The National tribune., 1890-06-19
LOUDOUN RANGERS.
How They Wero Surrounded and Captured at Water.
fnrh

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Permit mo to
give a history of the only battalion of men re-
cruited for the United States army in the Old
Dominion, the Independent Loudoun Ran
gers" of Virginia This battalion of men was
recruited by Maj. S. @. Means, and was COM
posed of loyal natives of Loudoun County, Va.
s. G. Means was n native of Waterford, and
followed the occupation of miller. When
Virginia seeded he refused TO go with his
State, and remained truo to the Government.
He was driven from his home because of his
loyal sentiments, and took refuge within the
Union lines at Point of Rocks Nd While
there he led party of soldiers into Virginia
and captured the rebel pickot.post opposite
Point of Rocks. For this tho rebel Govern
ment offered $4,000 for his head. He had n
brother in the rebel army, who said he would
gladly earn the reward If he ever got an op-
portunity to do so. After Gen. Gary had adj
vanced his lines into Virginia, and the rebel
army fell back to Richmond, Means got per-
mission from the Secretary of War to organize
the battalion of rangers This battalion was
to be independent OF any jurisdiction or com
mand except that of the Secretary of War and
its own officers. In all other respects IL was n
part of tho United States army, being equipped
and paid by the Government. It was organ
lied TO servo as scouts and guides for the Gov
ernment forces, in which capacity it did excel
ntservce. The entire battalion was mounted
upon horses captured from disloyal citizens of
Loudoun
Chas. Webster, who was aftcrward hung in
Richmond for violation of his parole, was Drill
Sergeant and under his able supervision the
command was put in excellent fighting order.
The first engagement in which il partici-
patod was just after the second Bull Run battle.
We were then doing scout duty in Loudoun
and had our headquarters in Waterford.
Friends brought us word that the rebels were
advancing into Mary land, but from conflicting
reports we did not believe it, but. however,
took all precautionary measures against sur
prise. We placed pckets on all roads leading
into Waterford, but the rebs, dismounting,
made their way around our pickets and camo
upon us before we were aware of their presence.
We wcro quartered in the Baptist church,
brick structure. This they surrounded and
opened fire upon u.s. We returned the fire
promptly and held out against Maj. Whites
whole regiment for two hours. There were
only about 20 of us in the building, tho rest
making their way out of town, and left us to
fight them.
Webster took command, Lieut. Slater being
wounded We fought them until all our am
munition was exhausted, and we were com
PEELED to surrender; but before surrcndering
we made White promise TO parole us on tho
ground. This he did. When Webster handed
him his sword he refused it, saying he was too
brave man 10 take his sword from and allowed
him to retain il: They took our horses and
arms, allowing us our clothing In the mean
time word was sent to Harpcrs Ferry, aud Col
Cole, of Maryland, came TO our relief, but too
late the rebs having left with all their booty
IL was said that White had orders to take us
prisoners and keep us during the war. but he
found 1t impossible to fulfill his orders
After surrendering we were treated kindly
The strange sight was our shaking hands with
men of our acquaintance and former associates.
which only n few months before were OF the most
pleasant nature; but now we were our deadly
enemies. ! being from Lecsburg. was asked
by a former schoolmatc If ! intended returning |
home to which / replied by saying, No; / |
intend fighting il out if 1t takes three years.
my term of enlistment. This was the senti- |
ment of all the boys. Thus ended orr first |
acquaintance with tho enemy. More auon.- |
Rev. J. w. FoRsYTH, Gilmore City, Iowa