NEAR MIDDLEBURG,
October 29, 1864.
General R. E. LEE,
Commanding Army of Northern
Virginia:
GENERAL: I desire to bring through you to the notice of the
Government the brutal conduct of the enemy manifested toward citizens of this
district since their occupation of the Manassas road. When they first advanced
up the road we smashed up one of their trains, killing and wounding a large
number. In retaliation they arrested a large number of citizens living along
the line, and have been in the habit of sending an installment of them on each
train. As my command has done nothing contrary to the usages of war it seems to
me that some attempt at least ought to be made to prevent a repetition of such
barbarities. During my absence from my command the enemy captured six of my
men, near Front Royal; these were immediately hung by order and in the presence
of General Custer. They also hung another lately in Rappahannock. It is my purpose
to hang an equal number of Custer's men whenever I capture them. There was
passed by the last U.S. Congress a bill of pains and penalties against
guerrillas, and as they profess to consider my men within the definition of the
term, I think it would be well to come to some understanding with the enemy in
reference to them. The bearer of this, my adjutant, will give all the
information you desire concerning the enemy in this county. Of course I did not
allow the conduct of the enemy toward citizens to deter me from the use of any
legitimate weapon against them, but after throwing off the train they guarded
the road so heavily that no opportunities were offered for striking any
successful blow, and I thought I would be more usefully employed in annoying Sheridan's
communications. I received the list of deserters you sent me. I will do what I
can toward arresting them, but none are with my command.
Very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
JNO. S. MOSBY,
Lieutenant-Colonel.
SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume
43, Part 1 (Serial No. 91), p. 909-10
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