[Original]
They found a small force stationed here who were levying contributions from the country around, but they promptly drove them back to their hiding-places. At Cross Bayou, Louisiana, they were again called into action, and suppressed the guerrilla bands who preyed on all alike.
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Guerrilla warfare is most exasperating. The West was full of these vicious and irresponsible men, who, under a leader of courage and brains, would unite to prey on and murder rich and poor alike. They could skulk in the depths of the woods, and dash out upon their victims, and after gratifying their murderous designs, they would flee to their homes and lie in concealment till some new exploit would reveal their lurking place. Probably the best organized and most reckless of these bands was led by Colonel John S. Mosby, whose daring deeds made his name a terror. His raids were remarkable for their boldness and success. He never was captured, although his band was thinned often by the frequent efforts on the part of the Federals to bring him to justice.
“We are ordered back to Vicksburg, to do provost duty there,” the captain informed his men, who heard it with variable feelings.
Grumbling was heard from some of the younger ones, who were anxious to be “at the front,” and to them acting as provost guards smacked too much of being kept in the background. The older ones heard the news with much satisfaction, however.