The Delta independent., 1890-06-24
MOSBY's GUERRILLAs.
n Hos.d soushernsr's Ride Through .
Superior Union Foroe
AAsas His Non Was . Young Divinity
eeldsnt Who Went Into Battle With Sing
&ag Of Psalms, Who Perpetrated Feats Of
Wholesale Slaughter.


but called a guerrilla all the same,
talked as follows to New York
Herald reporter:
"In April. 1868, Gen. Stuart. the
dashing Prince Rupert OF the confed-
eracy, recommended that be pro-
NOTED to the rank of major, which
promptly received the Endorsement of
tho secretary of war. In order to sig
nalize my advancement l proposed to
60 on rather big raid and bag a
small army of union cavalry.
About 800 cavalry were at Dranes-
Vile, and I had harassed them so
much that they did not put their
picket-line half-mile from the camp.
I resolved to scoop them in by sur
prising them.
81 was met at Rector's crossroads
b. sixty-nine men, the largest force l
had ever had under me up to that
time. They were motley crowd,
though somewhat better dressed than
Falstaffs famous regiment Some of
them had been wounded and were un-
sble to do infantry duty, and others
had absented themselves from their
regiment without leave. But never
Investigated a mans military record
when he fought under me any more
than would his pedigree.
''Getting near Dranesville learned
nat the enemy had broken camp and
gone beyond Difficult run, seve raj
miles below. Passing through DIR anes-
Vile We Travelled to Miskel's farm,
which was In the forks of Goose creek
and the Potomac river. Snow was on
tho ground, although it was the last
day Of March. and we were glad to
rest and warm ourselves
''The enemy was camped about ai-
teen miles below. and did not think
It possible that they could hear Of my
presence before morning. We fed and
picketed our horses inside the barn
tard. which was surrounded by
ttrong fence. Sentinels were stationed
q q guard over the horses aud to
arouse US in the event of alarm. Many
sf the men went to bed in the hay-loft,
while others. including myself. lay
down on the floor in the front room OF
Me dwelling house before log fire.
There were union camps across tho
river. but had no fear OF them that
night When woke up tho next
morning, one Of my men came in and
said the enemy were making signals
across the river. I went TO tho back
yard to reconnoiter. when I saw one
Of my mon. Dick Moran. running
scross the field waving his hat and
oalliug out that the Yankees are COM
Ing Not a third OF our horses were
then bridled and saddled. had buck.
led on my arms coming out OF the
house As soon as I got to the enclos-
ure where our horses were saw the
snemy coming through a gate about 200
vards OF. It was too late to retreat
and 30 ordered my men to get ready
70 fight
'--ssThey saddled and mounted, and re-
served their fire.. did not have time
70 saddle my horse and had to lead the
charge on foot Capt Flint was SO
sure Of bagging US that he ordered the
gate shut after passing through, in
order to prevent US from escaping.
Another squadron was in the open field.
moving In our rear. It looked blue for
me, and the many shining sabers fash
ing in the hands Of the cavalrymeu as
they dashed toward us made me think
Mat ct last my Waterloo had arrived.
We were cooped up in the angle Of two
streams and surrounded by over four
times our number. with half OF my men
anprepared for fight Capt. Flint, by
dividing his command, increased my
chances Of escape at least so per cent
''In previous engagements 1 had
learned the superiority Of the pistol
ever the saber, and ordered my men to
Ess that weapon. When Capt Flint
arrived within fifty yards OF the barn
yard gate I advanced, pistol in hand,
spened the gate, aud ordered my men
that had mounted to charge. With
Wild yells they dashed into the ranks
sf the union cavalrymen. and tell you
Il was conflict that meant life or death
70 us all. When got through the
gate Harry Hatcher, brave and
valiant soldier. dismounted and gave
me his horse. which mounted quickly
and rode into the fray.
"Our tactics completely surprised
Capt Flint, who evidently thought we
would remain on the defensive. In
few seconds the captain was shot dead,
and before his men hardly knew it we
were among them with the death deal
oaG revolver. Their swords were no
more effective than wooden weapons,
and in few minutes they began to re-
treat pell-melL When they reached
the closed gate they could not open 1t,
and many perished before 1t was push
I'd down.
"All my. men performed wonders.
but 1 wish to speak OF young arti llsry
officer. Samuel F. Chapman. who quit
The study OF divinity, and. like the
roundheads OF old. went into battle
sinRing psalms. Armed with two re-
volyers and q saber he dashed into the
ensmy. a pistol in each hand. and every
ame he fred either right or left, q