Showing posts with label Battle of Kelly's Ford. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Battle of Kelly's Ford. Show all posts

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Major-General Jeb Stuart to Captain John S. Mosby, March 25, 1863

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