Battlefield Dispatches No. 215: 'Oh, You S.O.B'

Editor's Note: Due to the use of an expletive in one of the following historical letters, the word in question has been replaced with S.O.B., as part of Tribune policy.

Some phrases of the English language have transcended the passage of time from before, during and after the Civil War and are still in use today, hence the title of this column.

It was rare, however, to use vulgar language of any kind in official correspondence or after action reports during the Civil War.

The subject of this column is the exception to the rule. This title phrase was used by a notorious BUSHWHACKER as he pursued and was about to kill a "Union" soldier from Missouri who "turned the tables" and SHOT THE GUERRILLA DEAD!

The after action report of this engagement is located on Page 943 in Series I, Vol. 34. Part I Reports of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion.

"Sinbar Station, Mo.,

May 21, 1864: 10 p.m.

Lieutenant: the escort to the team that I sent to Kansas city with the prisoner Hopkins was a attacked by guerrillas about one- half mile east of the crossing of blue river, killing Private, Anton Voght and wounding 1 Corporal, John Sowell and there is 1 Private, Austin Means missing. There were 9 in the escort, but the Sergeant in command cannot tell how many BUSHWHACKERS there were, but thinks there were 30 or 35.

They [the escort] were attacked from every point. The escort returned fire, but it was impossible for them to be victorious as the bushwhackers were in the brush and firing not over 20 yards. The man that was killed fell at the first fire, also the Corporal that was wounded, the Sergeant helping him on his horse and while doing so says there were 20 shots fired at him. He then fell back toward the blue with his party, except the advance guard, which was cut off from the main party entirely. Only 2 men were in the advance, Corporal Sowell and Private Means. As they were surrounded entirely they both dismounted and went to the brush, being pursued by the enemy.

The corporal has just arrived at camp and reports that after he got into the brush 3 men were in pursuit of him, one a very large man, short, thick set and he is satisfied is the same man that was routed at the Hopkins place on the morning of the 18th inst, which I am satisfied is OLD MAN HOPKINS. After getting close up to him [Corporal Sowell] this man HOPKINS said, "OK You S.O.B., I have got you", where upon the Corporal fired [his pistol/revolver] and he fell from his horse.

The Corporal then saw 5 or 6 more coming toward him from an opposite direction and after firing all his shots left. He ran into a thicket and escaped.

The HOPKINS are noted BUSHWHACKERS and they have had their families driven out of the country twice before. They killed 5 mules in the team and wounded the others, set the wagon on fire, but only destroyed the bed. The men had to depend upon their pistols [revolvers], the carbines missing fire. I have 18 men out tonight; have sent a dispatch to Pleasant Hill. I think by what I can learn that the guerrillas divided up in small squads soon after the fight. They went across the prairie toward the river and down the Blue [River].

Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant,

THOS. MOSES Jr.,

Captain, commanding Station.

[To]: Lieut. Edward L. Berthoud,

Acting Assistant Adjutant General, Kansas City."

Now then. Corporal Sowell was a brave, well trained and lucky Non-Commissioned Officer (N.C.O.) to have escaped certain death, capture or both and of course the WAR WENT ON!