The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-09-16
From The BOrdr-SkirmiM at Shepheydsto,en


''hEf hhhboiohN1 A, pi- IL, 1901.
Yesterday, the tenth of Septem ber will be n
day long remembered by the citizens of Shep-
herdstoWn, and the ''stranger within its
gates The events of yesterday will be as
memorable as the famous battle of Erie, III
1873, which was fought on the tent OF Sep
tember, forty-seve years ago.
Our usually quiet and peaceful town was
yesterday, between the hours of three and
four +. M, thrown into blaze of intense eX-
citement, alarm and CONSERVATION, pro
duced by sudden and unexpected arri-
val of banditt of Federal mercena-
ries into the place. Two companies
OF Baltimore plug Uglies," mum brrng
in the aggregate about one hundred rowdies
crossed over the river at the tording-a mil,.
from toWn-and boldly ma rched Inlo town tu
perform the Object Of their mission Were it
tor the fact, (Which is to be regretted J that
we still have 'irOgs in the net''-traitors on
TINS side who surreptitiously give in format ion
10 the enemy keeping them fully posted rs
TO the movements of our troops, and would
be almost willing 10 accord to them an act OF
gallantry III thus invading our town. But
they We're we'll aware that no troops were a
town hence their invasion with impunity
Thanks 10 n fortuitouS circumstance, they
are not permitted to proceed with impunity
with their 'protection q Shortly after the
arrival of these unnyited and unwelcome
visitors, squad of cavalry, under command
of Orderly Sergeant Thrasher, numbering
thirteen, came into town, en route to their
camp near Dufteld's depot. OF course they
Were apprised of the presence of the enemy
on our soil who We're down near or at the
river shore, safely ensconced behind large.
stone warehouses and high projecting cliffs
out of harm way. However, nothing daunt-
ing, this gallant little squad, with more
yalor than discretion, and in opposition
the earnest entreatieS of the citizens not 10
hazard their lives charged recklessy to the
brow OF the hlil, and discharged the contents
OF their pistols at the ''foe's naughty host -
not, however, until first receiving 4 brisk
ffe from Il company OF the '.Plugsn sta
OH the other side OF the river. This COM
pany, of course, was placed there to cover the
invaders on this side and guard them from a
surprise, having full view and command of
the town hill leading TO the river.
Our little band gallantly assailed them and
kept up the lire as long as ammunition
lasted But 4 word about our own citizens.
They seconded the efforts of Thrashers men,
and gave them laid and comfort by arming
themselves with rifles, shot guns, blunder-
buses, pistols, and every available instru-
ment OF death for the purpose of defending
their homes and flresldes from the taun Is and
insults OF the insolent foe. Every one seemed
animated with one desire-that was TO drive
the HeSsians from our soil. In the hands of
the "lively lad" and also the grey headed
veteran, could be seen guns, with resolute-
ness stamped upon every face-"to do or
die"
Well, it is with pleasure that l make the
dsnousment. We We're successful, as we ever
shall be, in driving them from our sacred
soil. Being too smart, or rather afraid To go
the way they came, they recrossed at this
place in two skiffs. As to the mortuary re
suits, nothing is definitely known at yet as
for our side, can, in fact, use the Lincoln
isIn--''nobody hurt"
1t is an established logical fact and philoso-
phical truth that there can be no effect with
out cause. The events of yesterday origin
ated from this cause Mr.. William Shearer
Qately subscriber to the Dispatch,l was
looked upon with suspicious eye, for what
cause Is not known, rs some two or three of
our citizens have been similarly arrested and
discharged for want of proper evidence. But
Mr.. Shearer was possessed Of a friend, who
i'll advised him by an anonymous note 10 leave
town. because his arrest was. sure. MIR. ).
acted upon this hint; and he and his son--a
lad Of about Is years-left on Monday night.
A squad of cavalry, the next day. cafhe to
" see after him." and. 10 he was over the
river aud far away.
Yesterday his family and friends endeav-
ored to move his household ehattels across
the Potomac; and, for the better success of
that undertaking, companies Of rowdies came
over 10 render that assistance and protection
they have proclaimed as part Of their mis-
sion to the border. But the enterprise failed.
and the phiianthropic protectors "yamoosed
the rancho"
During the fight, the leaden messengers of
death few into town in n perfect haiistorm
style. Many houses aud trees bear warked ev