Civil War fact of the day. On this day in 1864, John S. Mosby submitted a report that detailed his activities over the past several months. Included below is the portion from August 9 forward, which includes his involvement in the 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign. If you want to learn more about that campaign, come to our book talk this Saturday at the MOC-Richmond. moc.org/event/bloody-autumn-shenandoah-valley-campaign-1864-book-talk No. 5. Reports of Lieutenant Colonel John S. Mosby, Forty-third Virginia Cavalry Battalion. HDQRS. 43RD VIRGINIA PARTISAN RANGER BATTALION, September 11, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit, for the information of the commanding general, the following brief report of the operations of this command since the 1st day of March last:* On August 9, with a detachment of thirty-seven men, I defeated a body of 100 cavalry at Fairfax Station, killing the captain commanding and 6 men, and capturing 21 prisoners and 34 horses. Two detachments sent out at the same time in Fairfax brought in 6 more prisoners and horses; another detachment of five sent to Duffields Depot brought in 10 prisoners whit their horses, &c. On the morning of August 13 I attacked, near Berryville, the enemys supply train, which was guarded by some 700 or 800 infantry and cavalry, under command of Brigadier-General Kenly. Completely routed the guard, with a loss of over 200 prisoners, including 3 lieutenants, besides several killed and wounded. Captured and destroyed 75 loaded wagons, and secured over 200 head of beef-cattle, between 500 and 600 horses and mules, and many valuable stores. My loss 2 killed and 3 wounded. My force numbered something over 300 men, with two mountain howitzers. One howitzer became disabled before being brought into action by breaking of the carriage. Too much praise cannot be awarded to Captain Richards and William Chapman, commanding their respective squadrons, for the bravery with which they scattered largely superior forces of the enemy. The gallant Captain Sam Chapman, commanding Company E, although burning for the stiff, was prudently held in reserve. A few days after this Lieutenant Glascock, with fourteen men, captured 29 prisoners, including several officers, with their horses, arms, &c., near Kernstown. At the same time Captain Richards, with a small squad, killed a captain and captured 7 or 8 men and horses near Charlestown. About August 20 I crossed whit my command at Snickers Gap, the enemy being near Berryville, sending the larger portion, under Captain William Chapman, to operate around Berryville and restrain the enemy from devastating the country. With a small detachment i went to their rear, near Charlestown, and captured 12 prisoners and 10 horses. Captain Chapman, coming upon a portion of the enemys cavalry which was engaged in burning houses, attacked and routed them. Such was the indignation of our men at witnessing some of the finest residences in that portion of the State enveloped in flames that no quarter was shown, and about 25 of them were shot to death for their villainy. about 30 horses were brought off, but no prisoners. On Friday, September 3, with a squad of six men, I attack the enemys outposts in Fairfax, mortally wounding 1 and capturing 6 men and 11 horses. On Sunday, September 5, I sent Captain Sam Chapman, in command of Companies C and E, to harass the enemy around Berryville, while I made a detour to gain their rear near Charlestown. Arriving at the river, I left the two companies that were with me (A and B), under Lieutenant Nelson, on the east bank of the river, while, with six more, I went on a reconnaissance across previous to carrying my whole force over. Some time after a force of the enemys cavalry crossed the mountain in their rear, surprised and stampeded them, killing 1, wounding 3 and capturing 3. One of the enemys cavalry was killed and 5 wounded. With the six men with me I succeeded in capturing and bringing out safety about 25 prisoners, 2 ambulances, and 18 horses. Captain Chapman routed a largely superior force near Berryville, killing and wounding some 15 or 20, besides securing over 30 prisoners, including a captain and lieutenant, with their horses, arms, &c. On September 8, with about thirty men, having gained a position in the enemys rear near Charlestown, I divided the command for greater safety. One portion, under Captain Richards, captured a captain and 12 men, with their horses, &c.; with mine I captured a lieutenant and 5 men, with their horses, &c. I have made no attempt, for it would be impassible, to embrace in this report a full recital of the innumerable affairs with the enemy in which the heroism of both men and officers of this command has been illustrated; yet the fame of their deeds will still live in the grateful remembrance of those who homes and whose firesides their valor had defended. I have honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. S. MOSBY, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 13:55:10 +0000
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