Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1911-12-15

san wailaIe, ana APPEALED 70 many
ill-adapted to abide the stficter dis
cipline Of regular service. These Dor.
der rangers would rendezvous under
some chosen leader, strike an unex-
pected blow where weakness had besn
discovered. then disappear as quickly
as they came. oftsntimes scattering
widely until the call went forth for
some fresh assault. 1t was service
not dissimilar to that performed dur
ing the Revolutionary struggle by
Sumter and Marion in the Carolinas,
and added in the aggregate many 4
day TO the contest Of the Confederacy.
Among these wild, rough riders be-
tween the lines no leader was more
favorably known Of our army, nor
more dreaded by the enemy, than
Mosby Daring to the point of reck-
lessness, yet wary as fox, counting
opposing numbers nothing when
weighed against the advantage Of sur
prise, tireless in saddle, audaeious In
resource, quick to plan and equally
quick to execute, he was always
where least expected, and it was
seldom he failed to win reward for
those who rode at his back. Pos
sessing regular rank in the Confed-
crate Army, making report of his op-
erations to the commanderin-chief,h his
peculiar talent as a partisan leader
had won him what was practically an
~ d<Vt as.I IL
as | did, l was not surprised that he
should now have swept suddenly out
of the black night upon the very verge
of the battle to drive his irritating
sting into the hafd-earned Federal VIC
tory
An empty army wagon, the "U. 8.
A" yet conspicuous upon its canvas
cover, had been overturned and fired
in front of the hospital tent to give
light to the raiders. Grouped about
beneath the trees, and within the glow
of the flames, was a picturesque squad
Of horsemen, hardy. tough-looking fell
lows the most Of them, their clothing
an odd mixture Of uniforms, but ev.
cry man heavily armed and admirably
equipped for service. Some remained
mounted, lounging carelessly in their
saddles, but far the larger number
were on foot, their bridle-reins wound
about their wrists. ALI alike appeared
alert and ready for any emergency.
How many composed the party | was
unable to judge with accuracy as they
constantly came and went from out
the shadows beyond the circumference
Of the fire. As all sounds OF firing
had ceased. concluded that the work
Planned had been already accom-.
plished. Undoubtedly, surprised as
they were. the small Federal force
left to guard this point had been quick.
ly overwhelmed and scattered.
The excitement attendant upon my
release had left mo for the time being
utterly forgetful as to the pain or my
wounds, so that weakness alone held
me to the blanket upon which had
been left. Tha night was oecidely
chilly, yet had scarcely begun to
feel It's discomfort, when a man strobe
forward from out Of the nearer group
and stood looking Gown upon me. He
was a young fellow. wearing a gray
artillery jacket, with high cavalry
boots coming above the knees. I no
ticed hts firmly set jaw, and pearl
handled revolver stuck carelessly in
his belt, but observed no symbol OF
rank about him.
''Is this Captain Wayne?" he asked.
not unpleasantly.
l answered by an inclination of the
head, and he turned at once toward
the others
"Cass, bring three men over here,
and carry this officer to the same
wagon you did the Others" he COM
manded briefly. Fix him comfort
ably, but be in hurry about it,"
They lifted me in the blanket, one
holding tightly at either corner, and
bore me tendsrly out into the night.
Once one Of them tnpped over pro-
jecting root, and the sudden jar Of his
stumble shot a spasn of pain through
me. which caused me to cry out even
through my chnched teeth.
Pardon me, lads," painted,
ashamed of the weakness. but it
slipped out before could help it."
Don't be after q mentionin' av it.
Yer honor" returned a rich brogue.
rQ@sra ma Ro>A ~-~& On ,.l-zs z.-