Support provided by:
The Case:
A contributor in Terre Haute, Indiana has a tiny brass eyeglass that, when peered through, reveals an image of Confederate president Jefferson Davis.
February 1862: the Confederate South has seized the upper hand in the "War Between the States". In the North, opposition to President Lincoln grows as fears spread his armies will be defeated. Secret societies form in the Union states bordering the South, united in opposition to both Lincoln and the war. Those southern sympathizers operating north of the Mason Dixon line are surprisingly powerful and dangerous.
The owner believes miniature “Davis” eyeglass pieces were a wartime adornment of Confederate supporters in the North who used these objects to secretly identify themselves to one another.
History Detectives travels to New York and Virginia to examine the intricacies of microphotography and the truth behind a possible sympathizer "secret handshake."
Season 4, Episode 2
Detective:
Elyse Luray
Detective:
Wes Cowan
Location:Terre Haute, Indiana
Related Content
Technique:
Technique:
Feature:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Szyk Picture
Could these be early drawings of America's most influential political cartoonist?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
WWII Diary
Does this diary hold the key to understanding the fate of a missing bomber pilot from World War II?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Sideshow Babies
Was the owner of this cup once a four-pound sideshow exhibit?
-
Related Investigation
Vietnam War Diary
Why did this story capture international interest?
-
Related Investigation
Lafitte's Spyglass
Did this spyglass really belong to a fearless cutthroat pirate?
-
Also in Civil War: 1850-1877
Marshall House Flag
Did this piece of fabric come from a flag that cost a Union colonel his life?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.
Anyone wishing to submit an artifact for investigation should do so through Submit a Story.
- Submit your StoryDo you have a Civil War object? Submit your story now.
- Latest CommentIt turns out that this collage was sold last fall: http://www.worthpoint.com/wort... I wonder if it would be possible to contact the buyer by way of the auction house about getting a print made. (2 weeks ago)
- Twitterremember this investigation with @TukufuZuberi @elyseluray Tonight they reunite! Let us know your thoughts! @PBS http://t.co/4KMnc27K (8 months ago)
- FacebookCongrats on your exhibit, TZ! Here's a Washington Post article about the exhibit, everyone, and the great story TZ and Elyse did on his "Our Colored Heroes" story. http://tinyurl.com/mzpuyo8 http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/investigation/our-colored-heroes/ (2 weeks ago)