JANUARY 26-27, 1863
Skirmishes near Fairfax Court-House and at Middleburg, Va.

FAUQUIER COUNTY, VA.,
February 4, 1863.

Maj. Gen. J. E. B. STUART.

        GENERAL: I arrived in this neighborhood about one week ago. Since then I have been, despite the bad weather, quite actively engaged with the enemy. The result up to this time has been the capture of 28 Yankee cavalry, together with all their horses, arms, &c. The evidence of parole I forward with this. I have also paroled a number of deserters. Col. Sir Percy Wyndham, with over 200 cavalry, came up to Middleburg last week to punish me, as he said, for my raids on his picket line. I had a slight skirmish with him, in which my loss was 3 men, captured by the falling of their horses; the enemy's loss, 1 man and 3 horses captured. He set a very nice trap a few days ago to catch me in. I went into it, but, contrary to the colonel's expectations, brought the trap off with me, killing 1: capturing 12, the balance running. The extent of the annoyance I have been to the Yankees may be judged of by the fact that, baffled in their attempts to capture me, they threaten to retaliate on citizens for my acts.
        I forward to you some correspondence I have had on the subject. The most of the infantry have left Fairfax and gone toward Fredericksburg. In Fairfax there are five or six regiments of cavalry; there are about 300 at Dranesville. They are so isolated from the rest of the command that nothing would be easier than their capture. I have harassed them so much that they do not keep their pickets over half a mile from camp. There is no artillery there. I start on another trip day after to-morrow.

I am, most respectfully, yours, &c.,
JNO. S. MOSBY.

FEBRUARY 26, 1863
Affair near Germantown, Va.

FAUQUIER COUNTY, VA., February 28, 1863.

Maj. Gen. J. E. B. STUART.

        GENERAL: I have the honor to report that at 4 o'clock on the morning of the 26th instant I attacked and routed, on the Ox road, in Fairfax, about 2 miles from Germantown, a cavalry outpost, consisting of a lieutenant and 50 men. The enemy's loss was 1 lieutenant and 3 men killed and 5 captured; number of wounded not known; also 39 horses, with all their accouterments, brought off. There were also 3 horses killed. I did not succeed in gaining the rear of the post, as I expected, having been discovered by a vedette when several hundred yards off, who fired and gave the alarm, which compelled me to charge them in front. In the terror and confusion occasioned by our terrific yells, the most of them saved themselves by taking refuge in a dense thicket, where the darkness effectually concealed them. There was also a reserve of 100 men half a mile off who might come to the rescue. Already encumbered with prisoners and horses, we were in no condition for fighting. I sustained no loss. The enemy made a small show of fight, but quickly yielded. They were in log-houses, with the chinking knocked out, and ought to have held it against a greatly superior force, as they all had carbines.
        My men behaved very gallantly, although mostly raw recruits. I had only 27 men with me. I am still receiving additions to my numbers. If you would let me have some of the dismounted men of the First Cavalry, I would undertake to mount them. I desire some written instructions from you with reference to exportation of products within the enemy's lines. I wish the bearer of this to bring back some ammunition, also some large-size envelopes and blank paroles.
        I have failed to mention the fact that the enemy pursued me as far as Middleburg without accomplishing anything.

I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. S. MOSBY.

MARCH 2, 1863
Skirmish near Aldie, Va

NEAR UPPERVILLE,
March 3, 1863.

Maj. Gen. J. E. B. STUART.

        GENERAL: Yesterday a Yankee cavalry force of about 400 men came up to Middleburg. As soon as I heard of it I hastily collected together 17 of my men and started in pursuit, having in the meantime ascertained that they had gone back. At Aldie I overtook their rear squadron, of 59 men, which I charged and routed, capturing 2 captains and 17 men, together with their arms; also 23 horses and accouterments. Two of my men were slightly wounded. I have sent all the prisoners but 2 on to Culpeper Court-House. A wounded captain was paroled.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. S. MOSBY.