Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1867 edition. Excerpt:... CHAPTER XLI. "MOSBY DISBANDS BIS FORCES AT SALEM -- FAREWELL -- MOSBY TAKES THE OATH--TEN THOUSAND DOLLAR PATRIOTISM-- SUBMISSION OF MOSBY'S MEN --CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS. THE men drawn up in line for the last time in the streets of Salem, calmly considered the fact that they must sever forever the cords which had so long bound their destinies in one common cause. It needed not the hand of the painter or poet to picture our emotions; they shone forth from every countenance, and spoke from every eye. The crisis had come; this ordeal could not be ignored; the trials of the war were severe, but this cup contained the concentrated bitterness of all our trials. Adjutant William Mosby read to the command the following farewell address: "Headquarters 43 Va. Bat. Vol. Cavalry, Fauquier Co. Va., April 21, 1865. "Soldiers: I have summoned you together for the last time. The vision we have cherished for a free and indepen31* (365) dent country has vanished, and that country is now the spoil of a conqueror. I disband your organization in preference to surrendering to our enemies. I am no longer your commander. After an association of more than two eventful years, I part from you with a just pride in the fame of your achievements, and a grateful recollection of your generous kindness to myself; and now, at this moment of bidding you a final adieu, accept the assurance of my unchanging confidence and regard. Farewell. J. S. Mosby." The common sense and eloquent simplicity of this address, with the information it conveyed, was received by the men as the fond mother receives the announcement that her offspring has departed; its words were watched as we would watch and gaze upon the form of some dear one whose life was giving out its last ebbing...