The National tribune., 1890-01-16
"Touch elbows again." See page 8.
Executlon of Cnni- Mrb.ier.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Lewis II
Miller, Battery A, Nd. Vols. suggests that at
the Reunion of the Libby Prison Survivors, at
Chicago, some member might with interest re-
late the hanging Of Capt. Charles 4. Webster
at Camp Ice, Richmond, Va, in March, 1868.
The Captain, i believe, was originally from
Massachusetts, responding 10 the first call for
three-months men, and Immediately went 10
the front on the Potomac around Harpers
Ferry. When his term Of service expired he
recruited 20. IL, LOudUun Rangers a battalion
OF cavalry, and the only organ zed Federal
soldiers from old Virginia. lie was made
Captain and driil-master for the battalion,
and i will state he had few equals, and prob
ably no snperiors in the latter capacity in
that branch Of the service tcayalry). lie was
one Of the best shots from a horses back /
ever saw, and could WELD the saber with such
skill and effect that would make the cold pers-
piration run down the spinal column of the
unterri6ed Johnny. As this command was
raised ia the country where tho battles Of tho
war were liable 10 be fought, they were assigned
70 scouting aud plotting the army, and in this
capacity they soon became very unpopular with
the aforesaid Johnny.
The army had suffered its second defeat at
Manassas and StOnewail Jackson came down
the Valley with rush, and while Capt. Web
ster and about 30 OF his mca were rading in
IOudOnn County, Va, they were attacked by
W IAAE EucE8ilds. .hGBslsi 5 men fUdls "A STUB
born defense, several being killed ON both sides
Bat his ammunition ran out and escape being
impossible, he was compelled 10 surrender; but
as the Johunies could not or would not take the
prisoners 10 Richmond, they were paTUled on
the spot, Webster and his men going 10 Mary.
land, where they remained until they were ex-
changed, which occurred in the Fall Of 1862
when Webster was assigned 20 active duty
scouting ia the Valley near Winchester.
"A 0au IL ha, v.l
and taken 10 Richmond, where he was put in
irons aud accused Of violating his parole. He
was allowed no defense, aud was sentenced TO
be hung. The rebels knowing the charge was
false, had IL entered OH The records in the Con
federate War Office, Hung as a SCOUT Mr..
Jefferson Davis, over whom there has been
considerable gush for the last few weeks Or
dered that the prisoners in Libby be marched
out 10 witness the hanging Of Capt. Webster,
possibly 10 give them object lesson, and 10
illustrate to them the result Of fighting against
the alleged Confederate States Of America.
Capt. Webster wore d Captains uniform when
captured, % the charge Of scout WAS not estab-
lished. ! don't believe Drawer man ever lived
than Webster; ia fact that is what cost him his
life as 1t made him somewhat reckless. Superior
numbers never ogeIawed him. Whenever
boots aud saddles sounded, with Webster In tho
lead, the boys understood what was expected
oil them. The wish OF JEFF Davis that Web
steTs feil0w-prisOners should sec him hung
was the small act Of very small man, aud
plainly showed the hatred he had for the Union
soldier. Doubtless his idea was 10 humilate
the prisoners, when, in reality IL developed in
them stronger and deeper patriotic spirit, and
made them more than ever determined 20 give
their best aud strongest efforts TO the destruc-
tion ot the ConfedeTacy should they ever live
to be exchanged and take up arms in the de-
Tense OF the Stars and Stripes, which they had
not seen for many months.
The writer would be pleased TO hear from
anyone that can throw additional light on
Capt Webster's alleged trial.-BnIscOE Coop
HEART Go. A, Loudoun Rangers, l59 Gay street,
Knoxville, Tenn.