Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1865-11-25
MOSBY AND HIS MEN.
NO. VI.

No two men ever reSembled each other
more than Mcsby and Marion, as regards
fighting tactics, and no service more
strictly voluntary than thar Of the sol
diers under TIER commend. Whenever
either was pursued by superior force,
or circumstances made their numbers 100
public for the enemy, and lhey we're not
in sufficient force TO contend it was usu-
al to dlsband them fer the whiIe-a ex-
cep. a few "Jaspers," and sometimes
those evtn, scattered and vamoused. eth
er returning to their fam}Iles-or if that
was sunheaIthy-roncealIng themselves al
different points, aS best they could, each
Tor himself. The hotlallon which struck
4 rr0i so often into HE hearts OF the Fed
erals. even in their fortified places, seem.
ed III uneny to vanish when fight was
not deemed prudent, but only TO reappeaI
when least expected. Singular as II may
seem, no one feature in Mosby's tactics
was praclired more than dispersion: and
The force in pursui, was never IN more
danger Than when the party pursued, ap.
peared disordered and b, oxen.
Such wonderful influence had MoShy
over his men, that, al the appointed time
and place, he knew they would meet him
more formidable than ever; and, if any
chose to disobey his orders, expulsion
frc m his command was the severest and
most dreaded punishment.
The most perfect system Of esplenage
on the movement Of the enemy. was con-
slanlly in operation by MoSby, and the
man whose business il was 10 "surprlse'
rarely ever happened TO that misfortune.
On one occasion, however. he came very
near loosing his life, by suffering his love
for coffee TO predominant over his habIu-
al prudence and caution. Stopping short
ly after dusk, one winter evening, at the
house of friend, TO psrtake of that bev,
erage, the Thirteenth New York Cavalry
suddenly made It's appearance, and quick
" and silently surrounded the house
which they knew contained two rebel
cavalrymen.
Mosby had with him a private, and
their horses were left hilched in from. OF
The house, and Mosby's pistols were III
the holsters on his saddle. He was par
taking Of his las. cup; the conversation
ran merrily around. and enjoyment was
on every feature at that hospilable board.
Bang bang bang in quick succession
was heard, and pistol balls whizzed
through the window among ladies and
gentlemen; out, however taking effect on
ly on Mosby. AT The first fire he clasp
ed his hand TO his side, and fell from bis
chair TO the floor. His presence of mind
did not forsake him; but, quickly dpesI-
ing himself of bis coat, upon the collar Of
which was his rank-lwo stars. indica-
ung lieulenan! colonel-he handed il 10 q
female friend, and, stretching himself out,
prepared TO die. ain horn" BY this
time the Yan-excuse me-ihe Federals,
The Union soldiers, rushed yelling into
The room securing the private as prisoner.
An officer walked up 10 where Mosby
lay, and kicked him inquired, "who are
your Mosby in feeble voice respond
ed, Lieut.. Johnson of the SIKH Virgin.
ia; let me die in peace
The officer stopped down and probed
The wound with his finger, remarking,
"he is shot through and through" A
soldier then jerked of his boots. and took
his pockebook, cloak, etc. Mosby al
this took high tragedy death, which
would have given credit TO any actor.
The Thirteenth New York, after ma
king some inquiries about the wherea-
bouts of Mosby, took up their line Of
march, taking with them the private, but
leaving the two horses still hliched; rsa-
son-all drunk.
Mosby now "rose from the dead"
said "they had served him right, for be
ing so careless" He was carried TO
safer place. His wound was dangerous
and painiul-the enemy numerous in the
neighborhood. He was followed so
close one day in his ambulance, his
men asked where they must secrete him.
Bury me-" was the curt reply.
Careful nursing, and 6uoyant spirits
that knew no sinking under the most ad
verse circumstances, soon placed him on
the war-path again. He never forgot The
time he took cup of coffee one evening
in December, at the house of his big, fat,
friend.
Caod Advice