Confederate Scout : Virginias Frank Stringfellow.
by James Dudley Peavey
Category: History

Here are gathered together some of the adventures and experiences of that already legendary Virginian, Frank Stringfellow; by himself and by others who knew him well. Born June 18, 1840, the days of his early twenties, from 1861 to 1865—almost 100 years ago—were not lacking in excitement. In the Spring of 1861, young Frank Stringfellow returned home from Mississippi to offer his services to Virginia and the Confederacy. At this time he was not of strong physical constitution, and it was only after repeated attempts to enlist that he was accepted in the “Powhatan Troop” of the Virginia Cavalry, on May 28, 1861, at Culpeper, Virginia. It is remarkable that he was able to withstand the rigors of service as a scout and partisan; but it seems his physical condition gradually improved under the stimulation of his active life. On detached service as a scout almost from the beginning with Capt. Lay of the Powhatan Troop at Manassas; he was soon to gain the attention and confidence of Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, the Cavalry Commander. As his accomplishments and the value of his services increased, he was also held in high regard by Gen. Wade Hampton and Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, of the Cavalry. Before long, his ability and services attracted the attention of Gen. Robert E. Lee. For him, and the cause of the Confederacy, in spite of his youth, Frank Stringfellow performed invaluable service as a scout. He was proud to be called ‘Lee’s Scout.’