Sam Davis
|
|
Sam Davis (1845–1863) is called the Boy Hero of the Confederacy. Davis was a native of Smyrna, Tennessee. He was recruited by Confederate spy forces early in the Civil War. He was captured in Middle Tennessee, not wearing a uniform and in possession of a secret message. For this reason, he was arrested as a spy, and sentenced to die by hanging unless he was willing to divulge the name of his contact. He is purported to have said, "I would rather die a thousand deaths than betray a friend." He was hanged by Union forces in Pulaski, Tennessee on November 27, 1863. Supposedly the officer in charge of the execution was discomfited by Davis' youth and calm demeanor and had trouble carrying out his orders. Davis is alleged to have said to him, "Officer, I did my duty. Now, you do yours."
Davis' story, and its obvious parallel to that of Nathan Hale during the American Revolution, became a rallying point for the Southern cause in the waning days of the Confederacy. His boyhood home is preserved in Smyrna as a museum, and the spot of his hanging in Pulaski is likewise marked by a monument and a small museum which, as of 2004, was open by appointment and request only.