immediately south of the Potomac River, was infested with
guerrillas throughout the year. Colonel Mosby was their
leader. Many of their expeditions were conducted with great
boldness. Sometimes they came within a few miles of
Washington.

"On one occasion during the year they captured a passenger
train on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, between Harper's
Ferry and Martinsburg. A rail was removed, and the train thus
running off the track was brought to a stop. Their proceedings
have been thus graphically described," etc.

"They then made a final search, and saw the work was complete;
the train had been burned, a paymaster with sixty-three
thousand dollars robbed, the passengers plundered of their
hats, coats, boots, watches and money, and locking and burning
the mail, express, and baggage, they made us a boisterous
farewell."

The matter of my suggestion for a party to compete with Mosby, went
through all the channels, up to Major General Halleck, the President's
military adviser. I was informed that General Halleck approved of it, to
give me a commission as Captain and Assistant Adjutant General, to
report to the Adjutant General. This was suggested to overcome rank
restrictions. The matter, however, was delayed (I will refer to it again
in March, 1865). The war ended without this scheme being accomplished.
Meantime I declined to accept several tenders of commissions in
promotion, expecting to realize this greater recognition.

The following tenders of promotion were declined:

Headquarters 8th N. Y. Arty.
before Petersburg, Va.,
Nov. 22, 1864.

Friend Smith.

How are you old boy and how have you enjoyed yourself since I
last saw you? I am well, and full of fight as ever. We have
done some fighting since we came into the field, and would
like to have you with us.

There is a Captain's commission waiting for you if you will
accept it. If you will send answer to me immediately, I will
get it for you.

The officers of the Regiment would like to have you come. The
Regiment is commanded by Major Baker, our Colonel (Willett)
Commands the 1st Brigade, 2nd Div. 2nd Corps.

We have some good times and some d----d hard times, but I
think it will pay.

I hope you will join us as Captain.

Good Bye,
J. W. HOLMES,
Major 8th N. Y. H.