The National tribune., 1883-05-24
The Exploits Of Yankee Mare.

To the Editor NATIONAL TRIBUNE:
In "a recent number of THE TRIBUNE I noticed
that an old eomrade by the name of Philip Asmus
is mentioned as the Commander of Post No $40
which Post is named after our old colonel of the
Eighth New York cavalry, 3. F. Davis who was
killed at Beverly Ford June 9th IS53-and / am
reminded of an adventure of which the above
mentioned eon,rade WAS the hero, and which
Will relate as 1t may be of interest to of your
readers. it occurred at Lacy Springs, Va, in an
action between General Clusters division of cavalry
and General Rosser's cavalry. was sergeant OF
the piekets that night, with orders to cali them
III at a. M, as our regiment was to take the
advance that day. We were preparing to start
after the pickets had come in, and Asmus who
wasa pioneer" was helping to strike the coionel's
tent when the rebs charged and struck our right
flank and gobbled up Asmus and his fine gray
mare, on which he was putting her bride and
sent them to the rear with other prisoners ASinus
was robbed of most of his clothing his watch and
money, and the mare taken by the officers
she was beauty. Asmus had taught her to
kick violently If her rider placed his hand on her
back behind the saddle also to kick if her rider
did not sit still or ride her properly. The mares
education in tins line soon began to manifest itself
as the res trettto ride her, for she threw all who
made the attempt. Asnus much amused to
see the mare show her nlettle. and requested the
rebs to allow him TO try her. They told him that
the mare would kill him, but he very pluckiIy
answered that he would rather be killed by a
Yankee mare than to sarve in rebel prison. The
rebs allowed him to mount her after much coaxing
on his part; and then the fun commenced as he
made the mare perform about badly as she
could. She would throw him her neck
diiti Ic WOulu Child DICK IN an awkward ana
parently helpless manner. The rebs were Won
derfully amused at the performances of the mare
and her Yankee rider, and were thrown completely
of their guard in the midst of noisy laughter and
remarks. Meantime the distance between the
prisoner and his guards increasing and when
that distance amounted to fifty sixty rods to the
front. AsIrus suddenly settled in the saddle and
placing his thumb on his and giving his
fingers a significant twirl, babe the rebs good
day" The latter, soon they realized the stu
ation fired yolley or two after him, but ii was too
late-thc mare had distanced them entirely
and soon left them far in the rear Asmus
made wide circuit and came back into our lines
nearly frozen, 1t raining and freezing at the
same time. The writer and two or three comrades
gave him the blankets from under their saddles
which he wrapped around him until he got into
camp. The mare white with foam, but not
injured. Asmus vowed vengeance the rebs, but
| have never been able to ascertain if he kept the
vow. do know, however, that he was a good
soldier and comrade, and am glad to learn that
he is q comrade OF the Grand Army. as am sure
that he VIII be an honor to noble Order.
LYMAN II. Essex, Color Sergt
Winchester Post, No. 1877, G. a. r. formerly of
Co. e, Sth. n Y. vol. cav.
BROOKLYN N "