Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1894-08-05
f Daring Deed
=. by Rosby.

hardshipS Of war there ever hangs over
a battlefield mist shrOuding its hide
Gus details In the softsned light OF ro-
nance. Aud even those who have
most kesnly felt the shock OF conflict in
after years look back with certain
tenderness on those days that are no
moreover though those days were
passed in a hospital or in the heat Of
long marches.
Nothing thrills Us more than the fear
less deeds OF dauntless men, for bravery
Is something we admire In a foe and
worship 10 q friend. And though the
war has not yet faded into the past,
leaving US only a memory Of its glory,
there were during It's struggles as ex-
citing adventures as ever Richard en-
countered on the field OF Palestine or
the Knights Of the Round Table recited
20 their lady loves ia the rose bowers OF
merrie England.
Few exploits excel in interest the
raids OF the partisan chief, MOsoy, and
conspicuous among them was the cap
ture OF Brigadisr-General Stoughton at
Fairfax Court House in the spring OF
1868.
During the civil conflict the upper
portion Of northern Virginia was
known as "Mosbg's COnfederacy,
and here the partisan chief
reizned supreme. With small
band Of men be made life burden TO
the Federal army by tearing up their
railroads, capturing their detachments
aud burning their wagon trains. Force
after force was sent 10 dislodge him,
bu. il was frujtless task, for gathering
his men be would descend on toe foe
with the swift stroke OF al eagle and
put 10 fight the enemies who sought 70
capture him.
In March General Stoughtou was sta
toned at Fairfax Court House, and a
considerable detachment Of men and
horses was Quartered in the town. This
Iitt,e village is situated about twenty
five miles from the Capital, aud Is one
of the most ancient in the Old Dominion.
10 fact, 1t can scarcely be dignided by
the name OF a town, for 10 consists or
only few farm houses Struggling along
= dusty country road.
Though Insignificant in size this viii
lage is not devoid OK historic interest,
for here is preserved WaShingtOn'S
original will, and here were fired the
first shots OF the rebellion.
But the Union Genera cared little for
the sacred memories of history. From
his headquarters q. the rectOry be kept
3 sharp lookout for the rangers, on
whose capture he was determined. But
somehow Mosby, ever lowering near,
never came within his grasp.
One night Ia the early part Of March
General Stoughton gave little party
81 his headquarters, aud the fun grew
fast aud furious as the evening waned.
10 fact, when the General had been
luiled into slUmbsr be was more OF
worshipper at the shrine OF Bacchus
thsn at Mars. Outside 10 was cold,
and the rain, which had begun
early Ia the evening, poured steadily
al night. Down in the woods near
Chantiny q small band Of cavaIrymen
came trottiUg slowly, and at their head,
RYaDped in a heavy gray coat, with
g0uch hat pulled low over his eyes,
rode the chief OF the rangers. Not
sound was heard except the soft splash
OF the horses hOofs IN the muddy road
Rnd the rain dripping through the rain
swept trees.
on nearing the town Of Fairfax the
Attie company halted and one OF them
~ the telegraph wire leading TO the
station near by. Thus StoUghtOn was
cut of from communication with the
officers at other posts Again the band
took up its line OF march, and as they
reached the outskirts OF the village
they passed the brightly burning camp
fires OF the evenly aud came
within a few rods OF the SentinelS
slowly pacing their beats in the dark
ness and the rain. But no enc chal-
lenged them, for who would dream that
a rebel would venture thus within the
very lines OF the enemy?
About two o'clock the rangers crept
INFO the village where every one was
seeping SouUdiy aud only a feeble
light from q few windows showed the
mel In gray vending their way dowa
the deserted streets. Yet no ore heard
or saw the Cayalcada IS 10 passed
Eear the ouJposts OF the enemy.
On reaching the center Of the town
MOsby halted his men aud, leaving two
OF them on guard, set out with ther rest
20 visit friend on the outskirts Of the
village. One OF the sentries left was
Ames, s deserter FROM the Union army
who had Joined the rangers and now
pursued his former comrades with re-
lent.ess hatred. As Ames stood patient
y waiting a sentinel approached and
demanded who stood there.
Brown, OF the Fifth New York Cav
airy, replied Ames, and sentry was
about % pass on, apparently satisfied,
@hen AmeS called him in return. Bend
ing over the man as Il 20 whisper some
thing Ames placed the point Of pistol
against his forehead and told him be
was Il prisoner
To a few minutes the partisan re-
turned, and dividing his men into two
bands, sent Que % secure the enemy's
horses, aud, with six followers, set out
for St9uEhtou's headquarters at the
rectOry. This pretty house was q large,
clc-iashioHed Southern mansion, stu
atsd no a pretty grove about hundred
Yards from the road. NOiSeiessiy open
Ing the gate, MOsDy and his men stole
toward the house, which stood silent
and dark 10 the shadows Of the trees.
DsmOunting, MoSby strobe up to the
porch and knocked loudly at the door.
To few moments a window in a room
above few out, head was poked out
and q sleepy voice demanded who was
rhere.
Dispatches for General StOughtoD,"
called out the partisan chief. The win
dow was closed and shortly afterward
one OF StOughton's stan officers appeared
al the door. Brushing past the officer,
MOs0Y and his men proceeded upstairs
and entered SloughtOn's room. The
Union General lay quietly sleeping,
never dreaming Of the danger BY which
be was surrounded. With q rough shake
the ranger awOke him.
WHAT in the devil is the matter?"
ousried the irritated officer. sitting nm