Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1898-01-27
From the Spirit of Jefferson.
eco, Bu Makes Another Draft in Mules.

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monetary affairs were as poor fnan-
ciers as the Palmer bucknerites Of the
present day; better capacities for hand
ling mules than finance. Recognizing
our natural abilities, we made another
venture in the former branch Of trade.
Having rested our horses and selves,
and receiving information that the
Federal post at Summit Point was en-
gagged in cutting and hauling off the
timber of citizens in that vicinity, on
the 10Th day of December 1864, with
some twenty men, dash was made
among the woodchoppers and haulers
about a-half mile west of the station,
and without any resistance twenty
prisoners were captured and a like
number of mules and harness, in full
view Of the infantry force Of the ene-
my, which, instead OF coming 10 the
rescue of their comrades, took refuge
in the block-house near by and per-
mitted us to ride off unmolested with
our booty.
The boys had some fun on retreat
at the expense of one of the prisoners.
Several inches of snow covered the
ground, and to expedite our march the
prisoners were required to ride the
captured mules. Among the number
was one that soon gave evidence Of
strong Rebel propensities, by refusing
to act as war steed for Yankee, and
scarcely had the blus-coat landed
across its back, than with hump and
few broncho jumps, it landed its bur
den in the snow. The fellow was rath-
er averse to trying the steed again
but few not very mild persuaders
from our boys soon changed his mind
and he was landed on his mule, and
in turn with some circus antics he
found himself foundering in the snow.
The poor fellow now begged heartily
to be excused and expressed decided
preference for walking, but his scru-
pies against mule riding were soon
forcibly removed and be backed the
animal again. This time, with de-
termined resolution, be clinched his
feet under the mules belly, grasped
firm hold on the harness, and success
fully resisted every effort Of the beast
to dislodge him, winning the plaudits
and concentrations of friends and foes
alike
The booty was brought off safely,
prisoners sent South, and mules ap-
portioned. Christmas week was spent
among friends in Jefferson and Lou
doun counties, enjoying the hospitality
of a generous and patriotic people.
On the 9th of December Charlie
Henderson, Willie Mason and myself
spent the night with our friend, Mr..
Henry Castleman, a gentleman in
whose house every Confederate soldier
met a warm welcome and a royal en-
tertainment for the time and resources.
Having spent an agreeable night, as
we were taking leave in the morning
our host informed us as profound Sc
cret that at 2 p. m. on that day he
was invited to dine with some neigh
bors and friends at Mr.. R. H. Butch
ers, (who lived short distance across
the feld,) and suggested it might be
agreeable for US to happen in there
about that time and enjoy good square
meal. We gladly accepted the tempt
ing suggestion and promised faithfully
not to betray him. The morning was
spent in scouting around Summit Point
in quest of an opening for raid, ar
rived at Mr.. Butchers litter after
the appointed hour and found the
neighbors, inclusive Of our friend, seat
ed at the table enjoying a royal feast.
We were invited, of course, to partake,
and with as much modesty and sur
prise as we could assume, reluctantly
accepted. The Federal cavalry, at
that time, were in the daily habit OF
making scouts in this neighborhood,
and the host and his guests were ap-
prehensive lest we should be discov-
cred at the banquet and occasion the
arrest and Imprisonment Of the whole
party. This fear produced very un-
appetizing effect upon them all, except
our friend and colluder, Mr.. Castleman,
who seemed really to enjoy the Occa-
sion and the discontinue of his neigh
bors. Filling up ourselves, like cam
els about 10 cross the Great Sahara,
..J 49,. Lo,-sas II baJa oJ;eu.