I have read several accounts of the escape and this is Varina's. It coincides with others I have read. I discount the cartoons.

Jeff and company met up with Varina and family and they pitched tents beside the road, posting no sentries. He slept in his riding clothes prepared to escape if necessary. Varina awoke to the sound of Federals yelling. Varina, trying as always to protect her husband, threw a raglan and shawl over him and asked the black girl to accompany him into the woods. He was recognized and ordered to halt. The soldiers were told to take him dead or alive and there were guns pointed at him. Varina rushed over and threw her arms around him and the guns were lowered. Jeff never forgave her for that even though it probably saved his life.