Civil War Confederate Officer. With earnest devotion to the southern cause, this native of Clarke County, Virginia became a competent and skilled scout in John Mosby's 43rd Battalion of Cavalry. Described by contempories as having "great shrewdness and nerve, and an instinctive knowledge of men", Russell, who ultimately earned the rank of Lieutenant, was a top aide to Mosby – a man that this legendary cavalry chief came to depend on before, during and after scores of successful attacks upon the Federals in Northern Virginia and Maryland. His knowledge of the area that became known as "Mosby's Confederacy" was pivotal to Mosby's operations. He is remembered as the one who delivered Mosby's "measure for measure" communiqué to Union General Philip Sheridan after the execution of 7 Confederate troopers in and near Front Royal, Virginia and the subsequent retaliatory executions of Union men.
Russell survived his harrowing and daring days with Mosby to live a full and long life. He died in 1932 at the age of 91.
Russell survived his harrowing and daring days with Mosby to live a full and long life. He died in 1932 at the age of 91.
Civil War Confederate Officer. With earnest devotion to the southern cause, this native of Clarke County, Virginia became a competent and skilled scout in John Mosby's 43rd Battalion of Cavalry. Described by contempories as having "great shrewdness and nerve, and an instinctive knowledge of men", Russell, who ultimately earned the rank of Lieutenant, was a top aide to Mosby – a man that this legendary cavalry chief came to depend on before, during and after scores of successful attacks upon the Federals in Northern Virginia and Maryland. His knowledge of the area that became known as "Mosby's Confederacy" was pivotal to Mosby's operations. He is remembered as the one who delivered Mosby's "measure for measure" communiqué to Union General Philip Sheridan after the execution of 7 Confederate troopers in and near Front Royal, Virginia and the subsequent retaliatory executions of Union men.
Russell survived his harrowing and daring days with Mosby to live a full and long life. He died in 1932 at the age of 91.
Russell survived his harrowing and daring days with Mosby to live a full and long life. He died in 1932 at the age of 91.
