HDQRS. CAV. DIV., ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
March 25, 1863.
[Capt. JOHN S.
MOSBY:]
DEAR CAPTAIN: I
inclose your evidence of appointment by the President in the Provisional Army
of the Confederate States. You will perceive by General Lee's accompanying
instructions that you will be continued in your present sphere of conduct and
enterprise, and already a captain, you will proceed to organize a band of
permanent followers for the war, but by all means ignore the term “Partisan
Ranger.” It is in bad repute. Call your command “Mosby's Regulars,” and it will
give it a tone of meaning and solid worth which all the world will soon
recognize, and you will inscribe that name of a fearless band of heroes on the
pages of our country's history, and enshrine it in the hearts of a grateful
people. Let “Mosby's Regulars” be a name of pride with friends and respectful
trepidation with enemies.
You will have to be
very much on your guard against incorporating in your command deserters from
other branches of the service. Insist upon the most unequivocal evidence of
honorable discharge in all cases. Non conscripts under and over age will be
very advantageous. Their entry into service must be unconditional, excepting
that you are their captain, and their lieutenants to be chosen by the men,
provided no unworthy man be so chosen. As there is no time within which you are
required to raise this command, you ought to be very fastidious in choosing
your men, and make them always stand the test of battle and temptation to
neglect duty before acceptance.
I was greatly
obliged to you for the saddle of Stoughton. I wish you would send me whatever
evidence you may be able to furnish of Miss Ford's innocence of the charge of
having guided you in your exploit at Fairfax, so that I can insist upon her
unconditional release.
We must have that
unprincipled scoundrel Wyndham. Can you catch him? Do not get caught.
I send you an order
about our fight at Kellysville. It was a hard fight, and a glorious one for us,
but the loss of the “gallant Pelham" has thrown a shadow of gloom over us
not soon to pass away. Beckham will succeed him. Be vigilant about your own
safety, and do not have any established headquarters anywhere but “in the
saddle.”
I hope Mrs. Mosby
reached you in safety. My regards to her if still with you. Your praise is on
every lip, and the compliment the President has paid you is as marked as it is
deserved.
Very truly, yours,
J. E. B. STUART,
Major-general.
SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume
25, Part 2 (Serial No. 40), p. 857-8
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