Rensselaer Republican, Volume 14, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 November 1881 — Mosby Outwitted. [ARTICLE]

Mosby Outwitted.

J. Esten Cook In Philadelphia Time*. M.sby was seldom defeated and never outwitted to my knowledge but once. The incident has never been in print, I believe, and I am assured that the partisan never related it, it was so very mortifying. It is a trifle, but may amuse the reader. Colonel Mosby had crossed the mountain-t wilh a few men into Clarke couuty, when he was informed that a Federal officer with a squad of cavalrymen was in the vicinity. The officer had stopped at “Clay Hill.” the residence of Mr. Whitiog, and Mosby made up his mind to capture officers aud men. His action was prompt, as usual. He went to Clay Hill, captured the Federal officer while he was seated at supper and carried him off prisoner to Upperville, east cf the Blue Ridge. There had been nothing at all unpleasant about the whole affair. The partisan had ridden bis favorite gray mare rn the scout, and at Upperville was s'anding beside her ready to mount, when the Federal officer sai I: ‘.‘That’s a superb aDimal, colonel.” “Yesr,” was the gratified reply of the partisan as he patted the mare’s neck. The officer sauntered closer. “A very fine animal,” be replied. “I’ll try her paejs!” And throwing himself into the saddle he disappeared at full speed, and Colonel Mosby never again saw his favorite gray mare or bis prisoner.