Honoring the War Horse-So many unknown though

[Blue.Raider88]

I'll submit just one more for your consideration .....

Jo Shelby's Mule

The Union folks away up north were one time much afraid,
'Bout something coming from the South, they said it was a raid.
Now I will tell you what it was, if you will just keep cool—
It had long ears, and a long slick tail, and called Jo Shelby's Mule.

CHORUS
Shout Boys, make a noise, the Yankees are afraid
That something's up and hell's to pay when Shelby's on a raid.

Once this mule went on a spree, up close to Lexington,
And every time he gave a snort he made the Blue Coats run.
Coming back through “Old Saline” he got into a trap,
He seared Old Brown, kicked up his heels, and came back safe to Pap.

Once I went to see Old Abe and found him in a rage,
Because this mule had started north, and just then crossed “sage.
Indeed, his anger knew no bounds, says I, “Sir, pray keep cool.”
“I can't,” said he, “I've lost so much by Shelby's long tailed Mule.”

“Old Rosy” got a long dispatch, which came from way down East. Saying,
“Take some thirty thousand men and try to catch that beast.”
To obey orders he was bound, but said Abe was a fool,
And hadn't halter strong enough to hold Jo Shelby's Mule.

Some say our State did not secede, but let me tell you now;
That if she did or if she didn't we'll have her anyhow.
Let us alone, we'll do the same, that is the Southern rule;
If that won't do we'll pack the State down South on Shelby's Mule.

[M E Wolf]

Dear Blue.Raider,

Do you have an Jessie James' outfit/unit that can go along with riding "Stonewall?"

As for Jo Shelby's Mule -- it is a poem but, I don't see any connection with a person, e.g. Sergeant Joe Smith, CSA Cavalry/USA Cavalry, etc.

The intent, is identifying owner/riders to horse's names.

Respectfully,
M. E. Wolf

[Blue.Raider88]

Sorry Sir,

I don't think the song refers to a specific mule. On the contrary, I think it refers to Gen. Joseph O. Shelby's Iron Brigade. "J.E.B Stuart may have ridden around Little Mac, but J.O. Shelby rode around Missouri." Back in the day, in the Trans-Mississippi Theater, it was as well known a ballad as "Bonnie Blue Flag" and "Dixie".

I reckon Pvt. Jesse W. James rode "Stonewall" with Capt. W. T. Anderson's Company of Col. W.C Quantrill's Partisan Ranger Brigade.

Respectfully.

[M E Wolf]

Dear Blue.Raider,

I will agree with Private Jesse James' horse--as it was an active horse-rider team in the Civil War.

The hope, is matching names of horses and their riders, as to hopefully give them honor.

Thank you very much for the additional information connecting James' group assignment.

Sincere respects,
M. E. Wolf

[Blue.Raider88]

Sir,

I almost forgot, Maj. Gen. Sterling Price rode "Bucephulas" on his 1864 raid through Missouri.

He reported to Kirby Smith that he "marched 1,434 miles, fought 43 battles and skirmishes, captured and paroled over 3,000 Federal officers and men, captured 18 pieces of artillery ... and destroyed Missouri property ... of $10,000,000 in value." It was the final major offensive in the Trans-Mississippi during the war.

Respectfully.

[M E Wolf]

Dear Blue.Raider,

Wonderful, in regard to Major General Sterling Price's horse - Bucephalas.

This is a wonderful addition to the Civil War horse list.

For those who do not know the meaning of Bucephalas, it means - 'head like an ox.' Prince, soon to be King Alexander met this horse to whom was named Bucephalas. The horse was frightened, being wild and untrained, seeing something added to his shadow; so dumped many riders. The keen notice of Prince Alexander, saw the situation and turned the horse so the shadow was behind the horse and couldn't see. Kindness and trust was built and became a famous equestrian pair.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

[Blue.Raider88]

There use to be a guy on this fourm that rode a big buckskin horse he called Bucephalus. Do you all remember him? I ain't seen hide nor hair out of him in more'n a year.

http://civilwartalk.com/forums/new-r...html#post71570

Whatever happened to that boy? Did the Dang Yankees finally lynch him?

[M E Wolf]

Dear Blue Raider,

I have to say, I have not been on this forum long at all. So, I have not had the pleasure.

His horse though, is a definate American Quarter Horse.

Respectfully submitted,
M. E. Wolf

Post script -- I don't think Yankees would lynch the gentleman; but--they might have taken that lovely horse. [Grins/teasing]

[Blue.Raider88]

Sir,

Submitted for your consideration ....

Col. Thomas H. Hunt (Gen. John Hunt Morgan's uncle Tom) recruited and led the 9th Kentucky Infantry. He new every man in the regiment by name. He rode "Old Pomp" during Bragg's Kentucky Invasion to liberate the state from Yankee occupation.

..... and don't kid yourself, the Yankees were as fond of using the rope as they were of stealing horses.

[M E Wolf]

Dear Blue Raider,

I thank you for Colonel Thomas H. Hunt's horse "Old Pomp" information.
I am thrilled for these fine additions.

When it comes to fine horseflesh--Yanks and Rebs wouldn't mind taking them and leaving their former riders on foot per se. Nobody's side were 'angels' when it came from stealing horses.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted,
M. E. Wolf