Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1912-03-07

my party watching them they paid no at
tention to us, as blue could not be dis
tinguished from gray. Chapman, with
his squadron, was soon sent toward the
rear OF the train, and Richards, with his,
to the head OF it, while took the center,
with the little Howitzer, and Capt. Sam
Chapman's company in support OF it.
The orders to Chapman and Richards
were to charge when the Howitzer fired
a signal gun. Tney were soon in posi-
ton. The shot was fired that knocked
off the head of mule and stopped the
traln-the squadrons charged and the
guard stampeded. Brig-Gen. John r.
Kenly commanded the train guard. He
was court-martialled. but acquitted ofthe
charge of having permitted a disgraceful
surprise. Some of the witnesses account
ed for it on The ground that we were
dressed in blue. This, however, was
not the case. Probably they were misled
by The fog.
A comical incident occurred that came
near marring my plan OF attack. The
Howitzer came at gallop, aud was
quickly unlimbered. But, unfortunately,
the Howitzer was placed just overa nest
of yellowiackets. They flew out from
under the ground and attacked my men
and horses and drove them from the gun
before it was loaded. My own horse
was stung and became perfectly frantic.
The moment was critical, when one OF
my men mustered courage to run up 10
the gun and drag itoff. The yellowiack-
cts, having Won the field, retired 10 their
holes; and the gun was soon mounted in
another position.
AS there was such great disparity in
force, | knew we couldn't stay there
long. The guard would soon rally, as
had no force to pursue them. Before the
tight was overl put some men TO unhltch-
the mules, others to firing the wagons.
But had an ulterior motive in making an
attack against such odds. That was TO
embarass Sheridan. As soon as he
heard OF 1t, he started back down the val
ley and did not stop until he got TO Har-
per's Ferry. He had started from there
ten Gays before. sent courier Uohn
Munson) to Gen. Lee announcing my
success. The following telegram shows
the importance he attached it, although
Gen. Lee could not at that time have an
ticipated the full effect it would have on
Sheridan'S operations
Chaffin's Bluff,
August l6, 1864.
COL Mosby reports that he attacked the
enemy's supply train near Berryville on
the 18Th; captured and destroyed Is load
ed wagons and secured over 200 prison.
ers, including several officers. between
500 and 600 hundred mules and horses,
upwards OF 200 beef-cattle, and many
valuable stores. Considerable number
OF the enemy killed and wounded. His
loss killed and 3 wounded.
X. E. LEE, General.
Hon. |. A. Seddon, Sec. OF War.
AS | saw that they were recovering
from their panic and would soon return,
| ordered mymen to stop burning wagons
and leave the field with the spoil and
prisoners in our possession. We loStabou
half on our way back, and only report
ed to Gen. Lee what had got off with
safely.
Most OF the fine beef cattle were sent
out as a present 10 Gen. Lees army.
Sheridan now conceived plan to get rid
of the annoyance ofmy battalion. There
was Capt. Blazer in his army who had
been successful as partisan in West
Virginia. SO he formed picked corps
for Capt. Blazer and armed them with
seven-shooting carbines. Their special
duty was to look after me. They did
their duty. The following dispatch shows
what were Sherdans expectations. II
is dated few days after the Berryville
affair:
Charles Town,
August 10th, 1864.
Sheridan to Augur, Washington
have 100 men who will take the con-
tract to clean up Mosby's gang. ] want
100 Spencer rifles for them. Send them
TO ME if they can be found in Washing
ton.
p. H. SHERIDAN,
Major General Commanding.
Endorsement Approved. BY order OF
the Secretary of War.
c. A. DANA,
Asst. Secretary.
The Spencer carbines were furnished
to Capt. Blazer; he soon turned them
over to me, as the following dispatch
shows:
Harper's Ferry,
November 10, 1864.
Stevens to Sheridan:
Two OF Capt. Blazers men came in
this mornirg-Privates Harris and John
son. They report that Mosby with 300
men attacked Blazer at Kabletown yes
terday about II O'Clock. They say that
entire command, with the exception OF
themselves, Vas captured or killed. |
have ordered Major Congdon with 800
Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry TO Kabie-
town to bury dead and take care OF
wounded, if any. and report all facts ne
can learn. shall Immediately furnish
report as soon as reed.
Exit Blazer.
IL 1dad N