The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-12-03
A NEW AND INIEKEs ING BOOK.

In the late spring of 1862 Heros Won
Borcke, a young officer of noble family in
the Prussian army came through the
blockade TO Charleston, South Carolina,
en- route 10 Richmond, where he offered his
sword to the Confederate States for the
war that was then fragrant. on being ask
ed few years back why he came here
and why he chose our side rather than
the northern side, he said that arms were
his profession, and that he naturally want
ed, therefore, to see some actual war.
That he took our side because ne learned
that the northern side was the side Of the
boot-blacks. while ours was the side OF
the gentlemen. We are not endorsing this
opinion, but giving it as Won Borcke stat
ed it.
On reporting at Richmond to the Secre-
tary Of War. the day before the battle OF
Seven Pines, the Secretary sent him to
the headquarters Of General j. l.. b.
Stuart to serve on his staff Won Borcke
has given the following account Of what oc-
CURED when he reported TO Stuart lie says
Stuart received him very ungraciously.
saying that the Secretary OF War seemed
disposed to send him every straggler that
came along, for service on his staff. Won
Borcke was a little affronted at this. but
in view Of the battle that was imminent,
he pocketed his pride. and next day was OF
most essential service in cutting Stuart out
of a body of the enemy by whom he got
surrounded. Stuart was so pleased with
his gallant conduct that he told him after
the battle, you will do. | will keep you"
He subsequently filed the place of chief
of staff for some time for Stuart. lie was
present at the great cavalry battle which
took place at Brandy Station on the 9Th
OF June. 1868, and bore a very important
part in it.
Another officer in the Prussian army.
Captain Scheibert, also came here TO wit
ness our struggle. lie was sent by his
government to observe and report military
events for the benefit Of the Prussian
army. Both Scheibert and Won Borcke re-
turned to their own country after our war
was over, and they have now Jointly
written and published in German a his
tory Of the battle of Brandy station.
The Times intends to translate and print
a considerable part, perhaps all, of their
book, In its Sunday issues, and it pre-
sents its readers this morning with the
first instalment. We shall follow IT here
after on Sundays.
The gentlemen in their preface say that
the battle at Brandy Station was he
greatest cavalry battle that has ever been
fought since the days of the first Napo-
leon. This is undoubtedly true. and WHY
a complete account of it has never before
been written, is hard to understand The
work is now done, however. and well dora
The book contains a good deal of Der.
sonal and other matter that will interest
all old Confederates.
Amongst the illustrations there is a
spirited picture OF Colonel Won Borcke
leading the charge Of Robertson's brigade
IN the battle. with that same immense
sword in his hand which a few years
back he presented TO the State of yir-
sihia' which was accepted by her by act
OF her Legislature. and which now hangs
IN the Capitol Library. Colonel Won Borcka
In mat charge cleft a mans head in twain
with that sword, and there were MANY
iesehus IN the cavalry corps of similar
performances by him with the same
weapon.