Mosby, John S. (1833-1916) to Gaston
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01653 Author/Creator: Mosby, John S. (1833-1916) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 October 1904 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25.5 x 20.5 cm Order a Copy
Colonel Mosby, the former Confederate leader, describes a cordial meeting with President Theodore Roosevelt, the loss of his hat, boots, overcoat and cape in 1864, when captured by the 13th New York Cavalry, and the return of his hat. Discusses his desire for a photo of himself taken in December 1865. Written on Department of Justice stationary.
Department of Justice,
Washington.
[struck: Sept:] Oct: 2d. 1904.
Dear. Gaston:
I read your letter a few days ago. Last Monday I called on the President - our first meeting since he had me appointed. I sent him my card - he came out to meet me & said - "Colonel Mosby, I want to thank you for what you have done for me." (Evidently referring to my letter). I replied - "Well, I want to thank you for what you have done for me" - I had a very pleasant interview I told him I wanted to take him to Montpelier, in [struck: Madison] [inserted: Orange] Co. Va, President Madison's home - I went with Mr. Hayes there. He said - "Very well - after the Election." I replied - "The Election is over." [illegible] Since I saw [inserted: him] a lady in New York has sent me my hat - a brown felt - that her and Col. Cole, gave her. He was Lieut. Colonel of the 13th N.Y. Cavalry that wounded & captured me one night - Dec. 21st 1864 - I gave them a fictitious name - They took my hat - boots - overcoat - & gray cape. I had on a gray sack coat - 2 stars - but before they could strike a light I pulled it off - hid it laid down - was apparently dying. I shall send you another copy of the Star tomorrow with account of it - I want you to give it to Hood to copy - [2] I think I have some friends in Alabama who wd. enjoy reading it - Tell Hood I hope it wont give him as much "pain & sorrow" as the letter he published. As our friend Teddy thanked me for writing it he does not seem to have been as badly affected by it as Hood was. But I hope Hood will recover before I come back to Alabama. Now if you want to read a Contemporary account of my being wounded & captured go (or rather let Miss Daisy [illegible] & get the volume for you) to Screws office - he has the published War Records - Vol. XLIII - Series I - On the back is printed - "Shenandoah campaign [inserted: Dec. 1864] - In this volume (Dec.1864) you will find a full report of the affair by Major Frazar - also a telegram - for one [struck: by] Sheridan saying - "Mosby died from his wound yesterday." If Hood publishes send me the paper with it - [struck: Plea] I believe the pretty girl at the Advertiser Office is named Miss Julia Reece - She will look it up for you. I have a letter from Munsey saying that he wd. send me in a few days some [inserted: more] engraving, of the picture in September Munsey. I sent one to Miss Rebecca - I like the photo from wh. it was taken better than any ever made of me. It was taken December 1865 - the month I was 32 years old - in the first civilian suit I wore after the close of the war. My love to Miss Daisy & your family & to Miss Julia - Yours Truly - Jnos. Mosby
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