Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1898-02-01

and moved in the direction of Charles
Town. On the road learned that the
Loudoun Rangers we're camped near
Millville, Cor Keyes' Switch as we
called it then, and that most of the
Federal cavalry had gone up the val
ley, The Loudoun Rangers were
two companies composed of men
from Loudoun county and the neigh
boring country and Mosby's men had
long been desirous of capturing
them. Here was the opportunity
regiment of infantry were camped
just east of Halltown, ,picketing down
to the river, and it was necessary to
pass through this line of pickets to
reach the rangers camp. The infantry
picket was reached about 10 a. m. /,
salnted and passed without molesta-
tion, our men keeping perfectly in
rank and making no attempt to cap
ture or disturb them. The picket in
turn gave us the usual military salute
present arms" but some of the
boys who took sly glance at them
in passing say it was the most trem-
olous salute they ever witnessed.
Having gotten safely through the
picket line, rode quietly into the
Rangers camp, found them in their
cavalry tents, horses tied to stakes,
aud the men indulging in amusing
games of poker. They outnumbered
us two to one, but we were playing
the bold game, and the bold game
generally wins in war as we'll as at
cards. Surrender - was demand
ed. A general furry and commotion
followed, A few seemed disposed
to fight, but most to surrender. A few
volleys soon quieted the more pugi-
listic. Some ran for the bushes and
made good their escape, but the
greater part were made prisoners
Result of the fight was two killed,
four wounded, sixty-five prisoners.
eighty-one horses and equipments.
Our loss one wounded ed-FrankHelm,
of Warrenton, cousin of mine.
This was a pretty good beginning
for Z" Co. H." Gathering up the
prisoners, horses and equipments, we
set fire to the tents and wagons and
made off, while the infantry, in full
view, were sounding the ''long roll"
and falling into line. We crossed
the river at Keyes' Ford, and were
not pursued. General Stevenson
learns of the capture and wires Gen
eral Hancock at Winchester:
HARrER's FERRY, April 9th. 1865.
Moshy surprised camp of Loudoun Rangers
near Kcye's Ford and cleaned them out.
Made the attack about 10 O'clock 1 have
sent out some infantry. When get u report
will send you particulars.
JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brighton.
A fine grey horse, captured on this
oc casion, and the war steed of our
late friend Capt. Grubb, of Harper's s
Ferry was presented by the Company
to Col. BIosby, and the residue of
the horses and equipments divided
among the men, and the prisoners
sent South, where they arrived in
time to be set free by Gen. Lees
surrender. In June, after the close
of the war, had occasion to visit
Harper's Ferry on business. Gen'r
Egan was then in command at that
post. Was accosted on the street by
big burly yankee soldier, asking
me if my name was not Baylor.
Could not deny my name, though
unarmed and anticipating thresh-
ing. Looked around for familiar
face, but could see none. Replied
that was my name. " Then you cap
tured me at Keyes' switch" " prob
ably that was so," Ireplied. "Yes,"
said he, II know it is so and one of
your men robbed me-" "WelI," 1
said, "both sides were guilty of that
during the war" 81 know" says
he, who robbed me. 1t was Lucien
Chamberlain" Knew Lucien was
afflicted that way, so made no reply.
"You treated me-" says he, "like a
gentleman, but L want to see Lucien
Chamberlain, and want you to tell
him to come down here" Ipromised
him l would, but knew that was the
last place Lucien would be found, If
informed of his request. He then
said ''let us go take u drink" Drink
ing was not my habit, but felt so
greatly relieved from my embarrass-
ment that 1 went down the street and
took a glass of beer The message
was delivered to Chamberlain, and,
instead of going down, he left shortly