The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1914-08-13

duty 10 remain behind and see that
these wagons were loaded. He therefore
sent the wagons containing subsistence
stores ahead with the train, under Cant
Z. p. Mckinney. commissary of subsist
ence of the brigade. This had a deter
mining effect in the loss Of the cavalry
train.
Surprise at Dawn.
The Weather being hot and dry and
the teams new and green, progress Of
the long train was slow. After nightfau
malt was made a mile from Berryyille
TO water the animals Gen. Kenly was-so
anxious to get the train forward that he
would not allow the men time to make
conee. He felt that he was in a dan
gerous part Of his route and wished I,
get the train across opequon Creek be-
fore daybreak
The head Of the train was in motion
again before midnight, and, passing
through Berryville, was across the One
quon at dawn. At that time the rear of
the train. consisting of about seventy five
wagons Of the Cavalry Reserve Brigade,
was still halted at the stream. with ami
mails unhitched and teamsters asleep
This was contrary to orders
without the slightest warning the re-
port OF small cannon. on a wooden
knoll on the east side of the road. aroused
the sleepers. and a shell burst among
them. second and third shell. placed
with uncomfortable accuracy, followed
the first.
Then line of gray skirmishers was
seen emerging from some woods. and
making for the camp with piercing Wells.
some OF the teamsters tried to hitch UP
their animals, but before 1t could be done
the graycoats were among them. The
hundred-days men, terrified as much by
NJ he
threw down their guns and ran
In a very few minutes Mosby's rangers
were in command OF the train They at
once fired the wagons that contained
stores, and ransacked those containing
officers baggage and portable articles. In
their excitement and haste they over
looked chest containing $4,000. with
which paymaster was proceeding to the
front to pay off the troops. CThis was
recovered by the Federals next day.)
Escape Over Mountains.
In two hours Mosby's command had
finished their work. and, with their pris-
oners and their booty, were ready to de-
part from the scene. A quick retreat was
necessary. for Federal cavalry, then rid
ing hard from below Winchester, might
soon be expected to dash through Berry
willie.
Ordering THE whole command to make
rapid march to Rectortown, q miles
away, in Fauquier. County, across the
Blue Ridge Aosby started the head of
his column for the Shenandoah.
1T was the most extraordinary process
sion that ever headed for that historic
stream" writes John N. Munson. a Mos
by ranger, in his memoirs. Our cap
tives were on foot, while VIC were mount
ed A number OF the rangers had decked
themselves out with the fine uniforms
found in the baggage of the Northern
officers. Some of the coats were turned
inside out to display the me Innings.
From one OF the wagons we had resIr-
rected lot of musical instruments, and
the leaders Of the mounted vanguard
made the morning hideous with attempts
to play plantation melodies on tuneIess
fddles.
No more motley throng ever came
back from successful raid. There was
a song on every mans lips, and those
who mad sung themselves hOarse waved
CAPTURED flags"
Thus with their booty and their prIs-
oilers, and with the long line Of captured
heeYeSS "wallowing along in the hot dust
OF that August mOrning. the steam rising
from the bodies and saliva dripping from
the EIouths Of tat steers" the PROCESSION
came to the Shenandoah at Castlen:ans
Ferry.
Down the turnpike into the rushing
Shenandoah, regardless OF ford or LASS,
dashed the whole cavaicade: some swim
mirg, some wading, others finding fer
rlage at the tail of a horse or steer.
We crossed the mountains at breaknscIx
pace. made rapid descent into the Piei-
IpmS Valley, AMI at O'Clock that alter
noon, with all hands present, the cap
tured property was divided at Rector
nrb.
Enc teef was driven on to Lees army, |
Ia front of Petersburg. Mosby, e;at=d by
his success, now turned again toward the |
b.Ue Ridge, to watch for another CT auce
II infiit ting a sharp pin prick Upon sher'- |
Gan.
Copyright. 1911
Tomorrow; Grant Attacks Lees
Left