Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-09-05
A War Incident.
Winchester News-Item.)


One not acquainted with Lieutenant
John S. Russell. to look at him and not
knowing the part he took in the late
war, would give him credit for his
bravery, plain. modest and unassuming.
never telling what he did, but leaving 1t
to others to tell. He was one of General
Mosbys trusted lieutenants, always
ready to follow him and so wherever he
was ordered.
My informant was a member of the
command, Winchester boy, when he
Joined il. Upon one occasion a detach-
ment was resting by the roadside; Lieu
tenant Russell rode up and called for
thirty men to follow him; they responded
and advanced up the Wildwood road and
took a position in a strip OF woods. a
few of the men were ordered up the road
as n decoy TO draw a scouting party on
with orders to fall back If attacked, as
scouting parties were sent from Ninches-
ter very nearly every day. Sheridan had
his headquarters here. IL was not long
before the men saw n detachment OF the
enemy so they fell back, taking the
fields, and came to Russell, reporting
what they saw. the enemy following the
road to where RusselPs were posted.
Russell and his men made the charge,
he leading IT, and charged through the
detachment. What was his surprise TO
see a regimental flag. Knowing what II
meant, he rode back and ordered his men
TO look out for themselves. They were
closely pursued. My informants horse
was not very fast, and was in the rear.
The enemy were gaining on him; he
called to Russell to save him. Russell
commanded the men 10 halt and check
he oh xub though
temporarily. as it gave the enemy time TO
bring up their men. Russell retreated,
and again they were overtaken. and my
informant called on Russell again to save
him. Russell responded and checked the
enemy, and. turning 10 my informant,
said, "YOu little fool. take TO the woods
and ride as fast as you can" and he did,
meeting Russell and his men, who did
the same, further on, the enemy taking
another road, thinking they would cut
them off.
After the men OF Mosby's command
were butchered at Front Royal by Gus
ters order. Mosby wrote a letter to
Sheridan, telling him what Custer had
done, and that he had hung some OF
Clusters men In retaliation. and what
he intended doing If Custer continued
his mode OF warfare, Mosby called for
2 volunteer to take the letter TO Sheri-
dan, whose headquarters were in Win
chester. Lieutenant Russell responded,
knowing IL was a risky Undertaking,
even under a Dag OF truce, as he was
liable to fall I'm with Clusters command.
He started, and was halted about four
miles from Winchester on the Boyce-
VILE road. lie showed the white flag
and was ordered 10 advance, and on
approaching he told his errand. They
to l.te al
led his horse through the command. On
every side he could bear the men say,
Shoot the id rebel.
When they arrived in Winchester the
handkerchief was taken off, He was
taken before several officers and then
10 Sheridans headquarters. Lieutenant
Russell. of Sheridan's STAFF. asked him
why he came into the lines. He re
piled, II have letter from General
Mosby, with orders to deliver ii TO Gene
raj Sheridan in person" Russell CT
Sberidan's staff. said. Young man. you
appear TO be excited" He replied. IF
you had passed through what I have
in coming through your command you
would be excited, too"
Sheridan made his appearance and
dictated a reply that put an end to the
hanging business, and handed IL to Lieu
tenant Russell. They gave him big
escort of officers and men. He wanted
to go by the Berryville pike. They
thought he was trying 10 lead them
into a trap, and would not go that road,
so they escorted him out the WILDWOOD
road, and gave him 10 understand II
any of their men were molested While
escorting him they would kill him. He
told them there was no danger as long
as he was with them, and when tnea
time came for them 10 return he tSd
them he had finished his part with them,
and rode 10 Mosby's headquarters and
delivered Sheridan's reply.
Some OF our prominent merchants
were members OF Mosbys commando
They speak in the highest terms OF
Lieutenant Russelrs kindness towards
them and OF his ability as an off,
Ger In the time OF danger.