honor August 17, 1977 Smyrna, Tennessee Back: Samuel Davis was captured by elements of t…

Front: Coleman’s Scouts, C.S.A. October 6, 1842 – November 27, 1863, hanged as a spy, Posthumously awarded the Confederate Medal of Honor August 17, 1977 Smyrna, Tennessee Back: Samuel Davis was captured by elements of the 7th Kansas Cavalry late on the afternoon of Friday, November 19, 1863. Discovered under his saddle were maps of the defenses of Nashville along with other incriminating documents and letters. Brig. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge sentenced him to hang…but offered a pardon, horse and safe passage if he would identify his contacts. Eight days later as Pvt. Davis stood upon the gallows he was again asked to name his accomplices and live. He replied, “Do you suppose that I would betray a friend? No, sir: I would rather die a thousand times first!” Then after a short prayer with a Chaplain, Pvt. Samuel Davis stepped upon the gallows trap and said, “I am ready.”