Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1898-01-20
NEW VOL. 33.--NO. II.

ON- wv - ~ 80 7N'''N ~
ously responded that they belonged to
the 9th Penn. Cavalry and had been
sent to that post on that day that he
would call the officer of the guard,
who, no doubt, would pass US through
and he proceeded TO make his call.
We then, for the first time, recognized
the cavalry camp on the North bank
of the canal, and our better Judgment
called for retreat, as We were largely
outnumbered.
The officer, a captain, was soon fully
satisfied of our genuineness, leaned mp
against my horse and kindly offered to
pass us through and back. But the risk
was too great Visions OF rope hOated
before me. The boys, in makipga run
on the bank in Sharpsburg, would like
" create some disturbance if their
checks were not promptly honOred,
and the troops at ShePherdstown, re-
ceivmg notice, would probably bar our
retreat and we would all, most likely
be hung up before morning In order,
however, to further allay suspicion, |
informed the captain that | did not
like the business iutrusted to me land
to his honor, be it said, he didn't eth
err and would rather he would decline
to let me pass, as thea l could 80 back
and report to General Stevenson that
he had failed to give us the counter
sign and We could not get to Sharps-
burg. To this he readily assented,
and | ordered the boys to face about,
which movement was responded to IN
double quick time, and soon we were
retracing our steps down the towpath.
We had been foiled in our monetary
enterprise and it was a sore disappoint-
ment, but we soon determined not TO 60
home emptyhanded Quickening our
gait we soon overlook the canal-boats
we had passed on our trip up, and
mules being the next best currency,
we proceeded to lay hold Of these, all
the time asserting we were the 18th
Penn. Cavalry and were impressing
them for government service. We
gathered up some 10 or l6 and took
with us the drivers to help bring them
off. The boats were loaded with con-
traband, but mothers and children
were on board and our hearts were too
tender to turn them out on that rough
night, so they escaped destruction.
We recrossed the river with our booty
and with quiet steps were soon IN the
neighborhood Of our friend VIM.
Beall's farm, when we discharged the
drivers, telling them that we could
now safely take the mules into Charles
town and they could return to their
boats. After We were out Of sight OF
them, we DETECTED from Charlestown
and recrossed the Shenandoah, near
Manning's Ferry, and laid down to
rest at our old friend Nat. Mannings 8
house, to whom, in consideration Of
his kindness, we presented some six
sets Of canal harness we had brought
off. After the war saw his team in
Charlestown ACQUIRED with that verl-
table harness.
learned, a few days afterward,
that we had caused little commotion
in the camp Of the 10Th Penn. Cavalry,
as several hardy boatmen had ap-
peared there on the next day, irately
charging their honorable command
with stealing mules; but no mules be-
ing found, the crime was laid al the
feet Of Mosby's men, the scapegoat Of
Confederate sins in these parts
General Stevenson seems to have
been a little provoked at our inter-
ruption by the 9th Penn. Cavalry, for
the following day he writes this letter ::
HARPER's FERRY. Va.
Dec. II. 1864.
Commanding Officer 9Th Penn. Cavalry.
understand that you have established
a line Of piCkets on the Potomac river,
under orders from Brigadicr General
Sullivan. interfering with the crossing
Of the Potomac river by persons with
nv passes. and also refusing TO allow
my patrols to cross Maj Gen'l Sheri-
dan has telegraphed me that Gen'l Sui
livan is not on duty. but awaiting orders
and is not authorized 30 assume any
command. This interference Of your
pickets in my military district with my
command j. all wrong. desire you
either 10 withdraw your pickets or in
struct them that they are alone 10 pre-
vent crossing Of contraband articles or
rebels. and not to interrupt loyal citizens
or troops on duty.
john d. STEVENSON,
Brig. Gen. Com. Military District,
Harper's Ferry.
1t thus seems that We were unlsw-
fully intercepted and interrupted by
the 9th Penn. Cavalry on this occa-
sion, and but for this unlawful inter-
ruption we might have been shouting
ike the fortunate back-comers from
the Klondike.