Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1895-05-29
GEN. Rosser's Romance.

Gen. hOmaS L.. hOSSer, VINO maze sucn
a gallant fight against Colonel O'Ferrall.
was one of the bravest and most dashing
cavalry officers in The Confederate service,
as handsome as be was brave, aud as
adept in the art of Irritation as he was
skilled 10 the tactics of war. Among his
numerous engagements, his raid on Bev-
erly, West Va, has fingered the longest
in his memory, not so much because of
the raid itself as of its denouement.
In the wee sma' hours of certain
night in January, 1862. party of Union
officers were indulging in the pleasures
of ball in the little town unaware that
the dashing Rosser, with his cavalry, was
riding fast upon them. As they entered
the town they made straight for the hall,
which was the only lighted building at
that time of night, and they went, too,
with the din of exploding firearms and the
blood-curdliug Confederate yell. Gener
al Rosser was riding at the head Of his
column, and, just before they reached The
hal, where CONSERVATION reigued equal To
that that Byron tells about in Belgium 5
Capital" he saw a lady and gentleman
run across the street in front Of his ad-
vancng column and disappear in house,
but, in the excitement of the capture and
The coufscaiion Of such stores as be could
not take with him, they were not pursued.
About nine o'clock that morning mu-
latto boy brought him a note from Mrs
Blank, asking the favor of his company
to breakfast. He knew that meant a
rebel sympalhizer, SO he wrole courIly
acceptance, although he was suffering from
slight wound, which he had received
during the melee. Mrs Blank was a
lovely, white haired old lady of the South
ern type, while her daughler-ah was
simply exquisite, and caplivaled without
delay the heart Of the young cavalrymaD.
Girls were 50 different then than they are
now, and, given to romantic surroundings.
what more natural than very pronounc-
ed Irritation.
But the orderlies kept running in for
instructions, and rs General ROssers an.
noyance was noticeable, the young lady
suggested that they 60 upstairs to "molh-
er's room" and leave the mulatto boy to
say he was engaged. Well, the time ol
his stay was short; Union forces were
gathering and the Confederates must leave
that night. Vows Of love aud undying
conslancy were exchanged, and it was
with a sadly shattered heart that the
doughty general marched away few
hours later.
At the close of the war he went TO Bal
timore, where be was made supcrinieud-
ent of the water works. One night at the
hotel friend introduced him to Cap
tain Brown, who on hearing his name
laughed outright. General Rosser is al
all times a gentleman, and naturally he
resented such treatment. He could moi
look at the man but what he caught him
smiling at him, and finally he burst out
with:
"Well, sir, may ask what there is in
my appearance to cause your laughter p
Certainly General" was the friendly
reply. "If yon will step away from these
gentlemen | will tell you"
When they were beyond earshot be
asked.
did YOU lead raid on Beverly, West
Va, in January. 1862"
81 did"
you took breakfast with Mrs. Blank
that morning, didn't you? p
ayes" was General Rosser's astonished
reply, for be could not place the man be-
fore him.
well, didn't you 90 up into mothers
room with Miss Blank, and didn't you
make desperate love to herr"
IL did, but how in thunder do you
happen to know all about II"
"Oh, / was under the bed"
He was the officer who had crossed the
street with Miss Blank, and after seeing
her TO a place Of safety, found his own
escape cut off. So. unknown to the fami-
ly, be returned to the house, and BY a
rear entrance gained her mothers room
and hid undar tho bed ychera ha staid nm.