Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1865-10-14
MOSBY AND HIS MEN.

New York NeUs, written by Virgin
ian -
John Singleton Mosby is the son Of
fred d. Mosby, formerly Of Albemarle
County, Va. He is the maternal grand
son Of Jas. McLsurine, Sen. late Of Pow.
hatsn County. Va. His mother was
Miss Virginia J. McLaurine.
He was born in Powhaisn County, Va,
on he 9Th Of December, 1888, and edu-
called at the University OF Virginia.
When quite young man he was mar
red to The daughter Of the Hon. Beverly
Clarke, late United States Minister to
Central America. Al the commence
ment oI hostililies between the North and
South, Mosby resided at Bristol, Wash
ing ton County, Va, where he was sue
cesslully engaged in The practice of law.
lie Immediately gave ap his profession
and entered the army as private, be-
coming a member Of company raised IN
Washington County, and commanded by
Captain Jones-alterwaTd General Jones
in which position he served twelve
months. Upon the promotion OF Captain
Jones TO the CoIonelcy OF the First Vlr.
GINA Cavalry, Mosby was chosen as bis
adjulant. He continued in this position
but shnrt time; for, upon the reorganlza-
Ilou ofihe regiment, from some cause the
Colonel was thrown out, and. consequent.
ly, his adjutant relieved from dny. Mos
by was then chosen by General J. E. B.
ISluart As sort of independent scout.
He first attracted public attention when
Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, then in com
mand OF The army a, Manassas, fell back.
On this occasion, desiring TO ascertain
whether the movements Of Mcclellan
was feint. or if he really intended to
march his army 10 the Peninsula, General
Johnston dispatched Mosby to gain the
desired Information. Taking five men,
Mosby went in The rear of Mcclellan s
army, where he remained several days,
spending his time in converse with the
Federal soldiers, from whom he gained
all necessary information, and then safely
made his way back 10 General Johnston's S
headquarters.
During the Summer of 1862, Mosby
was sent from Hanover COurl House on
a mission TO Gen. Johnston, who was
then on The Upper Rspidan. He was
the bearer Of an oral communication. and
as the route was dangerous, had no papers
about him except brief note 10 serve as
voucher Of his identity and reliability.
With this no,e he proceeded on his jour
ney, and, stopping at Beaver Dam station,
on the Virginia Central Railroad to rest
and feed his horse, was, while quietly sit
ting on the platform at the depot, sur
2rised and bagged by detschmen, Of the
enemy's cavalry. Now, TO be caught
thus mapping, in an unguarded moment,
was gall and worm wood 10 the brave scout
He had deceived and outwiusd the enemy
so often. had escaped from their clutches
so regularly up 10 that time, that TO find
himself surprised, filled him with internal
rage. From that moment hls sentiments
toward the enemy increased in intensity.
They had been alli along decidedly un-
! friendly. Now they were bitter. They
took him away with them, searched him,
and 6ched his credentials and published
them as an nem OF interest in The North
ern papers, and immuTed the partisan in
the Old Capitol. In due course Of time
he was exchanged. and returned with a
new satchel and an increase of affection
for his enemies. He laughed at his mis-
fortunes, but set down The account 10 the
credit of the enemy, TO be settled al
more convenient opportunity.
Previous TO the 9Th of March, 1863,
Col. Mosby had put himself 10 much irou-
BILE to discover the strength and position
OF the enemy in Fairfax County, with a
design OF making raid in ,ha. direction.
Aside from his own efforts, deserter
from The Fifth New York Cavalry, who
afierward became very distinguished in
the command, and was subsequently Kill
led. was instrumental in getting the fol.
lowing information On The Little Riv-
er Turnpike, at Germantown. mile or
two from Fairfax Court House. were
three regiments Of the enemy's cavalry,
commanded by Col. Wyndham, Acting
Brigadier General. with his headquarters
a, the Court House. Within few hun
dred yards OF The Town were two infantry
regiments. In the vicinity OF Fairfax
Station, about two miles of, an infantry
brigade was eLcsmped, and al CenHevllle
there was another infantry brigade, win
cavalry and artillery. Thus the way TO-
Fairfax Court House. the point which the
Colonel desired 10 reach, seemed CON-
pleiely blocked up.
The "situaiion" would have appeared
desperate 10 almost any one, however ad-
veniurnus; but danger and adventure had
aiIraclIOns fur Mnshy apd ,ba tem n,ation N