A. General. of the 5th Corps. (I know
neither his rank or name) has his head
quarters in a large and commodious
house. which, however is situated some little
distance from the camps. and is guarded
by only a few orderlies in addition to his
own body.guard.. The spies of Mosby ap
prised him of this and he determined to cap
ture the “institution.” But his schemes were
frustrated by an accidental occurrence.
On the night chosen by Moseby for the
execution of his scheme. a Lietuenant who
was in command of the cavalry body guard
of the aforesaid Gen. had made a visit
to someone, perhaps a “lady love,” and
was returning at a late hour to camp. when
on entering a road leading directly to the
house aforesaid, he found himself in the
rear of a body of some 70 rebs. going to cap
ture the Gen. He withdrew himself without
being discovered and taking another route and
making 
^ the best of time he possibly could reached
the camp and aroused the guard to repel

     the attack. No time was to be lost
as they were already fearfully near so
every man. Gen and all tumbled out
in their shirt [illegible in original] ------- that is to say,
in an interesting state of dishabille and
formed in line behind a brush fence
to await the onset of “Mr. Moseby” who
had already formed his men in line
having captured the picket whom they
surprised asleep. and was marching to
wards the house. In grim. and I dare
say shivering silence they awaited them
until they were within 8 or ten rods
they opened upon them with revolvers
killing four or five and severely wound
ing as many more. and as the “Johnnies”
broke in dismay they rushed after them
firing upon them and wounding many 
more. They pursued in this way nearly
two miles before turning back.. The night
was cold the ground covered with snow
and scarce a man had anything
more than drawers and Shirt on

Next morning their tracks were
easily followed. and several more
wounded rebs were picked up at
houses near by. This story was told me
by one of my own men who heard an
acquaintance of his an eye witness of the
scene relate it.. I cant vouch for its truth
but it will do to tell.. Mr Dixon came to
my tent with Harvey Reynolds on the 2nd
of this month. and I had a pleasant
visit with him. for nearly an hour.. I 
was much pleased with him and most
heartily glad to see any one from Michigan
Harvey Reynolds cut his foot some ten days
ago and is likely to be laid up for some
time with it.. Al Park and Will Graham
are both well. I still live with the boys
who came here with me and shall I
think so long as we all remain here.
Will Graham is now acting Commissary Sergt
for the Company, which though not always
a very desirable position is a good one for
him this winter. as it releives him from
picket duty. which is spread on our boys
as freely as though it didn't cost anything
He is the only non-commish. of our Co. who
participated in every battle during the
last. Summers Campaigns. and I am glad
to seen him get a little respite from duty..
I am glad to hear from Rene. and know
that he is still alive. But I do not believe you can
begin to imagine what he must endure. Nor do
I suppose I can form an adequate idea. of
them though I know better than you what it
is to live on a stated and stinted supply of
supply of food. my sincere hope is that
his stay there may be an short one and
that I may live to meet him when
“this cruel war is over” I have not heard
from home since the 27nd of last month
and am anxiously waiting for one every
day. Give my best wishes to all “inquir
ing friends”.. accept the same for yourself [illegible in original]
and family.” Look out for the Curls: Miss
Laura and others. and don't forget to
write soon to your aff. Brother Ed