Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1865-10-14
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SIEPERDSTOWN JEFFERSON COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA. SATURL

cluding the deserteT, VINO acleo as Suiue,
Mosby set out on his raid.
Advancing through The woods, pierced
with devious and uncertain paths only,
which the dense darkness scarcely ena-
bled them 10 follow, The partisan and his
little band finally struck the Warrenlon
road, between Cenireviile and Fairfax, at
a point sbou, midway between the two
places. One danger had thus been avoid
ed-a challenge from parties OF cavalry
on the Little River road, or discovery by
The force posted al Cenueville. That
place was now in their rear. Fairfax
Cour, House was still four miles distant,
and girded by cavalry and infantry. Ev-
cry approach was guarded. and The al
temp, to enter the place seemed desper-
ate. but Mosby determined to essay it.
Making deiour to the right, and leav-
ing the enemy's camps far 10 his left, he
struck into the road leading from Fairfax,
southwark TO the railroad. This avenue
was guarded like the resi-, but by a picket
only, and Mosby knew thoroughly how
TO deal with pickles. Before the sleepy
and unsuspciouS Federals were aware of
their danger, they found pistols presented
10 ;heir heads, with The option Of surren-
der or death presented them. They sur
rendered Immediately, were taken in
charge. and, without further ceremony,
Mostly and his band entered the town.
The Ialeness Of The hour compelled him
to make bis dispositions rapidly, and, en-.
Joining complete silence, he set TO work
lin earnest. The small band was divided
into detachments, with special duties as
signed TO each. Two or three Of these
Idelalehmenls were sent TO the public sta
bIes, where the fine horses of the Gener-
al and his staff officers were kept. An
other party was sent TO Gen. Wlndham' s
headquarters tollake him prisoner. An
other to Col. Johnson's, with similar Or
ders. Taking six men with him. Mosby,
who proceeded upon sure information,
went straight TO the headquarters Of Brig
adler General Stoughton, a Vermonter,
and terrific son of Mas, graduate OF
West Point, and a Suppress-the'rebelIion'
in-ninety days man. He had just been
assigned TO the command of The post, and
much was expected from a brigadier oi
such ardor and good 10 the service.
"I' was midnight, in his guarded tent,
The Turk was dreaming of the hour
When Greece, her knee in suppliance bent
Should tremble at his power"
Mosby entered his chamber without
ceremony, and found him reposing in all
the dignity and gravity Of BrlgadIer
General Commanding. whose person and
slumbcrs are sacred. Making his way
toward the bed, in the dark, the partisan
shook him suddenly By the shoulder.
"Who is that, p growled the sleepy
brigader.
"Get up quick, l want you," respond,
ed Mosby.
"Do you know who am - cried the
brigader, sitting up in bed with scowl.
"IIl have you arrested, sir"
"Do you know who ain !" rstorted
Mosby.
"Who are you :"
"Did you ever hear OF Mosby 7"
"Yes! Tell me, have you cauget the
- rascal -
mo; bu, he has caught you ~ And
Mosby chuckled.
"Wha, does all this mean. sir I" cried
the furious brigadler.
alt means, sir" Mosby replied eoolly,
"ths, Stuar,'s Cavalry have possession OF
this place. and you are my prisoner. Get
up and come along, or you are dead
man."
The general groaned in anguish Of soul,
but was compelled TO obey, and the Par'l-
san mounted. and placed him under
guard. His staff and escort were captur'
ed wilhou, difficulty, but two OF the for
mer, owing to the darkness and confusion.
made their escape. The other parties
were less successful. Colonel Wynd-
ham had gone TO Washington. but his A.
A. G. and aid.de-camp were made prison
ers. Col. Johnson having received no.
lice Of the presence of the party, succeed
ed in making his escape.
!, was now half. past three in the morn
ing-barely time left him TO &c; out OF the
enemy's lines before daylight, and none
was 10 be lost.
He had intended to destroy the valuable
commissary and suffers stores in the
place, but time was wanting. and The band
encountered by three times as many bor'
ses and prisoners as i. numbered men.
The prisoners. thirty-hve in number;
Brigadier General E. H. Sioughiou, Baron
Il. Wordener. an Austrian aid-de camp
to Colonel Wyn6ham; Captain A. Barker
Fifth New York Cavalry, Colonel VS.
Assistant Adjulsnt General; thirty prison
ers, chiefly Of the Eighteenth Penns> Iva
J IL. lL;s Esral=,. and iks isls: