Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 3.djvu/1130

1058 Lee, in his report of Confederate successes during the winter, noticed that Lieutenant Mosby had done much to harass the enemy, attacking him boldly on many occasions and capturing many prisoners. Thus began his famous operations, which continued throughout the war, and contributed in no slight degree to the success of the army. While in a sense independent, his command was always a part of the cavalry of the army, and he made reports regularly to General Stuart or Lee. During this period he was still of youthful appearance—was not of imposing frame, scarcely of medium height. In manner he was undemonstrative, but his brilliant gray eye revealed the gallant and indomitable spirit of the man. In friendship he was warm and tenacious. His mode of warfare, the object of which was to cut off the enemy's supplies and disturb his communications, was the same that made Platoff the hero of Russia during the French invasion, and was commended by Jomini. His men had no superiors in the saddle and were expert pistol shots. They used neither sabers, nor carbines. They were never very numerous, but what they lacked in numbers was compensated for by high intelligence, inspired by reckless daring. Among them were some who deserve to rank with the heroes of romance. His rank in March, 1863, was captain, but he was soon promoted major, and toward the close of the war had the rank of colonel. Often large forces were sent against him, but he always evaded and frequently defeated them, capturing many prisoners. In March, 1863, he captured the Federal General Stoughton, in camp near Fairfax, and a number of his men. During the battle of Chancellorsville he attacked a Federal cavalry brigade, capturing several hundred prisoners. Near Chantilly, again, he defeated a large body of Federal cavalry, leading General Lee to exclaim: "Hurrah for Mosby! I wish I had a hundred like him." Near Dranesville, with 65 men, he defeated 200 of the enemy and captured 83 prisoners. One of his most daring adventures was a reconnoissance in the Federal lines, by order of General Lee, after the battle of Chancellorsville, in which he and one companion captured six men, and with two of them, rode undetected past a column of Federal cavalry. On another occasion he rode in sight of the Washington capitol, and by a countryman, sent President Lincoln a lock of his hair, a token which Lincoln's keen sense of humor fully appreciated. In addition to the numberless encounters along the border, he was of valuable service to Stuart in all his famous raids, including the movement into Pennsylvania, preceding the battle of Gettysburg. Another very important service was his defeat of Sheridan's plan to join Grant, in the fall of 1864, by rendering it impossible for the Federals to rebuild the Manassas Gap railroad, necessary to furnish Sheridan supplies and transportation. After the surrender at Appomattox, it was understood that he was not to be included in the terms granted to Lee, and on April 18th he made a truce with General Hancock at Winchester, pending negotiations. General Grant secured proper treatment of the brave officer and he surrendered at Salem, April 21, 1865, having then 600 men in line. His subsequent life was influenced greatly by the strong friendship between him and the great general who had ordered his honorable parole. He supported the candidacy of Grant for the presidency as the best way to restore amity in the Union, but declined office. Finally accepting